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OH&S Consulting News - October 2018
Safe Work October 2018
Source: WorkSafe WA Website 08/10/2018
October is National Safe Work Month – a time to commit to building safe and healthy workplaces for all Australians.
This Safe Work Month WorkSafe WA wants you and your workplace to focus on safety and think about why safety and health is important.
Your workplace can take part by planning an event, attending one of WorkSafe WA’s workshops, or following us on Twitter to raise awareness of safety and health in your workplace.
Safety and health workshops 2018
WorkSafe WA is hosting the popular Safety and Health Workshops series throughout October. These expert led workshops sell-out quickly for good reason, so book early to avoid disappointment.
Go to: Safe Work Month 2018 to view resources available and the program of activities and workshops available for your workplace to participate in.
Spring into Action on Electrical Safety: Time to Test RCD's
Source: EnergySafety Webiste 26/09/2018
With a new season underway, the State’s energy safety regulator is urging home and business owners to do a simple check of their residual current devices (RCDs) – the compulsory life-saving switches that protect against electrocution.
RCDs instantly stop the electricity supply when they detect a fault, such as when a person receives an electric shock. The rapid response is designed to protect against electrocution, severe electrical injuries and electrical fires.
The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety recommends that RCDs should be tested at least every three months.
“The start of a new season means it’s time to check your RCDs – it only takes a few minutes but it could save a life,” Director of Energy Safety Ken Bowron said.
“RCDs are vital devices for preventing serious electrical injuries and deaths. While circuit breakers and fuses protect against overloading and short circuits, they will not protect against electrocution. No RCD means ‘no second chance’.
“There have been two fatalities in WA in the past 12 years involving mechanical failure of an RCD due to contamination. Regular testing would have ensured that these devices operated correctly.”
RCDs have a built-in test button that simulates an electrical fault to confirm that the components respond properly.
A handy video and other tips are available on the Department’s website showing the simple steps involved in the test:
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Switch off electrical items in the property
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Press the RCD test button on the switchboard
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The RCD switch should automatically trip (activate)
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Switch on an electrical item in the property to confirm there is no electricity supply
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To reset, return the RCD switch to ‘on’ to resume normal operation
A licensed electrical contractor should be contacted immediately if issues are detected, such as if electrical equipment still works when the RCD has tripped.
“Two RCDs must be fitted at all properties constructed after 2000 as well as any homes that are being sold or rented,” Mr Bowron said.
“We strongly recommend that all homes have more than one RCD installed. This ensures some light and power socket outlets remain operational even when one device trips. A single RCD is also more prone to nuisance tripping.”
Visit commerce.wa.gov.au/energysafety/testing-rcds for more information on RCDs and how to test them.
Tougher Penalties for Workplaces
Source: WorkSafe Department News 08/10/2018
Penalties for breaches of Western Australia’s workplace health and safety laws increased from 3 October 2018.
The new penalties are consistent with the national model Work Health and Safety Act (Model Act), with a further 14 per cent increase for inflation since 2010.
Examples for a first offence by a body corporate include:
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Level 1 penalties increase from $50,000 to $450,000.
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Level 4 penalties increase from $500,000 to $2.7 million.
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Terms of imprisonment for individual offenders have also increased from two to five years for level 4 offences.
The new penalties have been incorporated into the respective Acts will apply in workplaces covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 and the Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994.
