The West Australian government has finally decided to prosecute Apache Energy over the Varanus Island explosion in 2008. Many people are asking if the effort is worth the bother as the maximum penalty possible is a measly $A50,000. Comparing the disruption to the state’s gas supply to the Esso-Longford explosion, which generated a Royal Commission in [...]
All posts for the month May, 2009
A slap on the wrist – Varanus prosecution
Posted by Kevin Jones on May 31, 2009
http://safetyatworkblog.com/2009/05/31/a-slap-on-the-wrist-varanus-prosecution/
Worst Case Scenarios and Pandemics – 2005 interview
In 2005 I had the great opportunity to spend some time with Peter Sandman, a world renowned risk communicator. We spoke about worst case scenarios and risk communication in those times of avian influenza and smallpox threats. The interview has gained additional poignancy in this time of swine flu. Although the audio is “noisy” [...]
Posted by Kevin Jones on May 29, 2009
http://safetyatworkblog.com/2009/05/29/worst-case-scenarios-and-pandemics-2005-interview/
Being competent is more than just passing the competencies
The SafetyAtWorkBlog article on OHS professional competence has generated some lively debate on a discussion forum of the American Society of Safety Engineers. Jim Leemann makes a fundamental point “Determining if someone is competent to do a job is totally different from determining if someone has mastered the competencies to do the job”. This is [...]
Posted by Kevin Jones on May 29, 2009
http://safetyatworkblog.com/2009/05/29/being-competent-is-more-than-just-passing-the-competencies/
The new generation of foolhardy reporters
In 1975 five Australian reporters were killed while covering the armed dispute between the Indonesian military and, what used to be called “freedom fighters”, the Fretilin in East Timor. An indication of how circumstances can change is that José Ramos Horta, the current President of East Timor was a founder and former member of Fretilin, the [...]
Posted by Kevin Jones on May 29, 2009
http://safetyatworkblog.com/2009/05/29/the-new-generation-of-foolhardy-reporters/
Lack of restraint – Australian approach, Singapore deaths
The Northern Territory OHS authority issued a guidance this week about unrestrained travel in work vehicles, a practice many of us stopped some time ago. Obviously not everyone has. The NT guidance is a curious document as it strongly advocates that employers assess the hazards of unrestrained travel and decide the appropriate control measures. This [...]
Posted by Kevin Jones on May 28, 2009
http://safetyatworkblog.com/2009/05/28/lack-of-restraint-australian-approach-singapore-deaths/
Swine Flu – isolation – a personal view
Australia’s swine flu numbers are increasing and the government is introducing new measures regularly in response. I write this post from self-imposed isolation from the swine flu outbreak in my son’s high school. There are some interesting decisions that have been made which provide me with optimism but also illustrate some useful personnel management actions. I [...]
Posted by Kevin Jones on May 26, 2009
http://safetyatworkblog.com/2009/05/26/swine-flu-isolation-a-personal-view/
Working alone – a poorly understood work hazard
Working alone is an established workplace hazard in many industries. The control measure most applied is “don’t work alone” that is, undertake as many work tasks in isolated location with someone supervising or in close contact. Modern technology has often been applied as a possible control measure – “deadman switch”, GPS tracking, mobile phone use. [...]
Posted by Kevin Jones on May 26, 2009
http://safetyatworkblog.com/2009/05/26/working-alone-a-poorly-understood-work-hazard/
Should OHS regulators be involved in the competence of professionals?
WorkSafe and the Safety Institute of Australia are at the forefront of pushing for a defined level of competence for the safety professional. WorkSafe identified this need many years ago and has been working on establishing alliances with safety professions since then to achieve its aims. Significantly similar issues have been discussed in the United [...]
Posted by Kevin Jones on May 25, 2009
http://safetyatworkblog.com/2009/05/25/should-ohs-regulators-be-involved-in-the-competence-of-professionals/
H1N1 and facemasks
Swine flu cases have begun appearing in Australia and not just in people who have travelled to infected zones overseas. Talkback radio has begun discussing the wisdom of basic infection control issues such as isolation, hygiene and the use of facemasks. Many large companies have started to provide antibacterial soaps and lotions in the office [...]
Posted by Kevin Jones on May 22, 2009
http://safetyatworkblog.com/2009/05/22/h1n1-and-facemasks/
Insights into crisis decision-making and communications – Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission
There’s an opportunity to follow the hearings of the Victorian Royal Commission on last summer’s horrendous bushfires via a live web stream. Here is the link to the Commission’s home page: http://www.royalcommission.vic.gov.au/ The “live stream” link on that page takes you to a live broadcast of the hearings underway at the time. Fortunately, the catastrophe [...]
Posted by colrf on May 21, 2009
http://safetyatworkblog.com/2009/05/21/insights-into-crisis-decision-making-and-communications-%e2%80%93-victorian-bushfire-royal-commission/
http://au.loadedweb.com/
