In this edition we bring you an update on the OHS core body of knowledge project that aims to bring consistency to OHS generalist tertiary curriculums and an avenue for universities to have courses accredited.

The SIA Educators Chapter along with Ballarat, Latrobe and RMIT universities should be congratulated on their work in getting the project approved and contributing to its implementation.

This edition features information about a new Victorian research institute that will investigate OHS issues as part of its mandate. It will help build the evidence base for successful OHS practice and I’m sure all OHS professionals will join me in welcoming this terrific development.

WorkSafe Victoria’s Position about the employer’s duty to engage or employ a suitably qualified person was released in October 2008 and stakeholder communication has been ongoing since. WorkSafe will now move into a compliance phase for this work.

A significant change is occurring in the Victorian OHS professional landscape and now is the time to ensure you are fully engaged in the industry by becoming involved in your OHS professional associations. Well resourced and active professional bodies provide the avenues for proper representation and the means to have on going and constructive dialogue with key stakeholders including the Regulator WorkSafe Victoria.

Clarke Martin

Chair of HaSPA, WorkSafe Victoria

At the July 2009 meeting of HaSPA, acting CEO Dr Alex Colle from the new Institute for Safety, Compensation and Recovery Research (ISCRR) provided a presentation. ISCRR is a joint venture of WorkSafe, the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and Monash University.

It was established in April this year to give WorkSafe and TAC a unique opportunity to reduce workplace injury and ensure Victorians injured at work or on the road achieve the best possible outcomes. The board is currently recruiting staff to lead the first projects.

All research projects will be conducted in collaboration with WorkSafe and TAC with the intention they will provide critical evidence to inform existing practices undertaken by both organisations.

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A Bachelor of occupational health and safety degree will be available to students in 2010. Graduates will become a new generation of highly-trained OHS specialists who will be in demand due to a workforce shortage and their in depth knowledge and practical skills provided by this program.

Bachelor of OHS degree programs are also conducted by RMIT University (Vic), Curtin University (WA), Edith Cowan University (WA) and the University of Central Queensland. Edith Cowan University (WA) and the University of NSW have bachelor degree programs that include an OHS major. La Trobe University runs a three year Bachelor degree articulated with a one year Masters.

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This video was co-produced by the University of Queensland and the Safety Institute of Australia and funded by the Institute to promote the OHS course.

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Victoria’s highest achievers in OHS education were recognised at the Safety Institute of Australia’s annual education awards on August 20. Recipients included diploma, degree and post-graduate students, and researchers. Presentations were also made for the SIA graduate support program, OHS career and professional development and safety education - a continuum of learning.

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As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting Victorian workplaces, WorkSafe is proactively promoting the use of OHS expertise by employers to increase their OHS capabilities. Activities include the issue of guidance materials, the promotion of OHS expertise and an increased focus on OHS expertise within inspectorate activities, particularly in relation to the duties of employers regarding the use of suitably qualified persons to provide advice.

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In 2008 WorkSafe commissioned research into those workplaces that assign the job of ‘looking after’ OHS and RTW to someone in the business that already has a full time role. The findings of this research found many of these people did not have formal OHS qualifications, often received limited OHS and RTW training and their responsibilities were often not recognised by colleagues, managers and business owners.

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Safe Work Australia is calling on OHS consultants, managers, advisors, officers and coordinators to take part in Safe Work Week 2009. The event will focus on the many developments underway in the OHS professional area, how developments can enhance your work as an OHS professional and improve workplace outcomes. Learn the best practice in engaging workplace parties to ensure advice and plans are implemented and remain on track.

WorkSafe will be conducting an event for OHS professionals on October 26 and 29.

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The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of Australia’s annual conference will be held from November 22-25. The conference is a great opportunity for OHS professionals to find out the latest information in ergonomics.

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