DIMA Annual Report 1998-99

Appendix 4: Occupational Health and Safety

OHS policies

The Department's management and employee responsibilities under the Occupational Health and Safety (Commonwealth Employment) Act 1991 (OHS Act) have been agreed to, and are contained in the Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Policy and Agreement.

The Policy and Agreement have been reviewed and a final document has been accepted by relevant staff associations. The new OH&S Policy and Agreement were formally endorsed on 12 November 1998.

The Department currently has a number of agreed policies in place. These include:

• communicable diseases;
• first aid;
• eyesight testing for screen-based equipment;
• pesticide spraying;
• return to work; and
• Guidelines for Avoidance and Resolution of Disability Claims during Office Refurbishments.

OH&S committees

The Department has established OH&S Committees in central office and each state and territory office. The peak committee, the National Standing Committee on Occupational Health and Safety, met four times during the year.

Health and Safety Representatives

Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) have been elected for each Designated Work Group and were used as a consultative medium during negotiations with Telstra and Optus over installing communications equipment at central office. The issue of the level of electromagnetic emissions has finally been resolved. State HSRs have been active in their workplaces.

Health, safety and welfare at work of employees

Measures taken during the year to ensure the health, safety and welfare at work of employees and contractors, included the continued promotion of health and safety through providing advice, work station assessments, training and the contracting of consultants and specialist trainers.

The objectives of the Health Fair were to raise awareness of good health and safety practices at work as well as at home, to provide information on health and healthy lifestyle issues, and to highlight the Department's commitment to the health and welfare of staff.

To achieve these objectives, a range of activities, displays and information sessions were organized, including neck and back seminars and influenza immunizations.

Incidents

There were 18 incidents reported to Comcare under Section 68 of the OHS Act. Of these, three involved incapacity, six involved serious personal injury, and nine involved dangerous occurrences. From 1 January 1999, the notifiable period of incapacity was extended from five to 30 days.

Investigations

Comcare carried out no investigations under Section 41 of the OHS Act during 1998-99.

Worker's Compensation

The Worker's Compensation Premium for 1999-2000 is higher than for 1998-99 and reflects particularly, a higher average claim cost.

The Worker's Compensation premium for 1999-2000 has been set by the Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission at $1 148 103 ($927 162 in 1998-99). In addition to the increase in the quantum of the premium, Comcare has imposed a penalty amount of $57 948. The addition of the penalty to the premium brings the amount to be paid for Worker's Compensation in 1999-2000 to $1 206 051.

In percentage terms, the Department's rate (0.74 per cent) is below the Commonwealth Pool rate of 1.03 per cent.