FEATURED ARTICLES
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WORKPAC PAYROLL UPDATE | EASTER 2023
Easter is just around the corner! With public holidays also approaching, WorkPac's Payroll team wish to advise our employees of the following changes:Week Commencing Monday 3 April 2023 Due to the Good Friday Public Holiday there will be no pay run on Friday 7 April We encourage all employees to please lodge their approved timesheets by 10am AEST, Thursday 6 April Timesheets received after this deadline will be processed in the next available pay run (ie. Tuesday 11 April)Week Commencing Monday 10 April 2023Due to the Easter Monday public holiday (Monday 10 April), pay will be delayed by 1 working dayTo ensure pay is processed in time, please ensure your approved timesheet has been logged by 10am AEST ,Tuesday 11 April Please note: Public holidays may also affect your bank's processing days. We encourage you to please contact your bank should you have any concerns. Please contact your WorkPac Representative for assistance with any other queries.We wish our employees, teams and families, a safe and happy Easter.
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WorkPac finalists at the Rio Tinto Supplier Awards
Recruitment and workforce solution leader, WorkPac has been named a finalist of the 2023 Rio Tinto Supplier Recognition Program awards in the Health and Safety Category.The Supplier Recognition Awards recognise suppliers for their outstanding performance and contribution to Rio Tinto and the local community. This year, about 180 suppliers were nominated for awards across nine categories.WorkPac’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hamish Griffin, who attended the Award at the gala event held at the Crown Ballroom last night said, “This recognition is a testament to WorkPac’s strong ongoing commitment at all levels to Health & Safety across our business. I could not be more proud of the work our companies have done together to ensure the safety of our people. To be nominated in the safety category with a peer group that I have such respect for as suppliers was an incredible honour.Congratulations to Tasman Power for their safety excellence and for all other category winners”
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Introducing ResHealth | Your New Health Assessment Platform
Coal Mine Workers Health Scheme Changes | Queensland Government Introduction of ResHealth What is changing? As a coal mine worker, the Coal Mine Workers Health Scheme requires you to complete regular health assessments. This is an industry-wide regulatory requirement for all coal mine workers overseen by Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ).From 1 April 2023, the Qld State Government is changing the way it administers the Coal Miners Workers Health Scheme. The new system will be known as ResHealth.While ResHealth is not a WorkPac owned system or change, WorkPac values the wellbeing of all its employees and supports ResHealth’s introduction to the industry. What is ResHealth?The current paper-based Coal Mine Workers Health Scheme is transitioning to an online platform called ResHealth.Provided by the Queensland Department of Resources, ResHealth is a new online platform for completing your coal mine worker health assessments. What does WorkPac need to do?From 1 April 2023, all coal mine worker health assessments must be scheduled and completed online via ResHealth. Paper-based health assessments will no longer be accepted. RSHQ requires that all Employers and their Employees:1. Register for ResHealth 2. Use ResHealth to meet the Health Assessment requirements of the Coal Mine Workers Health Scheme What do you need to do?You are not required to access ResHealth until you have received an invitation to complete your health assessment.However, to ensure you are able to access ResHealth, we encourage all Employees to register for your QGov ID ahead of when your next coal miner’s health assessment is due.Step 190 days prior to your Coal Mine Workers Health Assessment, your WorkPac Representative will send a ‘Register to ResHealth’ invitation to the email address you have registered with us.Step 2The invitation will have a link for you to register for a QGov ID (note you can skip this step if you already have a QGov ID).Step 3The invitation will have a second link to the ResHealth portal. Use your QGov ID to register with ResHealth.Please note your registration for QGov ID and ResHealth must use the same email you have provided to WorkPac.Step 4Once you have registered for ResHealth and are logged into the portal, follow the prompts to begin the Health Assessment Questionnaire. You will need to complete all fields within the assessment and select ‘submit’. Please note:You can save your Assessment if you need to come back and finish it later.Once you have submitted your section of the Health Assessment you are unable to change itOn selecting ‘submit’, the information will be made available to the examining doctor.On completion of the health assessment process, you will receive an email link to access your health assessment report (previously known as the Section 4).Your WorkPac Representative will be able to view your assessment, complete any medical management plan that may be required and approve your capacity for the role on your FTM file to prevent gate access issues. Would you like further information? We encourage all employees to visit RSHQ’s online resources for more information. Resources Safety & Health Qld Support GuidesResHealth FAQ Health Assessment Reports: Demonstration Video (YouTube)ResHealth Registration (Downloadable PDF) Please also feel welcome to contact your WorkPac Representative if you require further information or assistance.
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2023 - 2025 RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN LAUNCHED
WorkPac is proud to launch our third Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) continuing our Reconciliation journey. With the support of Hamish Griffin, CEO, and Rob O’Sullivan, RAP Working Group member, we came together in our Head Office on Turrbal Country and broadcasted nationally to all WorkPac locations. WorkPac employees were privileged to celebrate with a Welcome to Country and traditional dance performed by Jahmarley Dawson. An emerging Aboriginal leader, Jahmarley lives in Brisbane where he is linked to the Turrbal People through bloodline connection and kinship ties. We were also delighted to welcome Rebecca Burke, National Indigenous Engagement Manager from WES.jobs JobTrail to discuss the importance of developing strong relationships with Indigenous Australians. Our RAP is a significant step in supporting reconciliation, gaining a deeper understanding of our sphere of influence and continuing to focus on developing and strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, engaging staff and stakeholders in reconciliation, and developing and piloting innovative strategies to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.To celebrate our continued commitment to reconciliation WorkPac have commissioned special Artwork by Indigenous-owned business Dalmarri. GINYHAR MIYAGAN – Strong Relationships. The artists Jason Douglas and Trevor Eastwood describe the artwork as a ‘Representation of the magnificent work WorkPac is doing in communities providing opportunities and building stronger, lasting relationships with First Nations People. The colours represent the vibrant countryside, while still valuing and respecting the culture of First Nations People. The many dots and circles are communities who benefit by the opportunities and support WorkPac help create.’We are thrilled to share our RAP with our employees, stakeholders and partners and look forward to working together to make a positive impact in the communities we serve.Read our Reconciliation Action Plan and First Actions Here.A special mention and thanks to Print Junction General Manager Nathan Torzyn and Graphic Designer Luke Burton for design and printing services.
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WORKPAC PAYROLL UPDATE | EASTER 2023
Easter is just around the corner! With public holidays also approaching, WorkPac's Payroll team wish to advise our employees of the following changes:Week Commencing Monday 3 April 2023 Due to the Good Friday Public Holiday there will be no pay run on Friday 7 April We encourage all employees to please lodge their approved timesheets by 10am AEST, Thursday 6 April Timesheets received after this deadline will be processed in the next available pay run (ie. Tuesday 11 April)Week Commencing Monday 10 April 2023Due to the Easter Monday public holiday (Monday 10 April), pay will be delayed by 1 working dayTo ensure pay is processed in time, please ensure your approved timesheet has been logged by 10am AEST ,Tuesday 11 April Please note: Public holidays may also affect your bank's processing days. We encourage you to please contact your bank should you have any concerns. Please contact your WorkPac Representative for assistance with any other queries.We wish our employees, teams and families, a safe and happy Easter.
WorkPac finalists at the Rio Tinto Supplier Awards
Recruitment and workforce solution leader, WorkPac has been named a finalist of the 2023 Rio Tinto Supplier Recognition Program awards in the Health and Safety Category.The Supplier Recognition Awards recognise suppliers for their outstanding performance and contribution to Rio Tinto and the local community. This year, about 180 suppliers were nominated for awards across nine categories.WorkPac’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hamish Griffin, who attended the Award at the gala event held at the Crown Ballroom last night said, “This recognition is a testament to WorkPac’s strong ongoing commitment at all levels to Health & Safety across our business. I could not be more proud of the work our companies have done together to ensure the safety of our people. To be nominated in the safety category with a peer group that I have such respect for as suppliers was an incredible honour.Congratulations to Tasman Power for their safety excellence and for all other category winners”
Introducing ResHealth | Your New Health Assessment Platform
Coal Mine Workers Health Scheme Changes | Queensland Government Introduction of ResHealth What is changing? As a coal mine worker, the Coal Mine Workers Health Scheme requires you to complete regular health assessments. This is an industry-wide regulatory requirement for all coal mine workers overseen by Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ).From 1 April 2023, the Qld State Government is changing the way it administers the Coal Miners Workers Health Scheme. The new system will be known as ResHealth.While ResHealth is not a WorkPac owned system or change, WorkPac values the wellbeing of all its employees and supports ResHealth’s introduction to the industry. What is ResHealth?The current paper-based Coal Mine Workers Health Scheme is transitioning to an online platform called ResHealth.Provided by the Queensland Department of Resources, ResHealth is a new online platform for completing your coal mine worker health assessments. What does WorkPac need to do?From 1 April 2023, all coal mine worker health assessments must be scheduled and completed online via ResHealth. Paper-based health assessments will no longer be accepted. RSHQ requires that all Employers and their Employees:1. Register for ResHealth 2. Use ResHealth to meet the Health Assessment requirements of the Coal Mine Workers Health Scheme What do you need to do?You are not required to access ResHealth until you have received an invitation to complete your health assessment.However, to ensure you are able to access ResHealth, we encourage all Employees to register for your QGov ID ahead of when your next coal miner’s health assessment is due.Step 190 days prior to your Coal Mine Workers Health Assessment, your WorkPac Representative will send a ‘Register to ResHealth’ invitation to the email address you have registered with us.Step 2The invitation will have a link for you to register for a QGov ID (note you can skip this step if you already have a QGov ID).Step 3The invitation will have a second link to the ResHealth portal. Use your QGov ID to register with ResHealth.Please note your registration for QGov ID and ResHealth must use the same email you have provided to WorkPac.Step 4Once you have registered for ResHealth and are logged into the portal, follow the prompts to begin the Health Assessment Questionnaire. You will need to complete all fields within the assessment and select ‘submit’. Please note:You can save your Assessment if you need to come back and finish it later.Once you have submitted your section of the Health Assessment you are unable to change itOn selecting ‘submit’, the information will be made available to the examining doctor.On completion of the health assessment process, you will receive an email link to access your health assessment report (previously known as the Section 4).Your WorkPac Representative will be able to view your assessment, complete any medical management plan that may be required and approve your capacity for the role on your FTM file to prevent gate access issues. Would you like further information? We encourage all employees to visit RSHQ’s online resources for more information. Resources Safety & Health Qld Support GuidesResHealth FAQ Health Assessment Reports: Demonstration Video (YouTube)ResHealth Registration (Downloadable PDF) Please also feel welcome to contact your WorkPac Representative if you require further information or assistance.
2023 - 2025 RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN LAUNCHED
WorkPac is proud to launch our third Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) continuing our Reconciliation journey. With the support of Hamish Griffin, CEO, and Rob O’Sullivan, RAP Working Group member, we came together in our Head Office on Turrbal Country and broadcasted nationally to all WorkPac locations. WorkPac employees were privileged to celebrate with a Welcome to Country and traditional dance performed by Jahmarley Dawson. An emerging Aboriginal leader, Jahmarley lives in Brisbane where he is linked to the Turrbal People through bloodline connection and kinship ties. We were also delighted to welcome Rebecca Burke, National Indigenous Engagement Manager from WES.jobs JobTrail to discuss the importance of developing strong relationships with Indigenous Australians. Our RAP is a significant step in supporting reconciliation, gaining a deeper understanding of our sphere of influence and continuing to focus on developing and strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, engaging staff and stakeholders in reconciliation, and developing and piloting innovative strategies to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.To celebrate our continued commitment to reconciliation WorkPac have commissioned special Artwork by Indigenous-owned business Dalmarri. GINYHAR MIYAGAN – Strong Relationships. The artists Jason Douglas and Trevor Eastwood describe the artwork as a ‘Representation of the magnificent work WorkPac is doing in communities providing opportunities and building stronger, lasting relationships with First Nations People. The colours represent the vibrant countryside, while still valuing and respecting the culture of First Nations People. The many dots and circles are communities who benefit by the opportunities and support WorkPac help create.’We are thrilled to share our RAP with our employees, stakeholders and partners and look forward to working together to make a positive impact in the communities we serve.Read our Reconciliation Action Plan and First Actions Here.A special mention and thanks to Print Junction General Manager Nathan Torzyn and Graphic Designer Luke Burton for design and printing services.
Protect Yourself: A Guide to Cyber-Safety for Job Seekers in Australia
Did you know that job scams are common in Australia, with scammers using tactics to deceive job seekers into providing personal information, paying upfront fees, or even working for free? When applying for work it's important to protect your personal and sensitive information. If this falls into the wrong hands, it can be used to commit fraud, identity theft, or other cybercrimes. The challenge is that sharing information, such as your name, date of birth, and address, as well as sensitive information such as your tax file number and banking details, is all part of a standard job application process. So, what can you do to protect yourself when applying for work?Only apply for jobs using a secure internet connection. Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks or unsecured Wi-Fi hotspots, as these can be easily hacked.Use a reputable job board such as SEEK, Indeed, LinkedIn or our website workpac.com.These job boards have security measures in place to protect your personal information.Be cautious of emails or job postings that ask for personal information or require payment upfront. Legitimate job postings won't ask for payment or sensitive information upfront, so trust your instincts and be wary of any request or offer that doesn’t seem right.Before applying for a job, check the company's website and verify the job opening is legitimate. Scammers often create fake job postings to collect personal information.Use a strong, unique password for each job application and keep your resume current to avoid being targeted by scammers who use outdated resumes to steal personal information.Never share personal information such as your tax file number, bank account details, or driver's licence until you’ve taken steps to verify that the request is legitimate. WorkPac will always provide you with the option to share sensitive information/documents via our secure candidate portal myworkpac.com.Be cautious of online interviews that use software you're not familiar with. Use antivirus software on your computer and verify any links before the interview to avoid downloading malware.Finally, if you suspect that you've been targeted by a job scam, report it to the authorities and take steps to protect your personal information. To learn more about cyber safety in Australia, please visit the Australian Cyber Security Centre’s website https://www.cyber.gov.au/
SAFETY UPDATE | HEATSTROKE & HEAT EXHAUSTION
Australia's summer climate is one of extremes, with many regions regularly experiencing temperatures 30 degrees and above. In this blog, learn about the signs, symptoms and treatment of heatstroke and heat exhaustion and the steps you can take to help yourself and others stay safe.Heatwaves and hot weather can kill, and the risk of heat-related illness is higher for young children and elderly persons, during pregnancy and when taking certain medications. What is heat exhaustion?Heat exhaustion happens when someone becomes dehydrated due to fluid loss from a hot environment and/or excessive physical activity.The symptoms of heat exhaustion include:Normal or mildly higher body temperatureCool, pale, clammy skinExcessive sweatingThirstyHeadacheMuscle crampsRapid, weak pulseFainting or dizzinessTreatmentHelp the person to lie down in a cool or shady area to monitorRemove excessive clothing and loosen any tight clothingImmerse hands and feet in cold water, cool by fanning and moisten the skin, if possibleIf fully alert and responsive, give them frequent small drinks of waterIf muscle cramps occur, gently stretch the affected muscles to ease the painWhat is heatstroke?Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency and can cause a person to collapse or fall unconscious. Heatstroke is more serious and means the body is no longer able to regulate its temperature by cooling the skin's surface by sweating. The internal body temperature rises, and organ damage can occur.The symptoms of heatstroke include:Reduced sweatingHigh body temperature (above 40°C)Dry, flushed, hot skinNauseaMuscle spasmsPain throughout the bodyUnusual behaviour or signs of confusionSeizure or possible loss of responsivenessTreatmentImmediately call 000 for an ambulanceIf available, have the person take a cold shower or bathCool the person with household items such as wet towels, fans or icepacks placed in the neck, groin and armpitsIf unresponsive or not alert, place in the recovery positionPrepare to give CPR if necessaryHeatwaves can kill, so it's important to be aware of what to look for and what you can do to help. For more information, the Red Cross has an excellent First Aid app (download here)and advice about how to stay cool in hot weather.
WORKPAC ALERT | MICROSOFT PHONE OUTAGE
WORKPAC ALERT | MICROSOFT PHONE OUTAGE There is currently a Microsoft outage affecting the Asia-Pacific region. This is impacting WorkPac’s inbound and outbound phone services. Working for WorkPac?We recommend logging in to your user account at myworkpac.com and using your WorkPac Representative’s direct contact details. Other Enquiries?Please call again later or direct your enquiry to contactus@workpac.com
WORKPAC ALERT | SCAM PHONE CALLS
WORKPAC ALERT | SCAM PHONE CALLS We’ve been alerted to a recent scam where scammers are calling job seekers and posing as WorkPac representatives.The scam caller requests the job seeker’s personal details, including what software the job seeker uses.What to do if you suspect a phone call is a scam?It's important to be cautious and verify the identity of anyone who calls and requests personal or financial information over the phone.If you're uncertain, hang up and contact WorkPac directly (1300 967 527) to verify the identity of the caller.Remember, if a call seems suspicious, do not engage with the caller, and hang up immediately.Here are some signs that may indicate a scam phone call:The call looks unusual. It may be unsolicited, from a phone number you don’t recognise or the caller ID is blockedBe aware of caller ID spoofing. This is a sophisticated practice where scammers fake their caller ID to appear as a company or government agency (eg. A bank, Centrelink)You are asked to provide personal information (eg. Bank account numbers, Driver’s Licence details) in an unsecured environment – eg. verbally or via SMS. WorkPac will always provide you with an option to share sensitive information/documents via our secure candidate portal myworkpac.com. If in doubt, hang up and contact your WorkPac Representative via 1300 967 572High-pressure tactics. Scammers may try to pressure you into making a quick decision or providing personal information immediately (eg. “I need to know your bank account details now so I can complete your job application”)Poor sound quality. Some scammers may call from overseas and have a poor sound quality and background noiseFor more information about phone scams in Australia, please visit the Australian Communications & Media Authority’s website: https://www.acma.gov.au/phone-scams
Tinnitus Awareness Week | 6 - 12 February 2023
Did you know nearly 1 in 5 Australians experience some form of tinnitus? For Tinnitus Awareness Week, we take a closer look at what this condition is and how to prevent hearing damage.Tinnitus is a medically diagnosed physical condition that may present by ringing, humming or buzzing in your ear, especially when no noise is present. Approximately 17 to 20 per cent of Australians suffer from some degree of tinnitus.The causes of tinnitus include exposure to loud noises such as a chainsaw, loud music through headphones and equipment used in industrial, farming and transport, Meniere’s disease, some medications, ear wax and ear infections and lastly degeneration of cells within the cochlea, jaw or ear.You can prevent the occurrence of tinnitus by utilising ear plugs and/or earmuffs when you are exposed to loud sounds over 85 decibels, especially on work sites when using equipment and machinery. If you are using headphones for music, use noise-cancelling headphones, decrease the sound and use them for less than 90 minutes a day. Take regular breaks from areas of high noise to give your ears a rest. If attending concerts stand away from the speakers to reduce the impact. If you experience ringing in your ears or you are concerned speak to your doctor.For further information please visit healthdirect.gov.au/tinnitus
WORKPAC PAYROLL UPDATE | AUSTRALIA DAY JAN 2023
Due to the Australia Day public holiday, we wish to advise all divisions and FTMs that there will be no pay run on Thursday 26 January. To avoid payment delays, please ensure you have logged your approved timesheet by 10am AEST, Wednesday 25 January. Timesheets received after this cut off will be processed in the following pay run on Friday 27 January. Should you have any queries, please feel welcome to contact your WorkPac Recruitment Coordinator. We also encourage you to reach out to your bank for assistance with queries regarding their processing days.