Edition 81, August 2010

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National occupational licensing laws update

The Occupational Licensing National Law Bill 2010 was introduced to the Victorian Legislative Assembly and passed its first reading on 10 August 10. Victoria is the host jurisdiction for the National Licensing System (NLS) legislation. Following the passing of the legislation in Victoria, all remaining states and territories will pass legislation that makes the Victorian legislation law in their jurisdiction. To progress this national initiative the bill must now also pass the second reading in the Victorian Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. The bill is available from the Victorian legislation and parliamentary documents website

The following updated from the Interim Advisory Committee was provided in July 2010:

The Electrical Occupations; Plumbing & Gasfitting Occupations; Property Occupations; and Refrigeration and Airconditioning Mechanics IACs met for the third time during June to assist with the development of the eligibility requirements for the NOLS licensing policy. The eligibility requirements for qualifications, skills, personal and financial probity were part of the matters discussed.

A Communiqué #2 for each IAC outlining the meeting outcomes and a brief update on the progress of work can be accessed by clicking here.

For more information visit https://www.govdex.gov.au/confluence/display/COAGNL/Home

 

WorkSafe WA inspection program looks at high risk licences for forklift operators

WorkSafe WA commenced an inspection program looking at high risk work licences for forklift operators in the manufacturing sector in July.

The program will be conducted over the next six months in metropolitan and regional areas, focusing on ensuring that forklift operators in the industry have the relevant licences or certification.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Nina Lyhne said that the inspection campaign would initially coincide with an advertising campaign on high risk work licences.

"WorkSafe will be running an advertising campaign from July to September aimed at reminding workers with certificates of competency that they may now need to have a high risk work licence," Ms Lyhne said.  "Many workers who operate forklifts, cranes, hoists or pressure equipment or carry out scaffolding, dogging or rigging work must now have a licence for high risk work to ensure they have the skills and knowledge to do the job safely.

"The inspection campaign will focus on raising awareness of the need for high risk work licences and ensuring that employers have the information required to comply with the laws.

"Workers with certification issued any time before  31 December 2001 must now have converted that certification to a national high risk work licence. By 30 June 2012, all relevant workers will need to have converted their certification.

During the inspection program, inspectors will check whether forklift operators in the manufacturing sector have the relevant high risk work licence or current National Certificate of Competency to operate forklifts. Inspectors will also make a number of checks on the forklifts in workplaces, including whether the forklift is in good working order, maintenance records, capacity charts and operators' manuals and whether the work area is organised for the safety of forklift operators.

High risk work licences have existed since 2007, so I would expect employers to be aware of the need for workers to have them by now," Ms Lyhne said.

"They are national licences, and so come with the advantages of both national consistency and portability, but - most importantly - high risk work licences ensure that workers have the skills and knowledge to perform tasks safely and competently.

"It is important to note that employers still have an overall responsibility to provide workers with appropriate information, instruction and training for each individual job.

For further information visit www.worksafe.wa.gov.au or phone 9327 8777

Queensland workplace health and safety officer course amended

The Queensland accredited course 30596QLD - Course in Functioning as a Workplace Health and Safety Officer (WHSO) was amended on 12 July 2010 to include a unit for managing health and safety in rural workplaces

The new unit of competency, WHSO/07 Manage health and safety in rural industry workplaces, will be available from 1 September 2010.

The course structure now consists of three core units

• WHSO/01 Provide advice on workplace health and safety
• WHSO/02 Manage health and safety hazards and risks in the workplace
• WHSO/O3 Manage workplace incidents

and at least one of the following four electives 

• WHOS/04 Manage health and safety in construction workplace
• WHSO/05 Manage health and safety in industrial workplaces
• WHSO/06 Manage health and safety in service based workplaces
• WHSO/07 Manage health and safety in rural industry workplaces

Queensland is the only jurisdiction that requires WHSOs to be certified based on completion of accredited and mandated training.

For more information visit http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/workers/whso/index.htm

MEM30405 no longer recognised for an electrical mechanic licence

The Electrical Regulatory Authorities Council (ERAC) has reviewed the Metals and Engineering Training Package qualification, MEM30405, and has determined that it is not satisfactory for eligibility for the issue of an electrical mechanic or equivalent licence.

All Australian jurisdictions have decided not to accept the qualification for eligibility for an electrical mechanic licence.

Manufacturing Skills Australia ISC (MSA), at http://www.mskills.com.au/, advise that the coverage of electrical skills in the Metal and Engineering training package (MEM05) is a high priority in the review of this Training Package. The MSA Board of Directors is committed to maintaining viable training and recognition pathways for electrical workers in MEM. MSA is working closely with technical experts, electrical regulators and industry, with an expectation that the work will be completed by the end of 2010.

For further information visit www.erac.gov.au or the Electrical Industry regulator in your state or territory

New ACT laws to regulate tanning units in solaria

ACT Health Minister, Katy Gallagher has announced amendments to the Radiation Protection Regulation 2007 that will regulate the use of tanning units in solaria in the ACT. These new regulations will come into effect on 17 November 2010.

"The effect of the amendments is to require that tanning units, commonly referred to as sunbeds, will need to be registered as a source of radiation.

Furthermore, persons who possess a tanning unit used in a solarium, whether as owner or as a lessee, will require a licence, as will operators of tanning units in solaria." Ms Gallagher said.

The amendments impose a range of obligations on those in the solaria industry designed to protect the public, and have been based on a proposed national model that is still awaiting endorsement from the Australian Health Ministers Council.

Under the new laws the use of tanning units by persons under 18 will not be permitted. The use of tanning units by people with a skin type that burns rather than tans (pale white skin) will also not be permitted.

Obligations imposed on persons operating a tanning unit in a solarium include a requirement to:
• Perform a skin assessment of every customer before the customer can use a tanning unit
• Ensure that all persons using tanning units are required to read and sign a consent form that advises them of the risks associated with use of the units and precautions to be taken
• Ensure the customer's level of exposure from the tanning unit is limited, as is the frequency of the customer's exposure
• Ensure appropriate eyewear is worn by the customer when using a tanning unit.
The holder of a solarium licence also has a range of obligations, which includes a requirement to:
• Ensure operators of tanning units are appropriately trained
• Display appropriate warning notices in the solarium
• Keep and retain certain records.
The obligations under the new laws are similar to those imposed by NSW legislation, but a crucial difference is the requirement to hold a licence.

The Health Protection Service provides secretariat services to the ACT Radiation Council and can be contacted on 6205 1700. The ACT Radiation Council is responsible for granting licenses to operate solaria businesses and for staff to use the tanning unit. Registration is required for the radiation source itself, ie. the tanning unit.

As part of the implementation of the regulations, the Health Protection Service has undertaken visits to all solaria businesses since late July 2010 to inform them of the new regulations. Each business has been provided with a copy of the regulations and will receive follow-up letters from the Health Protection Service. Businesses have been advised that the regulation will commence on 17 November 2010. They have also been advised that they will need to be licensed to operate their tanning units. Licence and registration applications will need to be with the ACT Radiation Council one week before 10 November 2010, the last council meeting before the regulations commence on 17 November 2010. Applications are required a week before to allow time for processing.

The Health Protection Service is currently developing a fact sheet to place on its website for the information of the industry and the public. A copy of the Radiation Council Annual Radiation Licence Application Form is available online at www.health.act.gov.au. Go to quick links and click on public health, and then the links for health protection service, licensing and registration, radiation safety.

An online training tool is to be provided by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA). This is not currently available but it is expected to be available at the end of August, early September at the latest. There may be other competency requirements however, these are yet to be determined by the Radiation Council.

For more information visit http://www.health.act.gov.au/c/health?a=da&did=10054021&pid=1156350969  
or phone 02 6205 1700

National OHS laws on track

On 29 April 2010 Safe Work Australia members endorsed the amendments and a revised version of the Model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act, which has been posted on the Safe Work Australia website, www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au. By December 2011, each jurisdiction will be required to enact their own jurisdictional laws that mirror the national model laws.

The national OHS laws consist of a model OHS Act and model regulations, which will be supported by model Codes of Practice. This package of documents is referred to as model legislation.

Safe Work Australia is developing national model OHS laws and is on track to release the exposure draft of the model WHS Regulations and priority model Codes of Practices for public comment towards the end of 2010. By December 2011, each jurisdiction will be required to enact their own jurisdictional laws that mirror the national model Work Health and Safety Act.

Safe Work Australia is continuing the development of the model work health and safety (WHS) Regulations and model priority Codes of Practice.
Safe Work Australia will also be developing a national compliance and enforcement policy to ensure a consistent approach in how regulators administer and enforce the harmonised work health and safety laws in each jurisdiction. This work involves the benchmarking and analysis of existing regulations and practical guidance material in each jurisdiction, as well as relevant National Standards.

Model WHS Regulations will be drafted for specific areas including:
• authorisations-registration and licences, for example, asbestos removal and high risk work
• workplaces-facilities, first aid, personal protective equipment, emergency plans
• major hazards-chemicals, asbestos, inorganic lead, labelling and safety data sheets
• other hazards-plant, manual tasks, noise, work at heights, remote and isolated work, confined spaces, electricity
• construction work, and
• occupational diving.

For those jurisdictions where health and safety in the mining industry are covered by industry specific laws, a separate harmonisation process is being undertaken through the Ministerial Council on Mineral and Petroleum Resources under the National Mine Safety Framework. Safe Work Australia is being consulted in this process.

Model priority Codes of Practices will be drafted for specific areas including:
• managing work health and safety risks
• consultation
• work environment and facilities
• asbestos
• hazardous chemicals - labelling and safety data sheets
• other hazards-plant, manual tasks, noise, work at heights and confined spaces, and
• construction hazards.

Additional Codes of Practice will be drafted for specific areas including:
• traffic management, fatigue and first aid, and
• hazardous work-diving, abrasive blasting, logging, welding and spray painting.

Safe Work Australia is on track to release the exposure draft of the model WHS Regulations and priority model Codes of Practices for public comment in November 2010. This will be an opportunity for businesses and individuals to provide their comments before the implementation of the model work health and safety laws in jurisdictions by December 2011.

For more information visit http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/swa/Model+Legislation

Reduced licensing fees for Queensland plumbing teachers at registered training organisations

Queensland plumbers who are teachers at RTOs will be eligible for concessional licence fees from 1 July 2010.

Under the Plumbing and Draining Regulation 2003 (PDR), schedule 4 concessional fees for renewing a licence are available for retired persons not performing regulated work. Plumbers who are teachers at an RTO are not currently eligible for this concession.

Teachers at RTOs do not earn an income from performing plumbing and drainage work and they also cannot recover fees through costs charged to customers.
The PDR, schedule 4 has been amended from 1 July 2010 to allow licensees teaching at an RTO and not performing plumbing or drainage work for payment to be eligible for the same concession as retired licensees. 

Queensland fire occupational licensing mandatory from 1 January

From 1 January 2011 it will be compulsory for all practitioners undertaking or supervising fire protection work in Queensland to hold the appropriate licence. Queensland introduced fire occupational licences from 1 January 2009.

The Queensland Building Services Authority (BSA) fire occupational licensing means all practitioners carrying out or supervising fire protection work require a licence. Everybody doing this work requires this licence (or a nominee supervisor or contractor licence), regardless of their employment status.

The ‘Building Fire Safety in Queensland Budget Accommodation Report' was released after the Childers backpacker hostel fire. The report made recommendations to tighten up the fire protection industry. As a result of the findings, the QBSA act was amended to include an occupational licensing scheme for the installation, maintenance or certification of a fire protection system for a building. Extensive consultation was carried out with the fire protection industry and other stakeholders before the Queensland parliament passed the legislative changes.

Fire protection work is defined under the QBSA Act as any of the following, for a building or part of a building:
• The installation, restoration, repair or maintenance of a fire protection system
• The preparation of any certificate, statement or record
(i) relating to the installation, restoration, repair or maintenance of a fire protection system; or
(ii) stating whether a fire protection system meets a standard, requirement or specification
• The design of a fire protection system
• The development, approval or certification of emergency evacuation procedures for a controlled evacuation during a fire emergency
• The formulation or provision of alternative solutions relating to fire safety
• The inspection or investigation of, and the provision of advice or a report about, compliance with the Building Act 1975 or the Building Code of Australia relating to fire safety.

The next edition of Licensing Line News will include a more detailed article on the scope of the work covered and access to training in the technical requirements to gain a licence.

 

For full details visit the BSA website www.bsa.qld.gov.au and download the brochure http://www.bsa.qld.gov.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/Builders_Contractors/Publications/Fire%20Occupational%20Licences%20Booklet.pdf, or phone 1300 272 272

 

Tasmanian Occupational Licensing Act 2005

Electrical contractors and tradespeople in Tasmania are reminded that he Occupational Licensing Act 2005 and accompanying Occupational Licensing (Electrical Work) Regulations 2008 provide the regulatory framework for all electrical work in Tasmania.

The Occupational Licensing Act 2005 took effect on 19 January 2009. The act and accompanying Occupational Licensing (Electrical Work) Regulations 2008 provide the regulatory framework for all electrical work in Tasmania.

This includes Codes of Practice, Determinations, Exemption Orders, Notifications and Notices, as well as Approved Forms and Guidelines.

Contractors and tradespeople in Tasmania may not be fully aware of their obligations under the act. For example, if employing electrical workers (either licensed or apprenticed), they must fully understand the Code of Practice for Supervision.

Accessing the occupational licensing information at the Workplace Standards Tasmania website can help you stay informed.

For more information visit the Workplace Standards Tasmania website at www.wst.tas.gov.au/ola

CASA releases revised Visual Flight Rules Guide for pilots

CASA has releaseed revised Visual Flight Rules Guide (VFRG) that reflect the 3 June 2010 airspace changes, and changes to procedures at non-towered aerodromes.

The Visual Flight Rules Guide aims to help VFR pilots fly safely anywhere in Australia. The information contained in the guide has been carefully collected and presented in an easy-to-understand and use format.

CASA advises that the information  in this guide is correct at the time of upload to the internet but is subject to change without notice. Pilots should refer regularly to the CASA website for the latest edition.

Pilots are reminded to plan their route thoroughly, and carry current charts and documents and to always check ERSA, NOTAMs, and the weather, before they fly.

From now on the VFRG will only be available online so that it can be updated easily and therefore remain current, and incorporate pilot feedback where appropriate. Send your feedback to pilotguidesfeedback@casa.gov.au

The VFRG is divided into five main sections, plus an index:
1  General - the rules, licensing, pilot responsibilities, radio procedures.
2  Pre-flight planning - meteorology, briefing, notification, information services.
3  Operations - communications, non-controlled aerodromes, controlled airspace, sport aviation, helicopter operations.
4  Helicopter operations
5  Emergency procedures
6  Index

All of the sections can be downloaded individually from the CASA website where you can also download the entire Visual Flight Rules Guide.

For more information visit http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WCMS:STANDARD::pc=PC_90008  

National construction code to be implemented

In 2008, the Council of Australian Governments agreed to develop a new National Construction Code.

This code will cover building, plumbing, gas, electrical and telecommunications technical standards in all states and territories; and will provide.
• improved consistency between building and plumbing standards
• improved framework for regulation of plumbing on a national basis
• a regulatory framework better able to respond to future policy challenges
• better opportunities for innovation in the construction industry.

Currently the Building Code of Australia is the code for technical building standards, and the Plumbing Code of Australia is for technical plumbing standards.

Phase one will see the Australian Building Codes Board and the National Plumbing Regulators Forum work together to consolidate these two existing codes into the new National Construction Code. They will not cover gas-fitting at this stage.

It is anticipated that phase one will be completed by December 2010, and the first edition of the new National Construction Code released by May 2011.

For more information view the implementation plan here: http://www.coag.gov.au/coag_meeting_outcomes/2009-04-30/docs/NCC_Implementation_Plan.pdf
or visit the Australian Building Codes Board at http://www.abcb.gov.au/index.cfm?objectID=5740BDE0-5674-11DF-AA90001143D4D594

New benchmarks for AQTF trainer and assessor competencies

Following the May 2010 endorsement of the TAE10 Training and Education Training Package the NQC has reviewed and updated its policy on the competencies to be held by trainers and assessors under the AQTF.

At its June 2010 meeting the council agreed to amend its policy on AQTF trainer and assessor competencies by: 
      i. replacing references to the TAA04 Certificate IV and assessor competencies with references to the revised TAE10 Certificate IV and assessor competencies; and
      ii. requiring all trainers and assessors to have these qualifications/competencies or be able to demonstrate equivalent competencies (i.e. delete all references to BSZ98 Certificate IV/competencies).

It is important to note that the new policy includes provision for trainers and assessors to ‘demonstrate equivalent competencies'. In other words, it is not the NQC's intention to require trainers and assessors to upgrade their formal qualifications if they are able to demonstrate they have gained the required competencies through continued professional practice. Note also that the new policy retains the provision for direct supervision of trainers who do not have the required competencies by someone who does.

Implementation of the new requirements
The council has agreed to a transition period of two years to allow providers time to adopt a planned approach to ensuring all their trainers/assessors meet the new requirements. Registering bodies will be responsible for implementing the new requirements and providers and their trainers and assessors should contact their registering body in the first instance if they have queries about the new policy or how it will be implemented.

Publication of policy
The new policy has been published as Appendix 2 to the Users Guide to the AQTF Essential Conditions and Standards for Initial Registration and the Users Guide to the AQTF Essential Conditions and Standards for Continuing Registration and will be communicated to stakeholders as part of the communication strategy to support implementation of the strengthened AQTF.
Given the long transition period, the superseded policy (as agreed by the NQC on 18 December 2009) will also be published, as Appendix 3 to the Users' Guide to the AQTF Essential Conditions and Standards for Initial Registration and the Users' Guide to the AQTF Essential Conditions and Standards for Continuing Registration.

Copies of the users guides, including Appendices 2 and 3 are available from www.training.com.au.

For the full announcement visit http://www.nqc.tvetaustralia.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/
53750/NQC_Special_Bulletin_-_New_Requirements_for_AQTF_Trainers_and_Assessors.pdf

Expert panel to advise on apprenticeship reforms

An expert panel has been appointed, led by Mr Jim McDowell, to advise on the steps needed to sustain and grow a stronger Australian apprenticeships system.

The panel will examine apprenticeship training arrangements, including current incentives, and suggest principles and evidence to improve outcomes for both apprentices and industry. The work of the panel will be underpinned by a study on related economic costs and benefits, including research undertaken by the National Centre for Vocational Education and Research.

The seven-member Apprenticeships for the 21st Century Panel will be chaired by Mr Jim McDowell and includes industry and union representatives and academics.

The panel will report to the government early in 2011.

For more information visit http://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/experts/default.asp

Language, literacy and numeracy qualifications and users guide released

IBSA has included two new Vocational Graduate qualifications in Language, Literacy and Numeracy in the Training and Education Training Package (TAE10), along with a user guide to support delivery.

Responding to the national imperative to improve adult language, literacy and numeracy levels, IBSA has included two new Vocational Graduate qualifications in Language, Literacy and Numeracy in the Training and Education Training Package (TAE10) with outcomes similar to those undertaken at Bachelor degree level:

• TAE70110 Vocational Graduate Certificate in Adult Language, Literacy and Numeracy Practice
• TAE80110 Vocational Graduate Diploma of Adult Language, Literacy and Numeracy Leadership.

A user guide has been developed to support the delivery and assessment of the qualifications and it is freely available for downloading from IBSA's website.

The recent Skills Australia report Australian Workforce Futures emphasised the impact of the lack of foundation skills - language, literacy and numeracy. The report proposes a significant expansion in the Workplace English Language and Literacy (WELL) and Language, Literacy and Numeracy programs, as well as recommending that the Australian government develop and implement a national adult language, literacy and numeracy strategy. The report also states: "We need also to ensure education and training providers have the skills and networks to identify and address these core skill needs" (Executive Summary p. 4).

In building on the new LLN qualifications and new LLN Units of Competency in the Training & Education Training Package, IBSA is commencing other initiatives for the LLN skills and networks of education and training providers in the VET sectors. Dialogue has begun with DEEWR for the development of LLN resources intended to link to articulation into higher education as well as underpin the quality of the qualifications themselves. The Australian Industries Group (AiG) has published a report on employers views on workplace literacy and numeracy skills. To read the report, download it here here.

For more information visit http://www.ibsa.org.au/

New Zealand emissions trading scheme moves to next phase

The New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS) is a national all-sectors all-greenhouse gases emissions trading scheme that has moved to the next phase of implementation. The scheme has enjoyed bipartisan support having been first legislated in September 2008 by the then Labour government, and amended in November 2009 by the current National government.

Although the NZ ETS covers all sectors, individual sectors of the economy have different 'entry dates' when their obligations to report emissions and surrender emission units have effect. Forestry, a net sink which contributed net removals of 19% of NZ's 2008 emissions, entered on 1 January 2008. The stationary energy, industrial processes and liquid fossil fuel sectors (45% of 2008 emissions) entered the NZ ETS on 1 July 2010. Methane and nitrous oxide emissions from agriculture (47% of 2008 emissions) are scheduled to enter the scheme from 1 January 2015.

Tradable emission units will be issued by several methods. The fishing sector will receive a free allocation of units on a historic basis, 90 per cent of their 2005 emissions. Pre-1990 forests will receive a fixed free allocation of 60 emissions units per hectare. Allocation to emissions-intensive industry, and agriculture will be provided on an output-intensity basis. For these two sectors, there is no 'cap' as there will not be a set limit on the number of units that may be allocated. The number of units allocated to eligible emitters will be based on the average emissions per unit of output within a defined 'activity'.

A transition period will operate from 1 July 2010 until 31 December 2012. During this period the price of New Zealand Emissions Units (NZUs) will be capped at NZ$25. Also, one unit will only need to be surrendered for every two tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, effectively reducing the cost of emissions to NZ$12.50 per tonne.

The NZ ETS is Part 4 of the Climate Change Response Act 2002, which has the purpose of reducing emissions from business-as-usual-levels and fulfilling New Zealand's international obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol.

For more information visit http://www.climatechange.govt.nz/

Safework Australia report on exposure to dust, gases, vapours, smoke and fumes

Safe Work Australia has released two reports from the National Hazard Exposure Worker Surveillance survey, which is used to determine the current nature and extent of Australian workers' exposure to identified occupational disease causing hazards.

The first of the reports, Exposure to dust, gases, vapours, smoke and fumes and the provision of controls for these airborne hazards in Australian workplaces focuses on the exposure of Australian workers to dust, gases, vapours, smoke and fumes and the control measures that are provided in workplaces that eliminate, reduce or control worker exposure to these airborne hazards.

Airborne hazards in the workplace, such as dusts, gases, vapours, smoke and fumes have the potential to cause or exacerbate a range of serious respiratory diseases. These include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asbestosis and cancers of the respiratory system such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. The list of agents of respiratory disease is increasing as a result of improving knowledge and constant changes in industrial processes and materials. Due to the long latency of many respiratory diseases it is essential that workers' exposure to dusts, gases, vapours, smoke and fumes are minimised. Undertaking monitoring on a regular basis will facilitate the identification of workers at risk of developing respiratory diseases and enable occupational health and safety (OHS) / workplace health and safety (WHS) and workers' compensation policies to be targeted effectively. In the long-term, it is hoped that this process will reduce the burden of work-related respiratory diseases and contribute to fulfilling the aspiration of Australian workplaces being free of injury and disease.

In 2008, the National Hazard Exposure Worker Surveillance (NHEWS) survey was developed to determine Australian workers' current levels of exposure to various workplaces hazards, including their exposure to the airborne hazards dust, gases, vapours, smoke and fumes. In particular, workers were asked how long they were exposed for and what types of dusts, gases, vapours, smoke or fumes they were exposed to. Workers were also asked to indicate whether or not particular types of airborne hazard controls (masks, respirators, ventilation systems or reducing exposure time) were provided in their workplaces. Alongside the exposure and controls data, the NHEWS survey also collected detailed demographic and employment information.

This report contains the findings of a detailed analysis of the data on airborne hazards. Statistical tests (logistic regressions) were performed to investigate what demographic and employment factors affected the likelihood that a worker reported they were exposed to dust and/or gases, vapours, smoke or fumes. Logistic regressions were also used to determine what demographic, employment and exposure factors affected the likelihood workers were provided with some types of airborne hazard control. In order to model exposure, the types of airborne hazards workers reported exposures to were grouped in the broadest categories (as surveyed); dust; and gases, vapours, smoke or fumes. Workers were either exposed to these types of airborne hazard on their own or they were exposed to both dust and gases, vapours, smoke or fumes. Descriptive statistics were used to describe, in more detail, the different types of airborne hazard workers reported exposure to.

The main findings of the report are outlined below:

• 39% of Australian workers were exposed to airborne hazards in the workplace
• Young workers were more likely to be exposed to airborne hazards than older workers, reported longer durations of exposure and had the highest representation in six of the 11 airborne hazard types
• Industries with the highest likelihoods of exposure to airborne hazards included: manufacturing, transport & storage, construction and agriculture, forestry & fishing
• Occupations with the highest likelihoods of exposure to airborne hazards included: Technicians & trades workers, Machinery operators & drivers and labourers
• 23% of workers who reported they were exposed to airborne hazards were not provided with any airborne hazard controls. 22% were provided with one control and 55% were provided with more than one airborne hazard control.
• The industries that were least likely to provide more than one airborne hazard control included: transport & storage, agriculture, forestry & fishing and education
• Further research is required to determine whether or not the reported exposures are hazardous for human health and whether or not control provision is adequate
• Ongoing and improved surveillance of airborne hazard exposure is recommended

To view the report visit www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au
The information in this article has been sourced from Safe Work Australia www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au

Regional Aviation Safety Seminars

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is continuing with its Safety Seminar program, run in partnership with local aero clubs, targeting pilots in regional Australia.

Commencing in mid-August, the seminars will cover the following safety issues:
• Fuel Management
• VFR into IMC
• Situational Awareness
• Runway Incursions
• Operations in and Around Controlled Airspace
• Air Safety and Basic Human Performance
• Pilot Maintenance
• Organisational Culture
• Operations at non towered Aerodromes
• Responsibilities of the Pilot in Command
• Airmanship
• Controlled Flight into Terrain

CASA, and occasionally other experts, will deliver a presentation on the chosen topics as well as engage pilots in lively discussions about relevant local issues. The local Aero Club in each region will host the evening and  choose topics that give the most benefit to their local pilots. CASA also provides a free BBQ for all attending.

For more information, contact details, dates and locations visit.
http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WCMS:PWA::pc=PC_91330

New VELG workshop: AQTF - Plan, Do, Check & Act

Voc Ed Learning Group (VELG) has released a new workshop to unpack the latest AQTF Conditions & Standards for Continuing Registration.

AQTF - Plan, Do, Check & Act is being held in 14 locations across Australia between August and October 2010.

This workshop will give attendees the chance to participate in practical, hands-on activities to create implementation strategies and develop continuous improvement policies and procedures.

Attendees will also learn how to apply risk management techniques and act on internal auditing evidence.

As part of the workshop, all attendees will form part of an ‘AQTF Think Tank' to brainstorm policies and procedures. VELG will collate this information, then create and distribute an Internal Audit Checklist & Policy and a Procedure Manual to all attendees.

For full details on locations and dates visit go to www.velg.com.au

TAFE Directors Australia national conference - Melbourne

The TAFE Directors Australia conference, TAFE in the Year of the Tiger, will be held 13-14 September in Melbourne.

The conference will highlight the opportunities and challenges for TAFE in an election year. It will invite TAFE Directors to think more boldly and proactively about how they can shape and manage the future

The conference will explore a number of key themes
• Productivity and workforce development
• Resources sector and emerging skills shortages
• Internationalism
• Increasing participation/social inclusion
• Regulatory, funding landscape & ‘connected' tertiary sector
• Measuring VET performance - transparency, outcomes

For more information visit www.tda.edu.au

 

ePortfolios Australia Conference - Melbourne

The Australian Flexible Learning Framework ePortfolios Australia Conference will be held 3-4 November 2010 in Melbourne.

The ePortfolios Australia Conference 2010 (EAC2010) will bring together national and international educators and thought leaders to showcase current e-portfolio practice.
An e-portfolio is a learner-driven collection of digital objects demonstrating experiences, achievements and evidence of learning.

E-portfolios provide learners with a structured way of recording their learning experiences and work history. E-portfolios can be developed quickly and easily in the workplace to capture live evidence through the use of mobile phones and point-of-view devices, and can include a range of digital evidence such as audio, video, photographs and blogs.

This major national event will highlight the ways e-portfolios are serving as a catalyst to support and engage adult learning from the:
• vocational education and training (VET) sector
• higher education (HE) sector, and
• adult and community education (ACE) sector

For more information visit http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/content/e-portfolios-australia

 

NCVER research forum - Sydney

NCVER will host a national research forum in Sydney on 9 November to debate current thinking on innovation and its relationship to skills, the training system and industry.

Drawing on current research, this event will explore the relationship between innovation, the training system and industry.

NCVER has assembled an array of speakers to debate this important and topical subject. From an overview of the latest international developments, to a discussion about what skills are required for innovation, the forum aims to sharpen thinking about the drivers of a knowledge-based economy.

For more information visit http://www.ncver.edu.au/newsevents/events.html