Top Ten Resolutions for 2017
Now is the time to start thinking about what you want 2017 to look like and what you want to achieve. Daunting right?Mark Zuckerberg has a reputation for setting pretty wild New Year’s resolutions. His 2016 promise was to build artificial intelligence to run his home (think Jarvis from Iron Man).We’re not suggesting you make an epic promise like creating AI. But it is a great time to think about your health, career and interests and what goals you would like to kick in these areas.To get you started, here’s our top ten career resolutions to inspire you.10 CAREER RESOLUTIONS TO INSPIRE YOU Start developing the skills I need for my next career move.Take the first step towards completing a professional qualification.Join a professional association related to my field in order to expand my knowledge and network.Initiate a problem-solving discussion instead of stewing in silence when I am upset.Master new technologies related to my work.Stop griping about how much I hate my job and create a plan for career change.Research resume-preparation techniques and rewrite my resume.Subscribe to the WorkPac blog and use the online resources to help develop my job-search skills.Have a discussion with my boss about my career goals.Start contributing to my retirement plan to help secure my future.Our New Year’s resolution is to continue living our purpose. To find you meaningful employment that will benefit your lifestyle and ambitions. This year we employed over 300 full-time workers and placed over 6,500 people in jobs across Australia. We can’t wait to pair even more job seekers with the right job in the year ahead.In 2017, we will continue to improve on the exceptional services we provide to our clients and to our workers.Happy New Year from the WorkPac Group!Stay safe and look after each other as you rein in 2017.
Safety Message: Hay Fever
It’s that time of year. Where the eyes hurt, the sneezes start and antihistamine medication use is on the rise. Our WorkPac Safety and Risk Management Team have put together some information on hay fever and how to manage it during the summer season.What is it?Allergic rhinitis, otherwise known as Hay Fever is an allergic reaction that affects large numbers of people every year. There are two main classifications. These are:Seasonal: experience symptoms during spring and summer with the most common allergen to be pollen.Perennial (all year round): experience symptoms all year around with the most common allergens to be dust mites, animals, moulds and dust.Allergies are common. Your genes and environment may make you more prone to allergies.Whether or not you are likely to develop allergies is often passed down through families. If both your parents have allergies, you are likely to have allergies. The chance is greater if your mother has allergies.How the allergy works?The nose has very fine hair that acts like a biological dust mask which catches and filters particles that enter, trapping them. These either exit through sneezing or becoming trapped to mucous and going down the back of the throat. When you suffer hay fever the fine hairs in the nose become inflamed from the particles that are entering the nose. As a result the body will create chemicals called histamines which give you the symptoms.SymptomsSymptoms can vary in severity and type. Symptoms often occur shortly after you come into contact with the substance you are allergic to and may include:Itchy or runny noseItchy mouth, eyes, throat, skinProblems with smellSneezingWatery (teary) eyesFor longer term reactions symptoms that may develop later include:Nasal congestionCoughingClogged earsDecreased sense of smellSore throatPuffy and dark circles under the eyesFatigue and irritabilityHeadache TreatmentBefore undertaking any treatment it’s best to consult your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment advice. Once confirmed that you have hay fever the best treatment is to avoid or reduce the exposure to the triggers. However where this is not possible, there are a number of treatment options that may be considered. Typically these can be either medication or desensitisation treatment. Examples include:AntihistaminesCorticosteroid nasal spraysDecongestantsDesensitisation injectionsMake sure you read the product information especially if you are driving or operating equipment and follow the advice of your pharmacist or doctor. Sources:www.allergy.org.auwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth
WorkPac named runner up for Large Recruitment Agency of the Year at the Seek Annual Recruitment Awards
The SEEK Annual Recruitment Awards celebrate innovation and excellence within the recruitment industry and the WorkPac Group is proud to place as runner up for Large Recruitment Agency of the Year, 2016.The WorkPac Group was judged on how our organisation fosters diversity and inclusion, drives innovation, supports growth, engages candidates and contributes to the recruitment industry.CULTUREThe WorkPac Group implemented a number of unique service offerings aligning with our vision to:“Create and advance strong, inclusive communities involving all Australians through actively increasing Indigenous employment and training participation, heightening cultural awareness and building mutually respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians.”JobTrail is the WorkPac Group’s specialist division for Indigenous Services. The ultimate aim of the business is to improve Indigenous life outcomes. Our holistic support for candidates focuses on positive identity construction (country and identity), ownership and responsibility, financial literacy, local knowledge and contributors, family elements and walk on country.JobTrail also breaks down common barriers employers face when sourcing, selecting, employing and training Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia.The WorkPac Group’s first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) launches in January. Under the guidance and governance of Reconciliation Australia, we are creating a formal, documented commitment on a set of action items which will enhance cultural awareness, community participation and ultimately employment outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.INNOVATIONThe WorkPac Group owes its success to the innovative and dedicated people we work with. The innovative solutions and automated online platforms introduced by our Credit Collections Team to address credit collection challenges has expedited innovative thinking within the team and across the business as a whole. We will benefit hugely from their work now and into the future.GROWTHIn line with the Group’s five year operational and strategic plan, we set key targets and the delivery of these goals was critical to achieving our number one business priority – the health and safety of our employees.WorkPac faces significant challenges as the majority of our operations are undertaken in Australia’s most hazardous working environments and we employ over 4,500 individuals in regional and remote locations.Our target achievements through 2015/16 included our Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate target of 1.0 or less and exceeding our safety interactions per month target of 10% on total employees.Our reputation as a leading provider of safety management continues to drive increased client relationships and heightened candidate engagement levels. This increases our capacity to attract candidates who place explicit trust in our ability to protect them from harm.ENGAGEMENTWorkPac engages candidates at a pre-employment level right through to post-placement support. Our Local Access Policy has seen the Group establish operational presence in regional, rural and remote Australia to provide local support and accessibility to individuals who are more accustomed to long-range, telephone based relationships. The power and efficiency in local, face to face relationships continues to deliver strong candidate and employee engagement.WorkPac also provides Employee Benefits and Assistance Programs to empower our people to succeed at work and maintain healthy, happy lifestyles.CONTRIBUTION TO INDUSTRYWorkPac’s contribution to industry is varied and takes many forms, including:Regional and rural operations, promoting and ensuring recruitment services are available to clients that may otherwise be unaware of the industry’s valueNon-industry associations where our corporate memberships and participation in industry events increases awareness and fuels discussion on industry services and valueStudy papers including a recent commissioned white paper conducted with University of Queensland to promote the benefits of recruitment over in-house effortsSupport for industry events and promotions, such as the recent Recruitment Yarns roadshowWorkPac is proud to be recognised as one of Australia’s industry leaders for workplace culture and inclusion, industry advancement, candidate engagement, growth and innovation.
Safety Alert
SIGNIFICANT INJURY INCIDENT INVOLVING LIGHT VEHICLE AND WORKERThis incident DID NOT involve a WorkPac employee however it serves as a reminder of the risks associated with unplanned vehicle movement.A Pump Operator was temporarily pinned between his own light vehicle and the pump he was operating after his vehicle rolled forward approximately 13m. The Operator self evacuated and was able to raise the emergency from the two-way radio in his own vehicle.INJURY: Although no serious injuries were identified, the Operator was required to remain in hospital overnight for observation in relation to the potential crush injury.EQUIPMENT: Toyota Landcruiser and site pump.HAZARD: In the line of fireCAUSE: The vehicle was not parked as per procedure and the vehicle handbrake was defective.CONTRIBUTING FACTORS:Unplanned movement due to vehicle not parked as per site procedureHandbrake was defectiveVehicle not fundamentally stablePrestart checks not forwarded for actionWORKPAC RECOMMENDATIONS:Follow all Site Policies and ProceduresEnsure vehicles are serviceable prior to useTag out and report all non serviceable Plant and EquipmentEnsure vehicles are fundamentally stable when parked and prior to exiting the vehicleForward all Plant and Equipment defect notices to Maintenance for actionEducation awareness relating to line of fireCONTACT: For any further information contact Peter Zigmantas, Regional Risk Manager, Central Queensland, (07) 49694722.
Fatigue Management: A Worker's Guide
WHAT IS FATIGUE?Fatigue is more than feeling tired and drowsy. In a work context, fatigue is a state of mental and/or physical exhaustion that reduces a person’s ability to perform work safely and effectively.It can occur because of prolonged or intense mental or physical activity, sleep loss and/or disruption of the internal body clock.Signs of fatigue include:Tiredness even after sleepReduced hand-eye coordination or slow reflexesShort term memory problems and an inability to concentrateBlurred vision or impaired visual perceptionA need for extended sleep during days off work WHAT CAUSES FATIGUE?Fatigue can be caused by work related or non-work related factors or a combination of both.Work related causes of fatigue include excessively long shifts, not enough time to recover between shifts and blocks of shifts, very strenuous jobs and long commuting times. An example of non-work related fatigue would be poor quality sleep due to street noise or family demands.THE BODY CLOCKMost people are day-orientated meaning they are most alert and productive in the daytime and sleep at night. The circadian rhythms (the body clock) cause regular variations in individual body and mental functions repeated approximately every 24 hours.These rhythms regulate sleeping patterns, body temperature, heart rate, hormone levels, digestion and many other functions.These rhythms influence job performance and quality of sleep. Most of the body’s basic functions show maximum activity by day and minimum activity by night.The body rhythms affect the behaviour, alertness, reaction times and mental capacity of people to varying degrees.WHY IS FATIGUE A PROBLEM IN THE WORKPLACE?Fatigue may increase the risk of incidents because of a lack of alertness. Fatigue may result in a slower reaction to signals or situations and affect the ability to make good decisions, particularly when:Operating fixed or mobile plant including driving vehiclesUndertaking critical tasks that require a high level of concentrationUndertaking night or shift work when a person would ordinarily be sleeping.A person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers while they are at work.This means if fatigue is identified as causing a risk to work health and safety, then suitable control measures should be implemented in consultation with workers to eliminate or minimise the risks.YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AS A WORKERWorkers have a duty to take reasonable care for their own safety and health and that their acts or omissions don’t adversely affect the health or safety of others.Workers must also comply with any reasonable instruction and cooperate with any reasonable policy or procedure relating to fatigue at the workplace, for example fitness for work policies and policies regarding second jobs.REDUCING THE RISK OF FATIGUETo reduce the risk of being involved in a work incident caused by fatigue, you should:Comply with your organisation’s policies and procedures relating to fatigueUnderstand your sleep, rest and recovery needs and obtain adequate rest and sleep away from workSeek medical advice and assistance if you have or are concerned about a healthcondition that affects your sleep and/or causes fatigueAssess your own fitness for work before commencing workMonitor your level of alertness and concentration while you are at workLook out for signs of fatigue in the people you work withIn consultation with your supervisor, take steps to manage fatigue, for example take a break or short nap (night shift), maintain hydration (drink water), do some stretching or physical exercise, adjust the work environment (lighting, temperature)Talk to your supervisor or manager if you foresee or experience being impaired by fatigue likely to create a health and safety risk e.g. because of a health condition, excessive work demands or personal circumstancesAssess your fatigue levels after work and take suitable commuting and accommodation options (e.g. avoiding driving if fatigued) HOW MUCH SLEEP DO WE NEED?Sleep researchers believe there is no one magic number for ‘sleep need’ and there are a lot of individual differences in what children and adolescents need to sleep to be at their best. But below is a guide of the best evidence we have so far:Babies under 1: 14-18 hours throughout the day and nightToddlers: 12-14 hours per 24 hour periodPrimary school: 10-12 hours per dayHigh school: 8-10 hours per dayAdults: 7-9 hours per day GOOD SLEEP HYGIENE CAN HELP PROMOTE GOOD SLEEP"Sleep hygiene" - this can be defined as habits that can help us to sleep or stop us from sleeping. If you or someone you know is having trouble sleeping you can try to change or include some of the things on this list and see if it helps.No TV/computer games 1 hour before bed. No TV s in bedroomsMonitor mobile phone use in bedNo caffeine, high sugar or high spicy food 3-4 hours before bedEnsure relaxing and regular bed time routine - special time with children, relaxation techniques such as breathingNo vigorous exercise 1 hour before bed - it raises the body temperatureFinish eating 2-3 hours before bed - digestion competes with sleeping - hot milk is OKMake sure the bedroom is comfortable (temperature, light, noise)Set bedtimes and wake times - try and keep these regularLearn to relax - deal with worry and stressUse a sleep diary to check how many hours you are sleeping - Are you sleeping enoughConvince children that it is important to sleep well - reward them for complying with bedtime rules
WorkPac ranks 58 in Australia’s top 500 companies.
A leader in workforce management, WorkPac Group has been ranked number 58th in the 2016 edition of the Australian Financial Review’s Top 500 Private Companies.WorkPac moved up six spots from number 64 in the 2015 list which is compiled by IBISWorld and ranks businesses by revenue.WorkPac is the highest ranked company in the recruitment sector, offering a suite of workforce management, project management, training and technology solutions to the resources, construction, industrial and healthcare sectors.Managing Director, Mr Praanesh Prasad said, “Our revenue growth is a result of our business diversification strategy our business diversification strategy which is focused on delivering productive and effective solutions to our clients in both traditional and new markets.”“In the mining market, competitors of all sizes are under pressure to deliver greater productivity and value. We are great at rolling out efficient technology, employing subject matter experts within each market and we pride ourselves on the relationships we build on the ground. We are very buoyant about the mining and healthcare sectors.”“Our growth is a result of our five year plan and we have an exciting growth period ahead as we continue to actively respond to the increasing complexities of the labour market.”“This includes refining our tailored solutions to bridge skill gaps for our clients and plan for their future resourcing needs.”Mr Prasad confirms WorkPac is set for a new phase of growth and development, building on the successes of the past few years of significantly lifted sales.”“We have recently expanded our group to include Training, Healthcare, Construction and Innovation. This rounds out WorkPac’s complete end-to-end service for clients in the resources, construction, industrial and healthcare sectors,” he said.To view the full top 500 visit http://www.afr.com/leadership/brw-lists/top-500-private-companies/afr-top-500-private-companies-20160828-gr2zyt
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WorkPac ranks 58 in Australia’s top 500 companies
A leader in workforce management, WorkPac Group has been ranked number 58th in the 2016 edition of the Australian Financial Review’s Top 500 Private Companies.WorkPac moved up six spots from number 64 in the 2015 list which is compiled by IBISWorld and ranks businesses by revenue.WorkPac is the highest ranked company in the recruitment sector, offering a suite of workforce management, project management, training and technology solutions to the resources, construction, industrial and healthcare sectors.Managing Director, Mr Praanesh Prasad said, “Our revenue growth is a result of our business diversification strategy our business diversification strategy which is focused on delivering productive and effective solutions to our clients in both traditional and new markets.”“In the mining market, competitors of all sizes are under pressure to deliver greater productivity and value. We are great at rolling out efficient technology, employing subject matter experts within each market and we pride ourselves on the relationships we build on the ground. We are very buoyant about the mining and healthcare sectors.”“Our growth is a result of our five year plan and we have an exciting growth period ahead as we continue to actively respond to the increasing complexities of the labour market.”“This includes refining our tailored solutions to bridge skill gaps for our clients and plan for their future resourcing needs.”Mr Prasad confirms WorkPac is set for a new phase of growth and development, building on the successes of the past few years of significantly lifted sales.”“We have recently expanded our group to include Training, Healthcare, Construction and Innovation. This rounds out WorkPac’s complete end-to-end service for clients in the resources, construction, industrial and healthcare sectors,” he said.To view the full top 500 visit http://www.afr.com/leadership/brw-lists/top-500-private-companies/afr-top-500-private-companies-20160828-gr2zyt
WorkPac asks R U OK?
Hey, R U OK? September 8 WorkPac Staff will be taking the time to ask friends family and work mates one simple question… R U OK?For those of you who do not know, R U OK? is a suicide prevention charity in Australia, reminding people that having meaningful conversations with mates and loved ones could save livesSuicide prevention is a complex and sensitive issue, thankfully R U OK gives us some common language and a starting point. Quite simply the power of asking that one simple question may make a world of difference to that one person you ask. It may help them stay connected and show them they have support.For more information about R U OK? day or Queensland Mental health Week, please visit R U OK? and here.Our mental health and wellbeing is important to look after. Each one of us, lives a busy life and our everyday lives are exposed to and impacted by various pressures throughout each and every year.These pressures can have an effect on our mental health and potentially result in us feeling stressed.Click here to check out our video by, Rachel Pearse, WorkPac’s National Safety and Risk Manager, that addresses what mental health is and the various factors in our lives that can impact us and our capacity to cope with today’s busy environment.WorkPac offers an employee assistance program provided by Gryphon Psychology who offer professional counselling for all WorkPac employees. Alternatively, Lifeline provides 24/7 help and can be contacted on 13 11 14, or head to their website www.lifeline.org.au for further information.From all of us at WorkPac, remember to have fun, stay safe and continue to promote a healthy workplace.
WorkPac Wins Hunter Safety Awards
Global recruitment leader, WorkPac wins 2016 Hunter Safety Awards for best Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Management System.Winners were announced at the gala awards on March 18 at Wests, New Lambton at the inaugural awards recognising outstanding WHS management systems in Hunter workplaces.WorkPac’s Hunter Valley Business Centre Manager, Luke Tresidder says, “The award for Best WHS Management System is a proud achievement for his team.””On the night I was so proud of the team’s achievements that I could hardly speak while accepting the award,” Mr Tresidder said.“I am genuinely proud of our Business Centre’s commitment to occupational health and safety, both for its own people and on behalf of employers.”“What I wanted to explain on the night was that the MaxSafe system has been a critical enabler of the strong safety culture in our Hunter region, providing a holistic support service for 440 employees and our clients, ensuring safety protocols are followed and commitment to a zero harm workplace is constantly front of mind,” Mr Tresidder said.“The systems and controls in place are market leading which is a credit to the business for always striving for excellence”.“MaxSafe provides the framework to drive productivity and most importantly a strong safety culture”.“We aim to assist our clients in meeting their objectives to establish and maintain zero harm operations where incidents or injuries do not occur.”“We promote open communication and transparency and recognise that OHSE [Occupational Health Safety and Environment] management is an integral part of our business and that of our clients”.“I would also like to thank the event sponsors, Sarah-Jane and the organising committee of the awards for a brilliant night, and finally our team for their dedication to our people and the systems that send them home safely each day.”MaxSafe couples a highly intelligent enterprise software application with policies, standards, guidelines and procedures that specify safety and risk management requirements.MaxSafe was developed to address key challenges faced by WorkPac’s industries and delivers safety management solutions celebrated as industry leading, according to SAI Global Auditors, numerous safety award panels and tier one mining and construction companies.In its 18 plus years of operation, WorkPac has experienced no fatalities, no prosecutions or investigations and no environmental incidents as well as holding one of the lowest Loss Time Injury Frequency Rates in the contingent labour industry, per hours worked.MaxSafe is implemented across the mining, construction, engineering, oil and gas and health care industries in which WorkPac operates.WorkPac was recently ranked 71st in the Staffing Industry Analysts, global 100 list of the world’s largest staffing and recruitment firms, climbing 11 spots in just one year.
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WorkPac HealthCare Business Centre opens in Milton.
WorkPac opened a new centre to address healthcare worker shortage in Brisbane. The WorkPac Group officially opened its new HealthCare Business Centre in Milton in December 2015, addressing the national shortage of healthcare workers.WorkPac recently ranked amongst the world’s top 100 recruitment firms and specialises in healthcare, mining, construction, engineering, and oil and gas recruitment.With 35 offices throughout Australia, WorkPac is creating a national network that matches sought-after staff to many industries.The new office was opened in response to increasing demand for professional healthcare staff throughout the Brisbane and southeast Queensland region.Business HealthCare Centre Manager, said the new office would concentrate on finding people to fill gaps across the health industry, especially in nursing.“We have a strong contingent of qualified and experienced nurses and we are ready to deliver some much needed relief to healthcare facilities in Brisbane,” she said.“The industry has seen a shortage for some years and we share their excitement that we can offer dedicated service to help meet the huge need for professional staff across Brisbane and beyond.”WorkPac has also created innovative software that can monitor and mobilise qualified staff quickly and guarantee critical controls for checking applicants’ qualifications, background and work history.She said the clever software offers peace of mind for any healthcare business, which most recruitment companies cannot guarantee. The company also conducts medical screening tests for companies that require drug and health screenings.“We have robust screening and verification processes to ensure that we provide the best staff to meet the high standards our clients expect – we listened to our clients’ priorities and this new software helps us respond to their needs,” she said.The Business Centre offers a range of additional services including pre-employment medicals, immunisation, walk-in clinic, healthcare training and workers compensation.WorkPac HealthCare Brisbane NorthSuite 1, 19 Lang Parade, MILTON QLD 4064+61 7 3039 4500healthcarebrisnorth@workpac.com
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