HEALTH AND SAFETY

How to stay safe this cyclone season

25/01/2024

​Stay safe this cyclone season by making sure you’re well prepared and understand the processes to follow if a cyclone hits your area.  Keep reading for WorkPac’s full guide to cyclone season 2023/2024. WHERE CAN I GET INFORMATION?The main sources of cyclone information are radio and television stations. During a cyclone threat, some stations keep local staff on duty 24 hours a day to broadcast cyclone information. Because of the high chance of the power supply being disrupted, it is important to have a battery-operated radio to listen for cyclone advice.The Bureau of Meteorology provides the latest watches, warnings and supporting information on this website and through its telephone service.Bureau of MeteorologyAutomated Telephone Messages: Cyclone Advice (Watch/Warning):QLD: 1300 659 212NT: 1300 659 211WA: 1300 659 210Emergency services agenciesEmergency Management Australia:Emergency Response AssistanceWestern Australia:Department of Fire & Emergency Services (DFES) Phone: 132 500 (see local phone directory for regional offices)Northern Territory:Northern Territory Emergency Services ( NTES)Phone: 131 444Queensland:Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ)Phone: 132 500 (see local phone directory for regional offices)New South Wales:State Emergency Service (SES)Victoria:Vic EmergencyVictoria State Emergency Services:Be StormsafeTasmania:TasAlertTasmanian Fire ServicesTasmanian State Emergency Services

National Safe Work Month 2023

BY: Bernie Dwyer02/10/2023

October is National Safe Work Montha time to for all of us to commit to building a safe and healthy workplace.Being healthy and safe means being free from physical and psychological harm. A safe and healthy workplace benefits all of us.  For everyone’s safety, work safely. #SafeWorkMonthWorkPac’s primary commitment is to your health and safety, and we are strong advocates of National Safe Work Month and actively encourage all of you to put safety in the forefront of your minds not just in October each year but on each and every day, take the time to think about the tasks you are undertaking, what could go wrong and how you can do it safely.Working safely can become a habit if you prioritize your own personal safety and that of others. ​WHAT we can do EVERY DAY​Work together to manage risks at workHabit number one – think about the hazards associated with the task you are about to undertake. What could go wrong? How can I do this safely? What are the controls I know are in place? Has anything changed? What else can I do to make this safer for me and my colleagues? This thought process is a basic risk assessment.Please take the time to read through the WorkPac site hazard register and the required safety controls on each site you are assigned to so that you know what the risks are!​​Work together to protect our mental wellbeingHabit number two – take care of your personal safety, including your mental wellbeing,  know your rights at work, seek assistance when necessary.Work life can at times involve psychosocial hazards, these are the things in our daily lives that can impact our mental health such as:-time pressures- Job demands- exposure to trauma- physical environment- bullying and or harassment- conflict​​Work together to support each other for safe and healthy workplaces Habit number three – Support your colleagues and team members. Being younger or inexperienced or learning a role, having a culturally diverse background,  working alone or in an isolated location, or returning to work after an injury can make some team members more vulnerable to harm.By supporting each other, we can make work safe for everyone.

Introducing Stopline and Respect@Work

04/09/2023

​Respect@Work WorkPac is committed to protecting and promoting the right of every employee to work in an environment which is free from sexual harassment and discrimination.  Recent changes to legislation mean that all employers, including WorkPac, now have a positive duty to take reasonable steps to prevent and eliminate sexual harassment and discrimination on the basis of sex in the workplace. This legislative regime is known as Respect@Work. As part of WorkPac’s zero tolerance for this type of conduct, the following documents have been updated and are available on the WorkPac website: WorkPac Code of Conduct Whistleblower Policy and Procedure Sexual Harassment PolicySexual Harassment ProcedureHarassment, Discrimination and Bullying PolicyHarassment, Discrimination and Bullying Procedure Introducing Stopline ​ WorkPac is also pleased to announce it has now engaged with Stopline to provide an independent and confidential whistleblowing service. Employees, contractors and clients of WorkPac can contact Stopline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to make a disclosure about incidents such as: TheftDishonestyBullying and HarassmentSexual HarassmentPolicy BreachesUnethical BehaviourWorkplace Safety HazardsFraudStopline can be contacted phone, email, online and by mail.P: 1300 304 550E: makeareport@stopline.com.auW: workpac.stoplinereport.comM: WorkPac C/o Stopline Pty Ltd, PO Box 403, Diamond Creek Vic 3089 Together, we can eliminate improper workplace conduct.

WORLD DAY FOR HEALTH & SAFETY @ WORK 2023

27/04/2023

​Friday 28 April is World Day for Safety and Health at Work and Workers' Memorial Day. This year’s theme is ‘A safe and healthy working environment is a fundamental principle and right at work’.  The day provides an opportunity to reflect on how to prevent work-related occupational diseases, deaths, injuries, and illnesses. It is also a day to remember those that have died from a work-related injury or illness. By raising awareness of work health and safety (WHS) issues and taking action to eliminate or minimise health and safety risks at work, we can help prevent further work-related fatalities and injuries.While the number of work-related fatalities in Australia has been steadily decreasing over the last decade, any workplace death is tragic and unacceptable. World Day is a good time to recognise the importance of work health and safety to prevent any work-related fatalities and injuries. WHS risk management can be as simple as a discussion with teammates or your manager. It is also important to remember to manage psychological and mental health risks. We encourage everyone to raise awareness about health and safety in the workplace and recommend visiting these sites for more information. Safe Work Australia - 2023 World DayAust Govt - Mental Health ResourcesLifelinePlease join the Office of Industrial Relations and the Consultative Committee for Work-Related Fatalities and Serious Incidents on Workers’ Memorial Day to commemorate those who have lost their life because of their work.When: Friday 28 April 2023 at 7:30amWhere: Watch live on the Workplace Health and Safety Queensland Facebook page

Movember - making a difference in mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer!

BY: Tracey Mesken12/11/2020

​Our fathers, partners, brothers and friends face a health crisis that isn’t being talked about. Men are dying too young. We can’t afford to stay silent. This month all across WorkPac Group we are taking action and raising awareness on Men’s Health and some of the biggest health issues being faced by men, being; prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health and suicide prevention. It’s as simple as seeing your GP and arranging a routine blood test! – We encourage you to ask about PSA testing and arrange an examination if you notice any changes as early detection can lead to better health outcomes. We are proud to promote the Movember charity and encourage all our employees to become involved with the various events being run throughout the month, such as; ‘Grow a Mo’, ‘Move for Movember’ or ‘Host a Mo-ment’ please visit the website here https://au.movember.com/about/foundationto find out more about these great fund raising and awareness programs you can become involved with.We also encourage all our employees to reach out to the professional services below if you need mental health support services;  LifeLine 13 11 14 https://www.lifeline.org.au/Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636  https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-supportR U OK https://www.ruok.org.au/Gryphon Psychology 1800 056 076 https://gryphonpsych.com.au/portfolio-items/employee-assistance-program/FreeOn-line Risk Assessment: Please click on the link to access a free Men’s Health Prostate Risk Assessment via our partners at Maxwellplus+  - It only takes 3 minutes to complete andcould save your life  https://maxwellplus.com/risk/Additional Resources: Please also take the time to view some informative Video Links for: MentalHealth & Wellbeing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjQBuowaDKY&feature=youtu.be True NorthProstate & Testicular Cancer Program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10u61DdJNaE&feature=youtu.be​

COVID-19 COMMUNICATION UPDATES

BY: Tracey Mesken 11/03/2020

​Please follow the link below for general updates on COVID-19 communications for WorkPac Group employees.workpac.com/covid19For site specific COVID-19 updates for WorkPac Group employees, please login to myworkpac and visit the following linkhttps://my.workpac.com/main/covid-19At the WorkPac Group, the health and wellbeing of our people remains our top priority. There is no cause for panic. We are monitoring and assessing the situation daily and we are taking a considered, risk-based approach to managing our response and actions.Please consult with your recruitment coordinator if you have questions relating to your personal circumstances.

How to stay safe this cyclone season

BY: Tracey Mesken12/11/2019

​Stay safe this cyclone season by making sure you’re well prepared and understand the processes to follow if a cyclone hits your area.  Keep reading for WorkPac’s full guide to cyclone season 2019/20.Where can I get information?The main sources of cyclone information are radio and television stations. During a cyclone threat, some stations keep local staff on duty 24 hours a day to broadcast cyclone information. Because of the high chance of the power supply being disrupted, it is important to have a battery-operated radio to listen for cyclone advice.The Bureau of Meteorology provides the latest watches, warnings and supporting information on this website and through its telephone service.Bureau of MeteorologyAutomated Telephone Messages: Cyclone Advice (Watch/Warning):QLD: 1300 659 212NT: 1300 659 211WA: 1300 659 210Emergency services agenciesEmergency Management Australia: Emergency Response AssistanceWestern Australia:Department of Fire & Emergency Services (DFES) Cyclone action advicePhone: 132 500 (see local phone directory for regional offices)Northern Territory:Northern Territory Emergency Services ( NTES) Cyclone action advicePhone: 131 444Queensland:Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ) Phone: 132 500 (see local phone directory for regional offices)New South Wales:State Emergency Service (SES)Victoria:Vic EmergencyVictoria State Emergency Services: Be StormsafeTasmania:TasAlertTasmanian Fire ServicesTasmanian State Emergency Services  

Sarina Ute Muster Gathers to Raise Awareness of Suicide Prevention

BY: Tracey Mesken03/10/2019

​Over this long weekend from Saturday 5 to Monday 7 October the Sarina Showgrounds will host an action-packed event of driving, bull-riding, A Show and Shine, Aussie FMX displays, live country music concerts, great food, fireworks and activities for the whole family, and there are camping options on site.The idea was hatched by Peter Zigmantas and his wife Diane, combining their love of motorsport and events with Ziggy's drive to make a difference in his local community.The event’s nominated charity for 2019 is Grapevine Group.Some years ago, Ziggy trained with the Grapevine group in responding to suicide and supporting people impacted or at risk, after the loss of his brother.Ziggy is one of 5458 people trained by the Grapevine group to provide support to his various and extensive networks including Army veterans, in his role as WorkPac Regional Risk manager, and across family and friends.The major motoring event this weekend will bring people together from the local community to promote awareness and education for suicide prevention.Ziggy’s national company WorkPac has got behind sponsoring the event to help share its message widely.Managing Director, Mr. Praanesh Prasad said suicide prevention is a hugely important issue for every Australian community and WorkPac is committed to supporting mental health programs within the company and beyond it.“Ziggy is our Regional Risk Manager and he really walks the talk; he and his wife Di have supported the great work done by the Grapevine group in the Mackay community for years, raising money and awareness, and working tirelessly behind the scenes to pull together this impressive event – it is inspiring for us all,” he said.More information:https://sarinautemuster.com/https://www.facebook.com/SarinaUteMuster2019/http://www.grapevinegroup.org.au/

Mining Industry: Safety Reset

BY: Tracey Mesken25/07/2019

​At present WorkPac Group are supporting the Mining Industry Safety Reset Campaign being undertaken across all QLD Mines and Quarries.This campaign is seeking to ensure the safety of all mining industry employees following the sad passing of six workers in the past 12 months. This safety reset is the first step in refocusing the attention of the entire Industry to its number one priority - the heath and safety of all workers and everyone’s right to return home after work.WorkPac has developed a Safety Information Bulletin to support the Mining Safety Reset Campaign and this can be viewed here.Whether you work in mining or in another high-risk industry, we ask you to please remember these key safety points:Report all Safety Incidents and Hazards to your site supervisor and WorkPac Group Immediately;Don’t undertake work if the risk is not acceptable;Stop work if the risk is not acceptable;Be aware of your surroundings at all times;Be alert when working around machinery and other hazards;Call out and report poor safety practices and behaviours;Ensure you understand the Site Safety Management System, see your Supervisor if you need more information on site-specific safety procedures.Remember - the most important thing to come off the site each day is you.

How to keep the flu at bay this winter

BY: Tracey Mesken06/06/2019

​While a sick day here and there may not seem like a bad thing the flu is not the way to have break from the day to day grind.  The flu can be contracted through direct or indirect contact, meaning that it may not be enough just to avoid people who are sick. Transmission can occur through surfaces as well as through the air. On top of this a person who has the flu may be contagious a day before they show any symptoms!So, with the flu season upon us what can you do to minimise your chance of getting sick?Wash your hands often and well – This can help kill any germs on your hands before they make you sick, it will also help to prevent spread anything that you may have.Replace hand towels often Be careful when preparing food – if you are sick you may spread germs through food preparation areas. If you are feeling unwell, ask someone else if they can prepare food for the family and only serve yourself.Use hand sanitiser RestWithout enough sleep, our immune systems are not able to work to their full strength.Eat wellEating healthy foods can help our bodies and immune system to be better prepared to fight off any illnesses.Get the flu vaccineThe best and most effective way of keeping the flu away, this is an annual vaccine.