DIMA Annual Report 1996-97

Appendix 5: Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S)

The Department has a National Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Policy and Agreement, endorsed in August 1992, which provides the framework for the cooperative, consultative management of the Occupational Health and Safety (Commonwealth Employees) Act 1991.

The agreement sets out the responsibilities of management, employees and unions in relation to health and safety matters. It also establishes an organisational framework at the workplace and corporate level by which all parties may be involved in protecting employees' health and safety.

The National Standing Committee on OH&S is currently reviewing this agreement.

OH&S committees

The Department has an established OH&S committee structure to ensure that every employee is covered by an occupational health and safety committee. State/Territory OH&S committees continue to meet on a quarterly basis to progress issues raised at the local level by health and safety representatives and by management.

The National Standing Committee on OH&S met five times during the year to discuss a broad range of issues of national significance.

National policies on eyesight testing and indoor pesticide spraying procedures were reviewed.

Health and safety measures

Under the Department's Comcare premium management strategy, managers have been encouraged to take responsibility for providing a safe and healthy work environment.

As part of this strategy, training has been provided for managers and supervisors across the Department on their responsibilities under the Act.

Better reporting systems for monitoring progress in achieving a safe and healthy work environment continue to be developed as part of the strategy. A hazard reporting system, using computer local area networks, has been developed and is available nationally.

Accidents

There were 29 accidents or dangerous occurrences where a notice was given to Comcare under Section 68 of the Act.

Directions, notices

No provisional improvement notices were issued to the Department under section 29 of the Act, reflecting improved arrangements in accommodation and refurbishment matters.

Worker's compensation

Compensation premium rates decreased across the APS from 1.7 cents per wage and salary dollar in 1995-96 to 1.6 cents as a result of the reduced claims frequency, reduced number of employees covered by the Commonwealth scheme, and a 10 per cent reduction in Comcare's underlying administration costs.

The Department's premium rate decreased from 1.34 per cent in 1995-96 to 1.29 per cent. The rate compares favourably with the APS 1996-97 average of 1.6 per cent.

The Department's Comcare premium will decrease further in 1997-98 reflecting in part greater emphasis on identifying and managing high cost compensation claims more effectively, and developing strategies for earlier intervention and return to work.

The Department incurred a penalty of $177 117 in 1995-96 which can be attributed largely to the higher than estimated costs of rehabilitation. The Department has taken a more active role in pursuing return to work for injured/ill staff.

The Department continues to be assessed to belong to the pool of agencies with low frequency, high cost claims. The Department experienced a 17 per cent decrease in claim frequency with a 15 per cent increase in the cost of claims. The average cost per claim for 1995-96 was $11 200. The average cost for the pool for 1995-96 was $8 925.

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