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0304 annual

report

…workplace safety and health…no compromise

National O

ccupational Health and S

afety Comm

ission Annual Report 2003–2004

Annual Report 2003–2004

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0304 annual

report

National Occupational Health and Safety CommissionAnnual Report 2003–2004

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National Occupational Health and Safety Commission


© Commonwealth of Australia 2004

This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968,

no part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission from the

Commonwealth available from the Department of Communications, Information

Technology and the Arts. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights

should be addressed to the Manager, Copyright Services, Info Access, Department of

Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, GPO Box 2154, Canberra ACT 2601

or by email: [email protected]

ISSN 0818 3627 (print)

ISSN 1448 4617 (electronic)

NOHSC Office

Level 6

Alan Woods Building

25 Constitution Avenue

CANBERRA ACT 2601

Australia

Postal Address

GPO Box 1577

CANBERRA ACT 2601

Australia

Email [email protected]

Websites www.nohsc.gov.au

www.nohsc-eu.gov.au

Further information about this report

Coordination Unit

Phone +61 2 6279 1057

Fax +61 2 6279 1199

Published by the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission

Printed by National Capital Printing

Design and artwork by RTM Design

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The Hon Kevin Andrews MP

Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations

Parliament House

CANBERRA ACT 2600

Dear Minister

I have pleasure in submitting to you, for presentation to the Parliament, the annual report

of the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC) for the year ending

30 June 2004.

The annual report has been prepared in accordance with subsection 9(1) of the

Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 (CAC Act).

The financial statements contained in the annual report, as well as relevant sections

regarding operations, were prepared in the form approved by the Minister for Finance

and Administration under subsection 9(1) of the CAC Act.

The members of NOHSC, as directors under the CAC Act, are responsible for the

preparation and content of the report of operations in accordance with the Finance

Minister’s Orders.

Yours sincerely

Jerry Ellis

CHAIRMAN

10 September 2004

Australian workplaces free from injury and diseaseGPO Box 1577, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia | Level 6, 25 Constitution Avenue, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

Telephone: 02 6279 1000 | Facsimile: 02 6279 1199 | Internet: www.nohsc.gov.au | ABN: 15 902 254 524

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At a glanceThe National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC), which has members from all

State and Territory governments, the Australian Government, the Australian Chamber of Commerce

and Industry (ACCI) and the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), leads and coordinates

national efforts to prevent workplace death, injury and disease.

While Australia’s OHS performance is improving, it is estimated that more than 2,000 Australians

die each year from work-related causes.

In 2002, NOHSC developed the National OHS Strategy 2002–2012 (National Strategy) to improve

Australia’s OHS performance. All governments, the ACCI and the ACTU are committed to the National

Strategy and are contributing to achieving its aims and targets. This report describes the National

Strategy and our work in 2003–04 in accordance with its priorities. Highlights include:

� reductions in the number of work-related fatalities and incidence and severity of injuries;

� a national conference on improving OHS in the building and construction industry;

� a draft national standard to improve OHS in the building and construction industry;

� a draft national code of practice to prevent falls from heights;

� implementing a prohibition on the importation and new workplace uses of asbestos;

� draft codes of practice relating to existing asbestos in workplaces;

� an updated national standard to prevent noise induced hearing loss;

� codes of practice on preventing exposure to hepatitis and HIV/AIDS in the workplace,

and on material safety data sheets;

� a new framework for preventing occupational disease;

� national compliance initiatives in the areas of manual handling and falls from heights;

� new exposure standards declared or released for comment to provide better protection against

harm from workplace chemicals;

� improved OHS content in five priority Vocational Education and Training (VET) training packages;

� a report analysing how poor design contributes to workplace deaths and injuries and an issues

paper to guide future directions to achieve safer design;

� providing practical guidance on OHS reporting for corporate and government departments’

annual reports;

� providing practical guidance on eliminating environmental tobacco smoke from workplaces;

� publication of the fifth Comparative Performance Monitoring (CPM) report;

� commencement of a national plan to improve awareness of OHS; and

� alignment of State and Territory strategic OHS plans with the priorities of the National Strategy.

The following report gives details on these and other activities and summarises the state

of OHS in Australia. A brief description is also given of the Government’s response to the

Productivity Commission’s Report on National Workers’ Compensation and Occupational Health

and Safety Frameworks.

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Annual Report 2003–2004: National Occupational Health and Safety Commission

ContentsLetter of transmittal ..........................................................................................................iii

At a glance ........................................................................................................................iv

Chairman’s Message ........................................................................................................2

Chief Executive Officer’s Overview ....................................................................................4

Chapter 1: The state of occupational health and

safety in Australia ......................................................................................7

Chapter 2: The National OHS Strategy 2002–2012......................................................15

Chapter 3: Implementing the National Strategy

under NOHSC’s business plan....................................................................19

Chapter 4: Performance against outputs ....................................................................31

Appendix 1: NOHSC and its committees ......................................................................38

Appendix 2: Report of operations ................................................................................47

Appendix 3: Human resources ......................................................................................60

Appendix 4: Public accountability ................................................................................63

Appendix 5: Financial statements ................................................................................73

Abbreviations ................................................................................................................107

Glossary of Terms ..........................................................................................................109

Compliance Index ..........................................................................................................110

Figures and Tables ..........................................................................................................111

Index ..............................................................................................................................112

1

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2


Chairman’s MessageIn 2003–04, NOHSC estimates that more than 2,000

Australians died from workplace accidents and

disease. Whilst the incidence and number of work-

related fatalities, injuries and illnesses occurring each

year is not precise, with estimates varying widely

because of the unknown numbers attributable to

occupational disease, this is a shocking statistic.

What we do know with greater certainty about our

national OHS performance, and the size and breadth

of the problem, is just as shocking:

� in the next year about one in every 20 workers will suffer a work-related injury

or disease;

� someone will be injured seriously enough to lodge a workers’ compensation claim

every 2.4 minutes;

� tragically, our young workers will be particularly exposed, with 50 on average

suffering compensable work-related injuries every day, five of those resulting

in permanent incapacity; and

� Australia’s economy will suffer to the tune of more than $34 billion a year—

about the equivalent of the annual GDP for Tasmania, the Northern Territory

and the ACT combined.

The cost of poor OHS in terms of human misery and suffering, and in economic

terms and lost productivity, is totally unacceptable for a developed nation such as

ours. In any other field, this level of death, injury and cost would not be tolerated.

In road safety, for instance, we are rightly proud of Australia’s excellent record where

we are amongst world leaders. Yet in OHS we are a long way from leading the world.

According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the best performing country

has a record of work-related fatalities that is more than twice as good as Australia’s.

Twice as good—or, put another way, our national performance is half as good as it

ought to be.

As a community, we need to demand that OHS becomes a priority that cannot be

compromised. Employers, employees, self-employed and the broader community

must shift from a culture that accepts the status quo to one where safety comes first.

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3

Awareness is an important step. NOHSC recognises the importance of raising the

profile of OHS and is working to highlight to the community the extent of the problem,

specific issues needing urgent attention and the roles that each of us can play.

Despite recent improvements in Australia’s OHS performance, the rate of improvement

is not fast enough. NOHSC, under its National Strategy, will work to improve awareness

of the importance of sound OHS practice through our national communication plan

and adopt a national approach to educating children about safety. NOHSC will also

continue to work to improve national consistency of OHS regulation by adopting a more

uniform approach to take-up of OHS standards. Through these activities I hope we will

quickly move Australia’s status to that of a world leader in OHS performance.

NOHSC has a powerful asset in meeting these challenges in the form of its stakeholders—

all Australian governments, plus the peak representatives of employers (the Australian

Chamber of Commerce and Industry) and trade unions (the Australian Council of Trade

Unions). That asset needs to be harnessed with greater endeavour to make the vision

and targets of the National Strategy a reality.

In late 2003–04, the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations announced

changes to the national framework for shaping OHS policy in Australia. I strongly support

any changes that will lead to the improvement of Australia’s OHS performance and look

forward to working with the Minister to foster such change.

Jerry Ellis

Chairman

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4


Chief Executive Officer’s OverviewThe National OHS Strategy was again at the centre

of NOHSC’s activities in 2003–04. The value of such

a national OHS programme was clearly demonstrated

by how NOHSC executed its 2003–04 business plan

(which was framed around the principles and priorities

of the National Strategy). NOHSC refined its strategic

planning and the work to be performed in 2004–05,

using the experience gained in developing the 2003–04

plan and its results.

This report records our success in delivering what was

decided upon in the business plan. That success resulted from a very high degree of

commitment and cooperation by the members of NOHSC and improvements in the

efficiency and effectiveness of the NOHSC Office. Those improvements were assisted

by a number of measures, including: consolidating the team based approach of the

Office; simplifying its management structure; high levels of consultation between

members and staff; and a continuing focus on training and development.

During the past year, NOHSC transferred its function of risk assessments of agricultural

and veterinary chemicals to the Office of Chemical Safety (OCS) in the Department

of Health and Ageing. NOHSC concluded that, following the transfer in 2002–03 of

the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme from NOHSC

to Health, it would be in the interests of good administration and the community to

consolidate those risk assessment functions in the OCS. As a result, NOHSC’s office is

now consolidated in Canberra (the transferred function and staff are based in Sydney).

NOHSC’s affairs were administered so that its performance standards were met.

The 2003–04 financial statements show that there were no difficulties in NOHSC’s

financial administration. Savings were made in a number of areas without impeding

the performance of its work. The NOHSC Office had no major OHS incidents, reflecting

the good work of the OHS Committee and the Health and Safety Representatives over

the year and the commitment of staff to a healthy and safe workplace.

The Government responded in May 2004 to the Productivity Commission’s Report

on National Workers’ Compensation and Occupational Health and Safety Frameworks,

announcing that it proposed to replace NOHSC with a new tripartite body, the

Australian Safety and Compensation Council, which is to have a broader mandate.

The Government advised NOHSC that its staff and resources were to be transferred

to the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations as part of the proposed

changes, with the Department supporting the new Council in a way similar to how the

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5

NOHSC Office supports NOHSC. Accordingly, NOHSC and the NOHSC Office undertook

a range of preliminary steps to ensure that any changes, when finally settled upon,

would proceed smoothly. NOHSC recognised that this would be essential if the aims

of the National Strategy, which is to continue to guide national OHS efforts after any

changes are made, are to be achieved.

NOHSC is working closely with its stakeholders: governments; employer representatives;

and unions. All parties have recognised that they have obligations under the National

Strategy, and this recognition provides leadership to employers and employees to work

cooperatively on OHS issues. I take this opportunity to acknowledge the work and

participation of our stakeholders over the past year.

Finally, I thank the staff of the NOHSC Office for their outstanding efforts in a very

demanding year in again helping NOHSC to fulfil its role successfully.

Robin Stewart-Crompton

Chief Executive Officer

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As a community, we need to demand that workplace

safety and health become a priority…

…no compromisejerry ellis, chairman, national occupational health and safety commission

”“

6

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chapter 1:The state of occupational healthand safety in Australia

77

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8

Chapter 1: The state of occupational health and safety in Australia

The state of occupational health and safety in AustraliaAustralia’s labour force is about ten million. Each year, about five per cent of those workers will

suffer a work-related injury or disease.1 There are at least 2000 work-related deaths each year.2

In 2002–033, there were around 134 000 compensated injury and disease claims resulting

in one week or more lost from work. On average, someone will be injured seriously enough

to lodge a workers’ compensation claim every four minutes. The full extent of the incidence

of work-related injury and disease, however, is much higher than these figures suggest.

A survey undertaken by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in 2000 estimated that the

number of workers who experienced a work-related injury during that year was 447 000.4

The difference in these data is that workers’ compensation does not cover some segments of

the workforce, in particular, those categorised as self-employed workers. Many work-related

incidents also do not result in time off work that is sufficient to meet the requirements for

workers’ compensation. According to the ABS survey, approximately 18 per cent of the labour

force in 2000 was not covered for workers’ compensation. Recent ABS data5 indicate that

12 per cent of the workforce is self-employed. In another ABS survey 6, it was reported that

the number of workers who experienced a work-related injury leading to five or more days

time lost was about 222 000.

While these ABS data may indicate underreporting in the NOHSC data, a recent NOHSC study 7

concluded that its internal data is still a good measure for all workers with serious injuries

(ie, those leading to 10 days or more absence from work). Another study 8 indicates that

self-employed workers record similar levels of work-related injury to those of employees

when occupation and industry are taken into consideration. The NOHSC data, therefore,

are considered to provide a reasonable indicator of types of injury and disease experienced

by the whole labour force.

Employers face direct annual costs for workers’ compensation premiums of $7.5 billion.9

The direct and indirect economic costs are estimated by NOHSC at 5 per cent of GDP or

$34.3 billion.10 If a dollar cost were to be attributed to pain, suffering and early premature

death over a year, it would be equivalent to at least $48.5 billion.11

1 Australian Bureau of Statistics, Work-related Injuries Australia, September 2000, Canberra ABS 2001; Labour Force, Australia, Canberra ABS 2004.

2 This estimate is reached by combining the number of traumatic, work-related fatalities recorded by NOHSC’s National Data Set forCompensated-based Statistics (see later) with NOHSC’s estimates of the annual deaths arising from past occupational exposure tohazardous substances. Some other estimates are much higher.

3 Due to the time taken to merge and analyse workers’ compensation data nationally, the data are one financial year behind thereporting period.

4 ABS Catalogue 6324.0, Work Related Injuries, September 2000.

5 ABS Catalogue 6105.0, Australian Labour Market Statistics, July 2004.

6 ABS Catalogue 6361.0, Employment Arrangements and Superannuation, June 2000.

7 Changes to working arrangements and underreporting of work-related injury and disease in compensation systems—an assessment ofdata from pertinent ABS household-based surveys and the New Zealand Accident Compensation Corporation, NOHSC, April 2003.

8 Driscoll, T. et al., “Are the self-employed at higher risk of fatal work-related injury?”, Safety Science 41 (2003) 503–515.

9 ABS Catalogue 5204.0, Australian System of National Accounts, 2001–02.

10 Based on a ratio of direct to indirect costs developed by the NOHSC Office in 2004.

11 NOHSC Office estimate, 2004.

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9

Work-related deathThe most significant outcome from poor OHS is death. The level of work-related death

in Australia is difficult to estimate. The number of people compensated for death

(e.g., accidents at work) is recorded by NOHSC’s National Data Set of Compensation-

based Statistics (NDS). The number of people who die from disease (such as conditions

caused by exposure to chemicals in the workplace) as a result of work is more difficult

to assess and not accurately reflected in the NDS. Further work is being undertaken by

NOHSC to improve data on occupational disease to allow us to track incidence and to

target areas for prevention intervention more accurately. However, the number and

trends of work-related deaths are still useful indicators of OHS performance.

Figure 1 shows the incidence rate (number of claims per 100 000 employees) of all

fatalities from 1998–99 to 2002–03. In the period between 1998–99 to 2001–02, there

was a 22 per cent reduction in the number of compensated fatalities. Preliminary data

for 2002–03 indicate a continuing improvement. The median age for fatalities is 43 years.

Ninety-three per cent of fatalities are men and 7 per cent women. The main cause was

other and unspecified mechanisms of injury or disease, accounting for 43 per cent of all

fatalities. This mechanism includes vehicle accident, which accounted for 25 per cent

of all fatalities. Other major causes of work-related death include being hit by moving

objects (such as pedestrians being hit by trucks, buses and cars representing 18 per cent)

and exposure to chemicals and other substances (14 per cent).

Figure 1—Compensated fatalities, incidence rate, Australia 1998–99 to 2002–03

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03

per 1

00 0

00 e

mpl

oyee

s

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10


Figure 2 shows the incidence rates of fatalities by industry sector. Transport and Storage

recorded the highest fatality incidence rate in 2002–03 (17 claims per 100 000 employees),

followed by Mining (14).

Figure 2—Compensated fatalities, incidence rates by industry, Australia 2002–03

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18

Health & Community Services

Finance & Insurance

Accommodation, Cafes & Restaurants

Retail Trade

Education

Electricity, Gas & Water Supply

Property & Business Services

Communication Services

Personal & Other Services

Manufacturing

Wholesale Trade

Cultural & Recreational Services

Government Admin & Defence

Construction

Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing

Mining

Transport & Storage

per 100 000 employees

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11

0

5

10

15

20

25

1998-99 1999-2000 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03

per 1

000

empl

oyee

s

Work-related injury/disease claims

Figure 3 shows the incidence (claims per 1000 employees) rates for all injury and disease

claims from 1998–99 to 2002–03. In the period 1998–99 to 2001–02, there was a 13 per cent

drop in the rate of claims. Preliminary data for 2002–03 indicate a continuing improvement.

Figure 3 —Compensated injury/disease claims, incidence rates 1998–99 to 2002–03

Figure 4 (over page) shows the average Australian incidence rates compared by

industry. The Transport and Storage industry sector had the highest incidence rate

for injury and disease claims in 2002–03, with an incidence rate of 31 claims per 1000

employees, while the Finance and Insurance industry sector recorded the lowest

incidence rate for injury and disease claims at four claims per 1000 employees.

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12


Figure 4—Compensated injury/disease claims, incidence rates by industry 2002–03

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

Finance & Insurance


Retail Trade


Education





Wholesale Trade



Mining

Manufacturing

Construction


Transport & Storage

per 1000 employees

As shown in Table 1 (over page), body stressing, which includes muscular stress while

lifting, carrying or putting down objects and muscular stress while handling objects other

than lifting, carrying or putting down, continues to result in the highest proportion of

claims. Over 40 per cent of all injury and disease claims were recorded against this

mechanism with no sign of improvement in the last five years.

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

Finance & Insurance


Retail Trade


Education





Wholesale Trade



Mining

Manufacturing

Construction


Transport & Storage

per 1000 employees

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13

Table 1—Proportion of compensated injury/disease claims in the prioritymechanisms, 1998–99 to 2002–03

In 2002–03, 68 per cent of claims were reported by males and 32 per cent by females.

The median age for male claimants was 45 years and for females, 42 years.

ABS data show that more people are staying in the labour force for a longer time.

In 2003, around a third of the labour force was aged 45–64 years, up from only a

quarter of the labour force in 1983.12 This trend presents an extra OHS challenge

and different prevention strategies may need to be adopted to prevent injuries

and diseases occurring among older people.

While the data show there have been reductions in the incidence of work-related death

and injury or disease claims, significant numbers of Australians are still killed and injured

every year at work. A recent study undertaken by NOHSC indicates that Australia’s rate

of fatalities from injuries is around 65 per cent higher than the best performing countries,

Sweden and the United Kingdom.13 There are, however, many factors that influence where

Australia ranks internationally on OHS performance and we are continuing our research

into identifying the main factors. These may help us to direct Australian prevention

activities more effectively.

Under the National Strategy, we recognise the need for continued sustained action to

improve workplace health and safety performance. The following chapters outline the

work NOHSC has undertaken in the last year to contribute to this improvement.

Mechanism 1999–00 (%) 2000–01 (%)1998–99 (%)

Falls, trips and slips 18.6 18.819.3

Hitting or being hit by objects 21.7 21.522.6

2001–02 (%)

19.0

21.0

2002–03 (%)

19.9

21.6

Body stressing 42.0 42.140.9

Other mechanisms 17.7 17.617.1

Total 100.0 100.0100.0

41.7

18.3

100.0

40.7

17.8

100.0

12 ABS Catalogue 4102.0, Australian Social Trends, 2004.

13 Based on data from the International Labour Office.

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The cost of poor OHS in terms of human misery and suffering,

and in economic terms and lost productivity, is totally

unacceptable for a developed nation.jerry ellis, chairman, national occupational health and safety commission”

“

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chapter 2:The National OHS Strategy 2002–2012

15

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16

Chapter 2: The National OHS Strategy 2002–2012

The National OHS Strategy 2002–2012After NOHSC adopted the National Strategy in 2002, the Workplace Relations Ministers’ Council

(WRMC) endorsed it. All Ministers, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and

the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) gave formal commitments to the National Strategy.

It has since become the foundation for not only NOHSC’s business planning each year, but also for

that of Australia’s OHS authorities, as well as the ACCI and the ACTU.

The National Strategy aims for Australian workplaces to be free from death, injury and disease.

As an intermediate step in achieving this vision, the Strategy has two initial minimum targets to

be achieved by 2012. The first is to reduce the incidence of work-related injuries by at least 40 per

cent (with a minimum reduction of 20 per cent achieved by June 2007) and the second is to reduce

the incidence of work-related deaths by at least 20 per cent (with a minimum reduction of 10 per

cent achieved by June 2007).14

Far greater improvements are needed, however, for Australia to have the world’s best OHS

performance. Accordingly, it is welcome that in the Australian Government and the ACT

jurisdictions, the fatality target is zero.

The National Strategy identifies five priority areas to be addressed. These are to:

� reduce risks that have a high incidence of injury and disease or which result in serious

injury and disease;

� help business operators and workers to develop a better, shared understanding of how

to prevent occupational injury and disease;

� prevent occupational disease more effectively;

� eliminate hazards at the design stage; and

� strengthen the capacity of governments to influence OHS outcomes, through their roles

in making policy, and securing compliance with the law, as well as being major employers,

and as purchasers of goods and services.

A high level of accountability underpins the National Strategy. In November 2003, NOHSC provided

its first report to the WRMC on the Strategy’s operation. The report advised Ministers that NOHSC

framed its 2003–04 business plan by reference to the National Strategy and that it enjoyed a high

level of adoption by OHS authorities and the ACCI and the ACTU, with considerable cooperation on

national activities. NOHSC’s performance in giving effect to the National Strategy by implementing

its business plan is discussed in the next Chapter.

Uptake of the National Strategy by key partiesThe National Strategy has been successful in focusing the work of the OHS authorities, as well as the

ACCI and the ACTU. The National Strategy has become a template for priority setting. The strategic

and business plans of all OHS jurisdictions take it into account as shown in the following examples.

14 Early indications are that the incidence rate of accepted workers’ compensation claims decreased by 4 per cent from 14.6 to 14.0between 2001–02 and 2002–03. Over the same period, the incidence of compensated fatalities decreased by 10 per cent from 2.1 to 1.9fatalities per 100 000 employees.

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Chapter 2: The National OHS Strategy 2002–2012

17

National compliance and intervention campaigns initiated by the Heads of Workplace Safety

Authorities (HWSA) demonstrate the emergence of coordinated and collaborative national

programs relating to the priority risks and industries under the National Strategy. Three

campaigns were developed or undertaken in 2003–04, namely: falls from heights in construction15;

manual handling in the health and community services sector; and OHS in road transport.

The National Strategy is also influencing the long-term approach to OHS of other agencies.

Some Australian government bodies with responsibilities for industries with poor OHS

performance have taken major initiatives aligned to the National Strategy. The Seacare Authority’s

OHS Strategy is based on the National Strategy and the Conference of Chief Inspectors of Mines

developed an implementation plan for the National Mine Safety Framework to ensure overall

compatibility with the National Strategy. The Australian Logistics Council actively sought

collaboration with NOHSC in implementing the National Strategy in the freight transport

and logistics industries. During the year NOHSC worked closely with the National Transport

Commission (NTC) to develop closer links between OHS and road safety policies and regulation

by participating in various NTC activities, including strategic planning and conferences.

� NSW—adopted the national targets for reducing incidence of work-related fatalities and injuriesand has instigated a three year program (2003–06) of safety initiatives to prevent injury in high-risk areas identified under the National Strategy.

� Victoria—uses the national priorities identified by the National Strategy to direct its operations.

� Queensland—introduced the Queensland Workplace Health and Safety Strategy 2004–12 based on the principles of the National Strategy and adopting its targets and priorities.

� SA—has incorporated the national targets in the South Australian Strategic Plan.

� WA—the Commission for Occupational Safety and Health released its Strategy 2004–2007that shares the National Strategy’s vision and commits to achieving its objectives.

� Tasmania—corporate plans for the State’s OHS regulator take into account the National Strategy.

� NT—adopts key elements of the National Strategy in NT WorkSafe’s business plan.

� ACT—has acknowledged the National Strategy in its stategic plan for 2002–04 and hasintroduced a major program (Zero Injury Program) to maximise ACT’s contribution to achievingthe national targets.

� Comcare—the national targets have been adopted for the Commonwealth jurisdiction, but with a more stringent target of zero fatalities from injury. The implementation of the National Strategy is a key business planning objective for Comcare and the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission.

� ACCI—the National Strategy is central to the ACCI’s OHS policy framework aimed at achievingimproved workplace OHS performance and a nationally consistent OHS regime. The ACCI isactively promoting OHS awareness and the National Strategy across Australia through theOHS—Employers Making A Difference programme

� ACTU—the ACTU’s OHS program 2003–06 commits to the implementation of the NationalStrategy and its action plans.

15 New Zealand also participated in this campaign.

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Our aim is to use the National Strategy so that health and

safety becomes a top priority in every Australian workplace

Robin Stewart-Crompton, Chief Executive Officer,National Occupational Health and Safety Commission

”“

18

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chapter 3:Implementing the National Strategy under NOHSC’s business plan

19

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20

Chapter 3: Implementing the National Strategy under NOHSC’s business plan

In developing our 2003–04 business plan, we identified the actions that we would take under

each of the National Strategy’s five national priorities. Our underlying principle was to focus

on activities that would make the greatest difference to Australia’s national OHS performance,

whether in the short or medium term.

This chapter outlines the key work undertaken under the business plan.

Reduce high incidence and severity risksWe decided to focus our efforts in 2003–04 for this priority under the National Strategy on

three risk areas and four industry sectors with poor OHS records. The risks being targeted

were musculo-skeletal disorders; falls from heights; and hitting or being hit by objects.

These account for the great majority of compensation claims in Australia. The four priority

industry sectors that we identified for more focused activity are: building and construction;

transport and storage; manufacturing; and health and community services. These industries

account for about fifty per cent of workers’ compensation claims and fifty per cent of work-

related fatalities nationally.

In line with the deliverables outlined in the business plan for this priority, we achieved the

following results.

� We held a national conference on OHS in the building and construction industry in June

2004. The conference brought together representatives from employers, employer

associations, unions, and OHS authorities as well as other experts to develop

recommendations for action to improve the industry’s OHS performance. In 2004–05,

we will arrange meetings with CEOs from the various sectors of the industry to discuss

the leadership action that they might take.

� We developed and released for public comment a draft National Standard on Construction

Work and a draft Code of Practice for the Prevention of Falls from Height. We aim to declare

these advisory instruments in 2004–05.16

� We are currently undertaking a comprehensive review of our Manual Handling Standard

and Code of Practice. The second stage of the review process commenced with the

establishment of a working group to draft a revised standard and code of practice.

The working group includes representatives from each State and Territory, the ACCI

and the ACTU. It also includes ergonomists and policy professionals. The updated

standard and code are expected to be declared in 2004–05.

� We continued to work closely with the NTC on addressing OHS issues in land transport.

The NOHSC CEO participated in the NTC’s strategic planning workshop in March 2004

and its workshop on safety regulation in the rail industry in June 2004.

� In dealing with emerging risks, we conducted a review of data sources on fatigue and

agreed to support a study by NSW WorkCover of best practice in dealing with stress in

the health care industry.

16 The first two initiatives are in line with recommendations in the Report of the Royal Commission into the Building and Construction Industry.

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21

Improve the capacity of business operators and workersto manage OHS effectivelyAn important focus of our efforts under this priority of the National Strategy is on OHS

skills development through training and education. Details are outlined in our National OHS

Skills Development Action Plan.17 This year we worked with the Australian National Training

Authority (ANTA) to contribute to the overall review of training packages and to identify how

NOHSC can influence their OHS content.

Other key achievements in the VET sector included:

� developing OHS units for training package material and guidelines for registered

OHS certification assessors;

� reviewing five ANTA National Training Packages and supplying OHS material for them;

� contributing to ANTA’s report, Road to Transition, recommending a model for the

transition of certain OHS training and assessment into the VET system;

� publishing School to Work guidance notes for education authorities and employers

on the protection of young people undertaking work placements; and

� developing an accredited course for operators of self-erecting cranes that will be

available on the national register in 2004–05.

We also decided to encourage greater attention to safety education in schools and tertiary

institutions. Possible material for use in school curricula is now being developed, as is a

resource package to assist in developing the safe design skills of engineering students.

Prevent occupational disease more effectivelyTo achieve the aims of the National Strategy, we are giving particular attention to

the prevention of occupational disease, which is one of the Strategy’s priority areas.

In 2003–04, we consulted extensively on possible initiatives. In December 2003,

we held a workshop with representatives of all State and Territory OHS agencies,

employers, employees and a number of occupational health experts. The workshop

discussed approaches for preventing occupational disease, raising awareness of its

causes and control, and measuring the performance of prevention initiatives.

In March 2004, we adopted a national framework for preventing occupational disease,

using the results of the workshop. The framework focuses on whole-of-government

initiatives, industry sector engagement and increased skills to prevent occupational disease.

We have identified eight occupational disease categories for action, namely: musculo-

skeletal disease; mental disorders; contact dermatitis; respiratory disease; cancer;

infectious and parasitic disease; cardiovascular disease; and hearing loss.18 Research is

17 Details are available at http://www.nohsc.gov.au/NationalStrategy/ActionPlans/SkillsActionPlan.pdf

18 Amendments to update the National Code of Practice for Noise Management and Protection of Hearing at Work were declared byNOHSC in June 2004. A review of the National Standard for Occupational Noise will commence later in 2004.

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22


underway on each of the disease categories and we are also developing indicators

to monitor national progress in preventing occupational disease.

In 2004–05, the focus will be on gaining national agreement on the initial actions

to prevent occupational disease.

As part of our efforts to prevent occupational disease more effectively, we recommended

in 2000 a nationwide ban on the use, import and export of virtually all forms of asbestos.

The WRMC agreed to the proposed prohibition, with effect from 31 December 2003, with

strictly limited exceptions, and oversaw the coordinated national efforts leading up to the

introduction of consistent legislation in all jurisdictions. To assist Australian workplaces

to manage in-situ asbestos, we are developing up-to-date codes of practice for declaration

in 2004–05.

We continued our lead role for Australia in the international work on the UN Globally

Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). Australia is

leading the development of safety data sheets. In December 2003, the UN Sub-Committee

for the GHS endorsed the proposed safety data sheet, modelled on Australia’s Material

Safety Data Sheets.19 We developed a National Situation Analysis template which will assist

Australian Government departments to implement the GHS as a new hazard classification

and communication tool for their sectors.

We have a number of national standards, codes and guidance materials relating to

hazardous chemicals in workplaces. These instruments constitute NOHSC’s Hazardous

Substances Regulatory Framework. In July 2003, we agreed on priority areas for action

in reviewing the Framework. They include its simplification and alignment with major

international chemical hazard programs, including the GHS.

The Framework includes national exposure standards. We have continued our

‘fast track’ process for non-controversial exposure standards, declaring one in 2003–04.

Work commenced on several more. A revised exposure standard for crystalline silica

was subject to a public comment period and its declaration is expected in 2004–05.

A web-based Dangerous Goods Ready Reckoner will be finalised in 2004–05, providing

guidance on the storage and handling of dangerous goods. It will underpin practical

guidance to be developed by the jurisdictions.

In October 2003, we issued a revised guidance note for eliminating passive smoking in

the workplace and, in December 2003, we declared a revised code of practice for the

control of work-related exposure to Hepatitis and HIV (blood borne) viruses.

19 NOHSC’s code of practice for MSDSs has been updated to conform with the GHS. It was declared in July 2003 and will take effect in 2006.

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23

Eliminate hazards at the design stageWe recognise that responsibility to eliminate hazards or control risk rests at its source.

Accordingly, for this priority under the National Strategy, we have a major program to

promote safe design.

In 2003–04, we commissioned a study of the contribution of design to injuries and

fatalities. The study showed that design contributes to over thirty per cent of work-

related serious and fatal injuries in Australia. In addition, thirty-seven per cent of

fatalities identified from the National Coroners Information System (NCIS) definitely

or probably had design-related issues involved. Detailed case studies and international

comparisons will be completed in 2004–05.

Our issues paper on safe design was circulated widely to OHS stakeholders and members

of the design, engineering and construction sectors in December 2003. Responses were

received from a broad industry cross-section, including: the Royal Australian Institute

of Architects; the Master Builders Australia; the Housing Industry Association; and the

Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors. Most OHS authorities also responded.

The following key themes and possible future directions were identified:

� enhancing the focus on education, information exchange and research;

� using frameworks such as the Building Code of Australia to promote safe design;

� ensuring that innovation in design is not impeded; and

� improving data to provide early identification of design-related injuries.

Key principles of safe design are being included in NOHSC’s national standards.

Work has commenced on a safe design guide that will provide clearer explanations

of definitions and examples of practical application of safe design for: buildings and

structures; plant; substances; and work processes. It will also assist designers with

their responsibilities.

We discussed the building code with the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB)

to achieve better provision for safe design. We also provided information to the

Productivity Commission to assist its research study of reform of building regulation.

A compendium of Australian and international safe design information is being compiled

and will be made available in 2004–05.

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Strengthen the capacity of governments to influence OHS outcomesThis is the last of the five priorities under the National Strategy. We examined how the

supply chain can be better used by governments to improve OHS performance, while

avoiding unreasonable barriers to government markets, especially for small businesses.

As a result, we are developing materials that will provide whole-of-government guidance

on incorporating OHS considerations into procurement practices. Dissemination will take

place during 2004–05.

The Australian Government’s OHS authority, Comcare, collaborated with NOHSC and led

two projects during 2003–04:

� To inform employees of their responsibilities under OHS legislation resulting in

the development of a publication Making Work Healthy and Safe: Your Role as

an Australian Government Employee (to be released in 2004–05); and

� To examine the leadership role that governments can play in improving OHS and injury

management outcomes in government workplaces that resulted in Safe and Sound:

a discussion paper on safety leadership in government workplaces for consideration

by the WRMC.

Work in underpinning areas requiring national actionThe National Strategy identifies certain areas that underpin our work on the five priority

areas. We provided for them in our 2003–04 business plan.

National data

In 2003–04, we continued to improve national data as required under our National

OHS Data Action Plan.20 Our goal is to assist decision-making by governments, industry

sectors, businesses and at workplaces, through better and more accessible data leading

to improved OHS.

A key area under the data action plan is our National Data Set for Compensation-based

Statistics (NDS). In 2003–04, we developed third editions of the data specifications

for the collection of information on, and coding for recording information about OHS

incidents. The specifications will be introduced from 1 July 2005 and will allow more

comprehensive analysis of the NDS data.

We published several reports based on the NDS data, including the Compendium of

Workers’ Compensation Statistics, Australia 2001–02. This report provides an overview

of Australia’s OHS performance for that year, based on NDS data.

20 http://www.nohsc.gov.au/nationalstrategy/ActionPlans/DataActionPlan.pdf

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25

Work was undertaken to improve the range of data sources available on OHS.

We introduced a new data collection based on fatalities notified under the various

OHS schemes. This allows fortnightly reporting to NOHSC members on work-related

fatalities. The data set is still under development and there are ongoing discussions

with the OHS authorities to improve its usefulness.

The ABS survey of work-related injuries will be modified at our initiative to improve

the data relating to workers not covered by the workers’ compensation schemes.

These data will give more information on injury patterns for the self-employed and

contractors, as well as casual and shift workers. We will also improve OHS information

under the NDS regarding people contracted though labour hire firms, apprenticeships

and trainees programs.

In 2003–04, we completed two major data analyses to assess OHS performance

in Australia. The first compared the frequency and causes of work related fatalities

in Australia with overseas best practice. The second examined the cost to the

Australian economy of work-related injury and disease. The results of both of

these analyses will be published on our website in 2004–05.

We also took over the management of the CPM project for the WRMC from the

Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR). The project reports

every year on the OHS and workers’ compensation performance of the various

Australian OHS and workers’ compensation systems. The fifth edition was

released in 2003 and the reports sixth edition will be released later in 2004.

Research coordinationWe consider that improving our stakeholders’ knowledge and understanding of

how to prevent occupational disease and injury more effectively is essential for

the development of policy and programs under the National Strategy. In 2003–04,

we completed the revision of our National OHS Research Action Plan. The revised

Plan has a strong focus on evaluation and better use of evidence to support activities

under the National Strategy. At the same time, it recognises the need to support

Australia’s OHS research capacity.

The National OHS Research Action Plan includes three broad outcomes: a program

of research and review to support the five priorities under the National Strategy;

a coordinated and sustained national approach to OHS research; and improved

surveillance of identified and emerging OHS issues.

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In 2003–04, we commenced or completed a number of research projects, including:

� a report on the data sources that are available on the causes and effects of

work-related fatigue, which was completed in June 2004;

� literature reviews on barriers to the control of hazardous substances and the

implementation of safe manual handling practices (we are using the results in the

revision of our national standards on hazardous substances and manual handling);

� contributing to a project by WorkCover NSW to identify best practice approaches to

the prevention of work-related stress in the health and community services sector;

� the Australian OHS Research Database, detailing current and recently completed

OHS research projects, which was launched on our website in January 2004;

� support for the University of New South Wales on research about fatigue in the light

haul trucking industry and for the Australian National University (ANU) on OHS

regulatory compliance in the mining industry; and

� working with WorkSafe Victoria to develop a methodology for the surveillance

of emerging OHS issues that we will trial and refine in 2004–05.

We continue to support and work with the ANU’s National Research Centre for OHS

Regulation (the Centre). In 2003–04, the Centre completed several projects relevant

to the priorities under the National Strategy, including working papers on regulating safe

design and planning of construction works, regulatory strategies for the safe design of

plant, and the use of infringement notices in OHS law enforcement.21 NOHSC and the

Centre collaborated on a major international conference on Australian OHS Regulation

for the 21st Century that was held in July 2003.

Improve the timely and consistent national adoption of NOHSCstandards and codes

A key element of the National Strategy is the consistent and timely implementation

of NOHSC’s national OHS standards and codes. This is vital for achieving a modern

and efficient regulatory system. Table 2 summarises the extent to which each of

our priority national standards is reflected in the jurisdictions’ regimes. Most key

provisions of the standards have been given effect. The main exceptions are provisions

of the standards on major hazard facilities and dangerous goods. Their implementation

is underway in all jurisdictions and the necessary regulation is to be in place in 2004–05.

Whilst considerable progress has been made, NOHSC is concerned that not all of the core

national standards have been implemented consistently across all jurisdictions.

21 The Centre’s publications, including working papers, are available on its website at: http://www.ohs.anu.edu.au/The centre is part of the Regulatory Institutions Network in the ANU’s Research School of Social Sciences.

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27

Extent of adoption by jurisdiction (1)

National standard NSW Vic Qld WA SA Tas NT Cwth ACT

Noise (declared 1993; revised 2000) Y M Y Y Y M M Y C

Certification (declared 1992; last revised 2001) Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Manual handling (declared 1990) Y M Y M M Y M Y Y

Major Hazard Facilities (declared 1996; revised 2002) N1 M M N1 N1 N1 N1 N1 N/A

Plant (declared 1994) M M M M Y M M Y C

Dangerous Goods (declared 2001) N1 Y Y N1 N1 N1 N1 N1 M

National Model Regulations for the Control of WorkplaceHazardous Substances (declared 1995)

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y C

National Model Regulations for the Control of ScheduledCarcinogenic Substances (declared 1995)

Y Y N Y N Y Y Y N

Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances(declared 1994; revised 1999)

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Control of inorganic lead at work (declared 1994) Y N Y M M Y Y Y Y

Synthetic mineral fibres (declared 1990) Y N M Y Y M Y Y C

Exposure Standards for Atmospheric Contaminants in theOccupational Environment (declared 1990; last revised 1995)

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y C

Table 2—Status of adoption of NOHSC national standards into Regulation

Priority standards

NOTES:1. Adoption is assessed against key elements of the national standard (which are defined as aspects of the standard for which

national consistency is considered important). The assessment is not restricted to OHS regulations. It is determined by whether a jurisdiction has a legal requirement equivalent to the key element irrespective of the body of legislation or legal practice thatprovides the basis for the requirement. The assessment uses the following coding:

Y the key elements have been fully adopted M most of the key elements have been adoptedN1 Parliamentary counsel drafting bill or bill in parliament N the key elements have not been adoptedC adopted as a Code of Practice N/A no MHFs identified

National standard (1) NSW Vic Qld WA SA Tas NT Cwth ACT

Safe working in a confined space (declared 1995) M N N N Y Y N Y C

Hepatitis and HIV (declared 1993; revised 2003) M N N N N N Y Y C

Workplace injury and disease recording national standard(Declared 1990)

N N N N Y N N Y Y

Limiting exposure to Ionizing radiation (declared 1995) N N N N N N N Y C

NOTES:1. Adoption is assessed against key elements of the national standard (which are defined as aspects of the standard for which

national consistency is considered important). The assessment is not restricted to OHS regulations. It is determined by whether a jurisdiction has a legal requirement equivalent to the key element irrespective of the body of legislation or legal practice thatprovides the basis for the requirement. The assessment uses the following coding:

Y the key elements have been fully adopted M most of the key elements have been adoptedN the key elements have not been adopted C adopted as a Code of Practice

Non-priority standards

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National OHS communications planIn 2003–04, we identified that there needs to be higher community awareness of OHS

and the challenges facing Australia in improving its OHS performance. This is essential

for the National Strategy’s successful implementation and we must also secure greater

understanding by key decision makers of the problems.

To address this, we developed a plan for communicating key OHS messages more

effectively by targeting key opinion leaders and those people who can influence OHS.

The plan also aims to encourage industry associations and enterprises to commit to

the National Strategy’s vision and improving OHS performance themselves.

The implementation of the communications framework focused on two key deliverables:

aligning the communications activities of all States and Territories; and developing national

initiatives for OHS communications.

All OHS authorities have agreed to develop a national calendar of events and activities

that will be implemented progressively from July 2004. The activities include jurisdictional

safety weeks and awards schemes that will be coordinated nationally in 2005 and beyond.

� The Major Hazard Facilities Working Group in action

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29

National OHS communications initiatives undertaken during 2003–04 include a speaking

program for senior NOHSC personnel and the involvement of the Federal Workplace

Relations Minister, as well as a more active approach to media relations.

A number of NOHSC stakeholders are also actively involved in communication strategies,

including state and federal government authorities, some trade unions and the ACCI,

through its OHS—Employers Making A Difference programme.

The Workplace Relations Ministers’ Council (WRMC)The WRMC is a Ministerial Council established by, and reporting to, the Council of

Australian Governments. It is the peak Ministerial Council with responsibility for OHS.

At the WRMC meetings in 2003–04, Ministers considered a range of OHS-related matters,

including reports and recommendations from NOHSC on key national initiatives.

The Chairman of NOHSC attended the WRMC’s November 2003 meeting and discussed

developments on OHS, the state of OHS in Australia and NOHSC’s decision to communicate

key OHS messages more effectively through national communication initiatives.

During 2003–04, in considering matters raised by NOHSC, the WRMC also:

� noted the first annual report under the National Strategy;

� agreed to public consultation on NOHSC’s draft national construction safety material;

� endorsed NOHSC’s declaration of the National Code of Practice for the Control of

Work-related Exposure to Hepatitis and HIV (Blood-borne) Viruses; the National

Code of Practice for Noise Management and Protection of Hearing at Work;

and the Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances;

� noted progress on the prohibition of all new uses of asbestos in workplaces and

on the development by NOHSC of codes of practice relating to the safe handling

and removal of asbestos and the measurement of airborne asbestos;

� agreed to the sixth annual report on the chemicals component of the Trans-Tasman

Mutual Recognition Arrangement (TTMRA);

� agreed to the review of the Occupational Noise National Standard; National

Standard for Plant and Certification Standard for Users and Operators of

Industrial Equipment; and

� agreed to an evaluation of the CPM project.

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Through these activities I hope that we will

quickly move Australia’s status to that of

a world leader in OHS performance.

jerry ellis, chairman, national occupational health and safety commission

”“

30

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chapter 4:Performance against outputs

31

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32 Output 1.1

Provide national leadership for the effective implementation and further developmentof the National Strategy.

Chapter 4: Performance against outputs

Outcome and outputsOur outputs for the purposes of budget reporting 22 are outlined in Figure 5 below.

Figure 5—Current outcome and output groups

Our outcomes and outputs framework aligns our work with the National Strategy.

More details on the National Strategy can be found in Chapter Two.

Output 1.1

Provide national leadership for the effective implementationand further development of the National StrategyThis reflects our role of leading and coordinating the National Strategy’s implementation.

Commitment to, and implementation of, the National Strategy across all jurisdictions

The National Strategy has successfully focused the work of the OHS authorities in all

jurisdictions and now underpins their planning and programs. Examples are provided

in Chapter Two. Members report twice each year to NOHSC on how the work

of their organisations conforms to the National Strategy.

The national compliance and intervention campaigns initiated by the HWSA (see Chapter

Two) demonstrate the emergence of coordinated and collaborative national programs

by the jurisdictions. These are targeted at the risks and industries identified as priorities

under the National Strategy. We will continue to foster national actions and strategies

in line with the National Strategy’s priorities.

Outcome 1Australian workplaces free from injury and disease

Output Group 1.1Provide national leadership for

the effective implementation and further development of the

National OHS Strategy

Output Group 1.2Improve the prevention of

occupational death, injury anddisease across Australia

Output Group 1.3Provide a national forum for the

cooperative improvement of OHS prevention efforts

22 See Portfolio Budget Statements 2003–04, Employment and Workplace Relations Portfolio, Budget Related Paper No.1.6, available athttp://www.dewr.gov.au/publications/budget/2003/PortfolioBudgetStatements/nohsc

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Output 1.2

Improve the prevention of occupational death, injury and disease across Australia.


33

Acceptance by WRMC of reports and recommendations

We report to WRMC annually on progress under the National Strategy. The first progress

report was made to the WRMC meeting in November 2003. Because comprehensive

national workers’ compensation data are not available for at least 12 months after the

end of a financial year, the first report did not measure progress against the Strategy’s

injury and fatality targets. The WRMC accepted the report and agreed with NOHSC’s

recommendations in respect of other matters submitted to it by NOHSC.23

Achievement of deliverables and targets outlined in annual business plans

All elements of our business plan were completed in accordance with NOHSC decisions,

other than finalising guidance on positive performance indicators and whole of government

procurement. Both projects commenced in 2003–04 and will be completed in 2004–05.

Output 1.2

Improve the prevention of occupational death, injury anddisease across Australia

Extent of implementation of action plans for priorities under the National Strategy

Action plans have been implemented for the five priorities under the National Strategy.

There are further action plans for improving national OHS data, research and communication.

Activity completed under the plans in 2003–04 is described in Chapter Two.

Uptake by target groups of advice and information provided by NOHSC

Our data were again used to provide the information and analysis contained in the fifth

edition of the CPM report submitted to, and accepted by, the WRMC.

Our national exposure standards for chemicals were implemented through the relevant

regulation in each jurisdiction. The revision of our occupational noise code is being given

effect in those jurisdictions that have not yet provided for the relevant requirements.

We provided advice and information to the media on a range of OHS issues, including

wide reporting of the commencement of the prohibition of all new uses of asbestos on

31 December 2004.

Achievement of deliverables and targets outlined in annual business plans

See Output 1.1 above.

23 A paper on safety leadership by governments was deferred by the WRMC for further consideration.

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34 Output 1.3

Provide a national forum for the cooperative improvement of OHS prevention efforts.


Output 1.3

Provide a national forum for the cooperative improvement of OHS prevention effortsThe NOHSC Act sets out the objectives of the Commission, including the provision,

in the public interest, of a forum by which representatives of the Australian Government,

the Governments of the States and Territories, and of employers and employees,

may consult together in, and participate in the development and formulation of

policies and strategies relating to, OHS matters.

Output 1.3 seeks NOHSC’s continuous improvement as a forum to lead the national efforts

to improve Australia’s OHS performance. The output reflects our statutory role.

NOHSC meets three times a year and our committees and working parties perform

much of our work. In September 2003, the Executive Committee reviewed NOHSC’s

subcommittees and agreed to abolish the Information Management Working Group

and the Research Advisory Panel, dealing in future with these areas less formally.

The Executive Committee decided that the Workers’ Compensation Data Suppliers’

Forum would continue to meet, but not as a subcommittee. The Chemical Standards

Subcommittee and the Skills Development Subcommittee both continued with improved

operational arrangements. In addition, the Audit Committee’s Charter was updated

during the year and approved by NOHSC in July 2004.

The three-year terms of sixteen NOHSC members expired in February 2004. One new

member and fourteen reappointed members commenced their terms on 21 February 2004.

The Minister for Health and Ageing did not nominate a member to NOHSC at that time.

Three NOHSC meetings and fourteen committee meetings were held in 2003–04.

Further information about NOHSC and its Committees is in Appendix 1.

Stakeholder satisfaction

In June 2004, NOHSC members were asked about their satisfaction with NOHSC

and the support provided by the NOHSC Office.

The rating for NOHSC’s performance against its objective of improving the prevention

of occupational death, injury and disease across Australia varied from ‘average’ to

‘excellent’. Satisfaction with NOHSC’s performance in providing national leadership

for the effective implementation and further development of the National Strategy

was rated ‘average’ by members (one member rated NOHSC’s performance as ‘poor’).

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Output 1.3

Provide a national forum for the cooperative improvement of OHS prevention efforts.


35

The survey indicated ongoing satisfaction with the performance of the NOHSC Office.

Responses showed a high level of satisfaction with the quality, relevance, coverage and

accessibility of data and information. Members expressed a general level of satisfaction with

the quality, timeliness and effectiveness of advice on the regulatory framework, indicating an

improvement since last year’s survey. The organisation of, and administrative arrangements

for, meetings were again rated ‘very high to excellent’ by the majority of members.

While the comments provided by members were, apart from one instance, positive, there is

further room for improvement in each area, building on the changes made over the past year.

Productivity Commission’s report on Workers’ Compensationand Occupational Health and Safety FrameworksOn 13 March 2003, the Productivity Commission was asked to prepare a report for

Government examining national frameworks for workers’ compensation and OHS.

On 24 June 2004, the Government released the Productivity Commission’s report,

which made recommendations for extensive changes to the national arrangements

for workers’ compensation and OHS. The Government welcomed the Productivity

Commission’s findings and supported the broad direction of recommendations to

work towards nationally consistent workers’ compensation and OHS arrangements.24

The Government proposes a new tripartite body, the Australian Safety and Compensation

Council (ASCC), which will develop policy advice on workers’ compensation and OHS

programs for the WRMC. The ASCC will build on NOHSC’s achievements, whose current

work will continue under the new framework. The Government announced that it remained

committed to the National Strategy and aimed to achieve national consistency in both

workers’ compensation and OHS.

An important consequence of the Government’s decision to establish the ASCC is

the transfer of employees from the NOHSC Office to DEWR. The transfer is expected

in 2004–05. NOHSC and its Executive Committee are identifying the governance and

business issues for NOHSC.

The Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations has committed to a consultation

process with stakeholders and a target date of 1 January 2005 has been set for the

new arrangements.

24 The Hon Kevin Andrews MP, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations and The Hon Peter Costello MP, Treasurer—Response to Productivity Commission Report on Workers’ Compensation and Occupational Health and Safety, Joint Media Release, 24 June 2004.

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appendices:Appendix 1: NOHSC and its committeesAppendix 2: Report of operationsAppendix 3: Human resourcesAppendix 4: Public accountabilityAppendix 5: Financial statements

37

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Appendices: Appendix 1—NOHSC and its committees

Appendix 1—NOHSC and its committees

About NOHSC

Who we are

NOHSC is Australia’s national body that leads and coordinates national efforts

to prevent workplace death, injury and disease.

NOHSC was first established administratively on an interim basis in October 1984 by the

then Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations. The National Occupational Health

and Safety Commission Act 1985 (the NOHSC Act) was proclaimed on 20 December 1985.25

Under the NOHSC Act, the Commission is a body corporate with perpetual succession.

Our aims and functions

We aim:

� to provide national leadership to effectively implement and further develop

the National Strategy;

� to improve the prevention of occupational death, injury and disease across

Australia; and

� to provide a national forum for the cooperative improvement of OHS

prevention efforts.

In line with the National Strategy’s aims and priorities, our key functions are to:

� formulate strategies to improve national OHS performance;

� develop and declare national OHS standards and codes of practice;

� coordinate and review OHS research;

� develop, maintain, analyse and report on OHS data; and

� assist in developing national OHS skills and competencies including by

practical guidance.

Legislation

NOHSC is a tripartite statutory body established under the NOHSC Act. It is a

Commonwealth Authority for the purposes of the Commonwealth Authorities and

Companies Act 1997 (the CAC Act). The NOHSC Office, which is established under

the NOHSC Act, is a statutory agency for the purposes of the Public Service Act 1999

and consists of the CEO and the employees of NOHSC.

25 Each State and Territory has its own OHS legislation. The State and Territory governments are responsible for, among other things,inspecting workplaces, enforcing OHS legislation and administering workers’ compensation arrangements in their respectivejurisdictions. Comcare administers the Australian government’s OHS and workers’ compensation legislation applying toCommonwealth employment.

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39

Under the Administrative Arrangements Order of 26 November 2001, the Minister

for Employment and Workplace Relations has Ministerial responsibility for NOHSC.

The Hon Tony Abbott MP exercised responsibility for NOHSC until 7 October 2003

when the Hon Kevin Andrews MP was appointed as the Minister.

Structure

The Commission

NOHSC’s eighteen members include (ex officio) the Chairman and the Chief Executive

Officer (CEO) and members nominated by:

� the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations (one member) and the

Minister for Health and Ageing (one member);

� the Premier or Chief Minister of each State and Territory government

(one member each);

� the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (three members); and

� the Australian Council of Trade Unions (three members).

The members are appointed for up to three years. NOHSC met three times in 2003–04.

Accountability

NOHSC reports to the Australian Parliament through its annual report to the Minister.

The members of NOHSC are, for the purposes of the CAC Act, its directors.

� NOHSC Members

Standing (L to R): Jon Blackwell (NSW), Barry Leahy (Comcare)26, John Lloyd (DEWR), Jerry Ellis (Chairman),Mark Crossin (NT), Nina Lyhne (WA)27, Robert Pearce (Tas.), Sylvia Kidziak (ACCI), John Merritt (Vic.),Michele Patterson (SA), Peter Henneken (Qld), Peter Anderson (ACCI), Anne Bellamy (ACCI)

Seated (L to R): Robin Stewart-Crompton (CEO), Penny Shakespeare (ACT), Richard Marles (ACTU),Stephanie Mayman (ACTU), Lynne Fitzgerald (ACTU)28

26 Mr Leahy attends NOHSC meetings as an observer.

27 Ms Lyhne represented Mr Brian Bradley at the 22 July 2004 meeting.

28 Ms Fitzgerald represented Mr Peter Tighe at the 22 July 2004 meeting.

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Table 3—NOHSC MembersName Responsibilities DatesExperience

Mr Robin Stewart-Crompton

Bachelor of Laws

Graduate Diploma ofInternational Law

Practitioner of theSupreme Court ofSouth Australia

CEO, NOHSC

Member, ExecutiveCommittee

Member, InformationCommittee

Member, PreventionCommittee

Appointed CEO17 Dec 2000

Appointed acting CEO27 Sep 2000

Re-appointed as nominee ofMinister forEmployment,WorkplaceRelations & Small Business21 Feb 1998

Appointed28 Mar 1996

Chief Executive Officer, NOHSC (2000 to present)

Member, Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission(1995 to present)

Commonwealth public servant (1975 to 2000) Department ofEmployment, Workplace Relations and Small Business andpredecessor Departments

Deputy Secretary (1995 to 2000)

Legal practitioner (1972 to 1975)

Mr Richard Marles

Bachelor of Laws(Hons)

Bachelor of Science

Nominated by the ACTU


Member, AuditCommittee

Re-appointed 21 Feb 2004

Appointed 20 March 2003

Assistant Secretary ACTU (since Feb 2000)

Legal Officer (1994 to 1998) then National Assistant Secretary(1998 to 2000), Transport Workers Union

Solicitor, Slater and Gordon

President, Melbourne University SRC (1988)

General Secretary, National Union of Students (1989)

Mr Peter Tighe

Electrical TradesCertificate

Basic ElectronicsCertificate

Nominated bythe ACTU


Re-appointed21 Feb 2001

1st appointed21 Feb 1998

Over 25 years experience and involvement in matterspertaining to electrical and general occupational safety

Executive member of the ACTU

Holds a number of company directorships in the electrical and electronic occupational training areas

Ms StephanieMayman

Diploma ofEducation

Nominated by the ACTU

Member, PreventionCommittee (from 25 May 2004)



Secretary—Trades and Labor Council of Western Australia(now Unions WA) (Dec 2001 to present)

Assistant Secretary—Trades and Labor Council of WesternAustralia (1995 to 2001)

Industrial Officer Australian Liquor, Hospital andMiscellaneous Workers’ Union—WA Branch (1988 to 1995)

Occupational Health and Safety Officer Trades and LaborCouncil of Western Australia

Mr Jerry Ellis

Master of Arts

Chairman, NOHSC

Chairman, ExecutiveCommittee


Appointed ActingChairman 3 March 2003

Chairman, Future Directions International (2003)

Chairman, Black Range Minerals Ltd (2000 to 2003)

Chairman, Pacifica Group Ltd (1999)

Chairman, Australia-Japan Foundation (1999)

Chairman & Director, The Broken Hill Proprietary CompanyLimited (1997 to 1998)

Chief Executive Officer, BHP Minerals Division (1991 to 1996)

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41

Name Responsibilities DatesExperience

Ms Sylvia Kidziak AM

Diploma in ElectricalTechnology

Master ofEngineeringManagement

Bachelor of Arts(Hons)

Nominated by the ACCI


Appointed21 Feb 2001

Principal Consultant, Occupational Health, Safety andEnvironment Policy, Australian Business Ltd (1984 to present)

Managing Director, SL Engineering (1979 to present)

Chairperson, ARPANSA Radiation Health and Safety AdvisoryCouncil (2002 to present)

Board Member, Dust Diseases (Workers’ Compensation) Board of NSW (1990 to present)

Member (OHS Expert), Workers’ Compensation and WorkplaceOccupational Health and Safety Council of NSW (2001 to present)

Member, NICNAS Industry Government ConsultativeCommittee (1998 to present)

Member, Federal Government Chemicals and PlasticsLeadership Group (2002 to present)

Chairperson, ARPANSA Nuclear Safety Committee (1999 to 2002)

Chairperson, Occupational Health, Safety and RehabilitationCouncil of NSW (1993 to 2001)

Ms Annette (Anne)Bellamy

Bachelor of Applied Science

Certificate in Child Health

Certificate inMidwifery

Certificate in General Nursing

Nominated by the ACCI



Appointed21 Feb 2001

Director, Health, Safety and Workers’ Compensation, Chamberof Commerce and Industry, Western Australia (and formerly theConfederation of WA Industry) (1986 to present)

Member, WorkSafe WA Commission

Member, WA Premium Rates Committee

Deputy Member, WA Workers’ Compensation andRehabilitation Commission

Mr Peter Anderson

Graduate Diploma inLegal Practice

Bachelor of Laws(Hons)

Nominated by theACCI





Director—Workplace Policy, Australian Chamber of Commerceand Industry (2002 to present)

Senior Adviser—Office of Federal Minister for Employment,Workplace Relations and Small Business (1997 to 2001)

Chief of Staff—Office of Premier of South Australia (1996) andOffice of South Australian Minister for Industrial Affairs (1994 to 1996)

Partner, Industrial and Employment Law, Fisher Jeffries (SA)Barristers and Solicitors (1992 to 1993)

Executive Director, Retail Traders Association of SouthAustralia (1988 to 1991)

Ms Kathryn (Kate)McKenzie29

Bachelor ofArts/Bachelor of Laws

Admitted as asolicitor of theSupreme Court of NSW

Nominated by thePremier of NewSouth Wales

Resigned 20 Feb 2004


1st appointed1 Dec 2000

Director General, NSW Department of Commerce (2003)

General Manager, WorkCover NSW (2000 to 2003)

Director-General, Department of Industrial Relations (Jan 2001 to present)

Deputy Director-General, NSW Cabinet Office (1993 to 2000)

29 Ms McKenzie was replaced by Mr Jon Blackwell (appointed 21 Feb 2004)

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42


Mr Brian Bradley

Diploma ofAccounting

Nominated by thePremier of WesternAustralia

Chair, PreventionCommittee




Director General, Department of Consumer and EmploymentProtection (July 2001 to present)

Commissioner, WorkSafe WA (1998 to 2004)

Chairperson, WA Workers’ Compensation and RehabilitationCommission (appointed 2000)

Director, Policy and Information, WorkSafe WA (1988 to 1995)

Executive Officer, Dept of Occupational Health and Safety WA(1985 to 1988)

Australian Government representative at the InternationalLabour Conference in 1992 and 1993 for the Development of an ILO Convention and Recommendation for the Prevention of Major Industrial Accidents

Chairperson of Expert Working Group for National Standard for Major Hazard Facilities

Chairperson of Expert Review Group for National Code ofPractice for Major Hazard Facilities

Mr Peter Henneken

Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Business

Nominated by thePremier of Qld

Chair, InformationCommittee


Appointed 20 Mar 2003

Director-General, Department of Industrial Relations, Qld.(1998 to present)

Deputy Director-General, Department of Employment, Trainingand Industrial Relations, Qld. (1998 to 2001)

Executive Director, Labour Market Reform (subsequentlyWorkplace Relations Division), Department of Training andIndustrial Relations, Qld. (1993 to 1998)

General Manager, Vocational Education and TrainingCommission, Qld. (1991 to 1993)

Executive Director, Operations, BEVFET, Department ofEmployment, Vocational Education, Training and IndustrialRelations, Qld. (1989 to 1991)

Mr Robert LindsayPearce

Bachelor of Science(MechanicalEngineering)

Nominated by thePremier of Tasmania



Appointed 4 July 2002

Director, Policy Planning and Services Branch, WorkplaceStandards, Tasmania (since 1998)

Director of Policy, Policy Division, Workplace StandardsAuthority, Tasmania (1995 to 1998)

Section Manager, Standards Development, TasmaniaDevelopment and Resources (1994)

Manager, OHS Branch and Chief Inspector of Machinery,Department of Labour and Industry, Tasmania (1985 to 1994)

Mr Mark Crossin

Diploma of Teaching

Nominated by theChief Minister of theNorthern Territory


Appointed 4 July 2002

Director, NT WorkSafe, Department of Employment, Educationand Training, NT (2002)

Manager, Employment Relations, Department of Education, NT(2001 to 2002)

General Secretary, Australian Education Union, NT (1995 to 1999)

Senior Industrial Advocate, Australian Council of Trade Unions(1989 to 1996)


Mr John Merritt

Bachelor ofEconomics

Nominated by thePremier of Victoria




Appointed 30 October 2002

Executive Director, WorkSafe Victoria, (August 2001 to present)

Managing Director, Director and Chief Executive Officer,National Safety Council (July 1998 to August 2001)

Associate Director, World Competitive Practices (Dec 1996 to July 1998)

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43

Ms MichelePatterson

Master of Science inHealth Policy andManagement

Graduate Diploma inOccupational HazardManagement

Bachelor of Arts

Nominated by thePremier of SouthAustralia


Appointed 25 Jun 2003

Executive Director, Workplace Services, Department forAdministrative and Information Services, SA (2002 to present)

Assistant General Manager, OHS Workcover Authority of NSW(1998 to 2002)

Manager, Regional Operations Division, Workcover Authority of NSW (1997 to 1998)

Manager, Industry Services Office, Department for IndustrialAffairs, SA (1997)

Mr John Lloyd

Bachelor ofCommerce

Nominated by theCommonwealthMinister forEmployment andWorkplace Relations





Deputy Secretary, Department of Employment and WorkplaceRelations (2001 to present)

Chief Executive Officer, Department of Productivity and LabourRelations, WA (1996 to 2001)

Chairman, Emergency Services Task Force, WA (1997)

Executive Director, Department of State Development, Vic.(1994 to 1996)

Mr Jon Blackwell

Master of Arts(Social Work)

Bachelor of Arts(SocialAdministration)

Nominated by thePremier of NewSouth Wales

Appointed 21 Feb 2004

Chief Executive Officer, WorkCover NSW (Aug 2003 to present)

Chief Executive Officer, Central Coast Area Health Service (1997to 2003)

Executive Director, Country Health Services Division, SouthAustralian Health Commission (1993 to 1997)

Regional Director, Pilbara Health Region, Department of Health(WA) (1989 to 1992)

Prof John Mathews

Doctor of Science(Honorary)

Doctor of Philosophy

Doctor of Medicine

Bachelor ofMedicine/ Bachelorof Surgery

Bachelor of Science

Fellow RoyalAustralasian Collegeof Physicians

Fellow Royal Collegeof Pathologists ofAustralasia

Fellow of Faculty ofPublic HealthMedicine of Australia

Nominated by theCommonwealthMinister for Healthand Ageing

Alternate, Executive

Alternate, AuditCommittee

Term expired20 Feb 2004

Re-appointed 30 October 2002

1st Appointed9 Nov 2000

Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Medical Director, PopulationHealth Division, Department of Health and Ageing

Head, National Centre for Disease Control (1999 to 2001)

Robert Menzies Professor, University of Sydney (1999 topresent)

Director (part-time), Cooperative Research Centre forAboriginal and Tropical Health (1997 to 1999)

Foundation Director, Menzies School of Health Research (1985to 1999)

Established Australian Twin Registry (with N Martin and J Hopper) (1980 to 1985)


Ms PennyShakespeare

Master ofInternational Law

Graduate Diplomain Legal Practice

Bachelor of Law(Hons)

Nominated by theChief Minister of theAustralian CapitalTerritory


Appointed 30 October 2002

Director, Office of Industrial Relations, Chief Minister’sDepartment (2002 to present)

Principal Government Lawyer, Termination, Transmission,Victoria and Minimum Entitlements Section, Department ofEmployment and Workplace Relations (2001 to 2002)

Principal Government Lawyer (Director) Organisations,Freedom of Association and Minimum Entitlements Section,Department of Employment, Workplace Relations and SmallBusiness (2000 to 2001)

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44


About NOHSC’s committeesNOHSC has established, under the NOHSC Act, a number of committees.

Figure 6 depicts the committees operating in 2003–04.

Figure 6—NOHSC 2003–04 committee structure

The Executive Committee

The Executive Committee and its membership are established by section 20 of the

NOHSC Act. NOHSC has given the Executive Committee the following responsibilities:

� to oversee the management and operation of the NOHSC Office and regularly review

financial expenditure and use of resources for NOHSC’s work;

� to develop broad planning parameters;

� to monitor and review the performance of NOHSC; and

� to undertake other matters as delegated from time to time by NOHSC.

The Executive Committee is chaired by Mr Jerry Ellis and met four times in 2003–04.

The Audit Committee

The Audit Committee was established in accordance with section 32 of the CAC Act.

It is NOHSC’s principal agent in assuring the independence of the NOHSC auditors,

integrity of management and the adequacy of the disclosures to the public.

The Committee also assists NOHSC in relation to accounting policies and

reporting practices.

Mr Len Early PSM is the Committee’s independent financial expert. A representative from

NOHSC’s internal auditors, Acumen Alliance, a representative of the Australian National

Audit Office, and the CEO also attend meetings as observers. The Audit Committee was

chaired in 2003–04 by Mr John Lloyd and met three times.

NOHSC ExecutiveCommittee

PreventionCommittee

ChemicalStandards

Subcommittee

InformationCommittee

AuditCommittee

SkillsDevelopment

Subcommittee

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45

Information Committee and Prevention Committee

NOHSC established these committees as standing committees, under section 25 of the

NOHSC Act. Each committee oversees specific priorities assigned to it by NOHSC under

the National OHS Strategy and the NOHSC Strategic Plan, and undertakes other activities

as delegated by NOHSC.

The Information Committee, which has sixteen members and is chaired by a NOHSC

member, provides advice on and contributes to planning in relation to the following areas:

� OHS data;

� OHS awareness;

� OHS skills; and

� practical guidance on OHS.

The Prevention Committee, which also has sixteen members and is chaired by a NOHSC

member, provides advice on and contributes to planning in relation to the following areas:

� national standards and codes of practice;

� support for better compliance with OHS responsibilities and strategic enforcement;

� OHS research; and

� incentives for better OHS performance.

Each committee held three meetings in 2003–04.

Table 4—Attendance at NOHSC meetings in 2003–04

Mr J Ellis, Chair (2) Mr R Marles (3)

Mr P Anderson (3) Prof J Mathews (1)

Ms A Bellamy (3) Ms S Mayman (3)

Mr J Blackwell (1—observer) Mr J Merritt (3)

Mr B Bradley (3) Ms M Patterson (3)

Mr M Crossin (2) Mr R Pearce (3)

Mr P Henneken (3) Ms P Shakespeare (3)

Ms S Kidziak (3) Mr R Stewart-Crompton (3)

Mr J Lloyd (3) Mr P Tighe (2)

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Attendance of NOHSC members at Executive Committee meetings in 2003–04

Mr J Ellis, Chair (4) Mr R Marles (4)

Mr P Anderson (3) Mr J Merritt (3)

Mr J Blackwell (1—observer) Mr R Stewart-Crompton (4)

Mr J Lloyd (3)

Attendance of NOHSC members at Audit Committee meetings in 2003–04

Mr J Lloyd, Chair (3) Mr R Marles (2)

Mr P Anderson (1) Mr J Merritt (2)

Ms A Bellamy (1—alternate) Mr R Stewart-Crompton (3—observer)

Attendance of NOHSC members at Information Committee meetings in 2003–04

Mr P Henneken, Chair (3) Mr R Stewart-Crompton (2)

Attendance of NOHSC members at Prevention Committee meetings in 2003–04

Mr B Bradley, Chair (3) Mr R Pearce (3)

Ms A Bellamy (3) Mr R Stewart-Crompton (3)

Ms S Mayman (1)

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Appendices: Appendix 2—Report of operations

47

Appendix 2—Report of operations

Section 1—Governance and accountability

Corporate and operational planning

The National Strategy guides NOHSC’s framework for corporate and operational planning.

The key planning elements are outlined below.

National OHS Strategy 2002–2012

The National Strategy provides the framework for the NOHSC Strategic Plan and

guides the collective efforts of all OHS stakeholders in improving OHS performance.

More detailed information on the National Strategy can be found in Chapter Two.

Strategic Plan 2002–2005

Our Strategic Plan outlines NOHSC’s priorities for the period 2002–2005. It provides a

clear strategic focus for NOHSC’s priorities, supports the alignment of NOHSC’s activities

with the National Strategy, and facilitates the monitoring and reporting of performance.

Business Plan 2003–04

Our annual business plans provide operational direction for NOHSC members and the

NOHSC Office by specifying work to be undertaken in line with the National Strategy.

Risk management

The Audit Committee directs and reviews NOHSC’s risk management program.

The program provides appropriate assurance regarding the identification and control

of potential risks to NOHSC’s operations.

The risk management focus in 2003–04 was on security, procurement and records

management. Risks were primarily addressed through the internal audit and fraud

control programs. Findings from the reviews indicated that NOHSC’s practices and

compliance were generally appropriate to the degree of risk identified. Where necessary,

policies and procedures were revised to reflect the findings of the reviews.

A new overall risk assessment commenced in May 2004. Actions against outcomes will

be undertaken in 2004–05.

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Internal audit

In line with its obligations under the Commonwealth’s Procurement Guidelines,

NOHSC issued a request for tender for internal audit services in December 2003.

As a result, Acumen Alliance Pty Ltd was engaged to provide those services,

commencing in March 2004. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu was the previous provider.

Eight internal audits were undertaken under the 2003–04 internal audit program.

Table 5—Areas assessed in NOHSC’s Audit Program 2003–04

Area Review action

Review of contract management and purchasingprocess. (Carried over from 2002–03.)

NOHSC has implemented revised Procurement Guidelines,including tender and contract documentation, and conductedtraining in the new procedures.

Review of records management.(Carried over from 2002–03.)

In addition to implementing a records management policy,NOHSC has conducted ongoing training for staff and regular file audits.

Information Technology security review.(Carried over from 2002–03.)

A review of NOHSC’s IT environment has been completed andan IT System Security Policy is being drafted.

Review of GST compliance. NOHSC has implemented revised GST policy and procedures.

Review of NOHSC and Committee Member Travel Arrangements.

NOHSC has implemented a centralised electronic database to store relevant information and has improved travel claim procedures.

Business Continuity Arrangements.NOHSC has updated its Information Technology BusinessContinuity Plan. Development of a more comprehensive BCPis under consideration for 2004–05.

Review of delegations.NOHSC has implemented revised people managementdelegations and financial authorisations.

Review of revised travel arrangements for NOHSC Office.

NOHSC has implemented new travel arrangements.

Fraud

No instances of fraud were detected in 2003–04.

The Audit Committee continued to monitor the NOHSC Fraud Control Plan (FCP).

Ongoing activities include:

� compulsory fraud awareness training for new NOHSC employees;

� more intensive training for team leaders and key corporate staff in the NOHSC Office;

� refresher training for other NOHSC employees;

� annual information on fraud control reported to the Attorney-General’s Department

and to the Australian Federal Police; and

� a control self-assessment process for team leaders in the NOHSC Office who provide

written certification to the CEO of the efficacy of the controls in each team.

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49

The FCP processes were supplemented during the year by internal audit reviews, including

for people management delegations, financial authorisations and IT security reviews.

The CEO recorded that fraud risks within the agency were adequately dealt with throughappropriate mechanisms in the FCP for the prevention, detection and investigation of fraudand that management systems provided for appropriate data collection and reporting andsupported the prevention and detection mechanisms in the FCP. All procedures and processeswere found to meet the specific needs of NOHSC and comply with the Commonwealth Fraud

Control Guidelines 2002.

The Fraud Control Plan will be reviewed and updated in 2004–05.

Ethical standardsNew NOHSC members are provided with a comprehensive induction kit that sets out theirrights and responsibilities. It contains all relevant legislation and explains the accountabilitiesof members, committees and sub-committees.

NOHSC promotes and expects the highest standards of ethical and honest behaviour from its employees, consistent with the requirements of the Public Service Act 1999 and otherobligations. Accordingly, the NOHSC Office includes appropriate training in its annual programof learning and development for staff. Ethics and values are also promoted in the negotiationof NOHSC’s employee performance agreements, in the NOHSC Certified Agreement andAustralian Workplace Agreements (AWAs), and in induction training for new employees.

Judicial decisions and reviews by external bodiesNo judicial decisions or decisions were made by courts or administrative tribunals that affectedthe operations of NOHSC during 2003–04. No adverse reports on NOHSC’s operations weremade in the same period by the Auditor-General or Parliamentary committees.

Internal Governance—NOHSC OfficeUnder the NOHSC Act, the CEO and NOHSC employees collectively constitute the NOHSC Office.The employees are engaged under the Public Service Act and are under the CEO’s direction.

Located in Canberra, the NOHSC Office carries out the work decided upon by NOHSC. The Office’s stakeholders and clients include:

� NOHSC and its members;

� the Minister;

� the WRMC;

� OHS professionals and their associations;

� tertiary institutions; and

� industry bodies and unions representing businesses and workers.

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Leadership Group

The Leadership Group, consisting of the CEO and SES Executive Managers, provides

strategic leadership to the NOHSC Office, focuses on outcomes and oversees the

management of the NOHSC Office, expenditure and staffing matters.

Senior Executive Group

The Leadership Group and Team Leaders join together to form the Senior Executive Group

which develops NOHSC Office policies, coordinates organisational activities and advises

the Leadership Group on strategic and operational matters.

50


Figure 7—NOHSC Office structure at 30 June 2004

Senior Executive ManagerTom Fisher

Chief Executive OfficerRobin Stewart-Crompton

Executive ManagerWayne Artuso

CorporateServices

Team

Safe Design& Skills

Team

CoordinationUnit

NationalData Team

NationalStrategy

Team

Information& Research

CoordinationTeam

ChemicalStandards

Team

GeneralStandards

Team

Executive ManagerHelen Bull

Executive Manager30

Louise McSorley

30 Drew Wagner held the position of Executive Manager responsible for the Chemicals and General Standards Teams and the AgVetfunction during 2003–04 until February 2004. Louise McSorley filled the position in a temporary capacity from January 2004 and wasappointed permanently in August 2004. The AgVet function was transferred to Health in April 2004.

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51

� The Leadership Group

Standing (L to R): Tom Fisher (SeniorExecutive Manager),Helen Bull (ExecutiveManager), Wayne Artuso(Executive Manager)

Seated (L to R): Louise McSorley(Executive Manager),Robin Stewart-Crompton(Chief Executive Officer)

NOHSC Office committeesThe NOHSC Office has three committees, each with management and employee members:

the Consultative Committee; the Occupational Health and Safety Committee; and the

Workplace Equity and Diversity Committee. Each is provided for under the NOHSC

Certified Agreement 2002–2005.

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Section 2—Corporate

Financial performance

This section of the report outlines NOHSC’s financial performance during 2003–04.

The financial statements detailing the accounting information are at Appendix 5.

Table 6—Resource summary

Actual 2003–04$000’s

Budget2004–05$000’s

Budget2003–04$000’s

Price of Outputs

Output 1.1 1,925 1,455 1,605

Output 1.2 11,394 11,920 12,036

Output 1.3 2,043 1,749 1,583

Total Output 1 15,362 15,124 15,224

Revenue

Revenue from Government 14,345 14,345 15,023

(appropriation) for outputs

Revenue from other sources 1,017 1,491 201

Total for Outcome 1 15,362 15,836 15,224

Average staffing levels 103 95 98

During the 2003–04 financial year, NOHSC recorded a surplus of $712,000. The surplus

was slightly higher than anticipated due to an increase in revenue from other sources

and savings in consultancies, property expenses and communication costs. In overall

terms, the cash reserves increased by $390,000.

The total income was $15.836 million, consisting of $14.345 million in appropriations

from Government and $1.491 million in other NOHSC revenue. The majority of the

other revenue, $939,000, was derived through a purchaser provider arrangement

with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).

In 2002–03 NOHSC repaid the final instalment of $800,000 of the $3 million pricing

increase received in 2000–01 to assist in funding the move of the NOHSC Office

from Sydney to Canberra. Appropriations for 2003–04 and the out years have

therefore increased.

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53

Other significant transactions related to completing the transfer of the Agricultural

and Veterinary Chemical section (AgVet) to the Health and Ageing portfolio. A total

of $400,000 was transferred to Health to cover employee entitlements of $118,000

and re-establishment costs of $283,000. Assets valued at $99,000 were also transferred.

Occupational health and safety for NOHSC employees

Policy and commitment statement

Workplace health and safety are of primary importance to NOHSC and all activities

of the NOHSC Office are carried out in a manner that protects the health and safety

of everyone, including employees, contractors and visitors. Our goal is no work related

accidents, injuries and illnesses, and no near-misses.

OHS management

OHS is managed in accordance with the statutory provisions of the Occupational Health

and Safety (Commonwealth Employment) Act 1991.

In July 2003, the NOHSC Office established its OHS Operational Plan 2003–2004. The plan

incorporates recommendations from an external review, conducted in 2002–03, of the

Office’s OHS management system and practices. The plan will be reviewed in 2004–05.

The NOHSC Office maintained its active approach to OHS, by a range of activities relating

to OHS obligations, staff consultation and decision-making, and employee health and

well-being. Procedures are in place for the reporting of hazards and follow-up action.

The NOHSC Office is committed to pro-active injury management. All reported injuries

and long-term absences are monitored by a rehabilitation case manager to ensure the

earliest practicable return to work of injured staff. Rehabilitation plans and return to

work programs ensure high levels of communication, awareness, and commitment to

rehabilitation.

NOHSC’s workers’ compensation premium for 2003–04 of $52,100 represented 0.84 per

cent of payroll, compared with the average premium rate for the Australian Government

sector of 1.43 per cent.

Contribution by employees

The OHS Committee, consisting of Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) and

management representatives, meets quarterly to address regular standing agenda items,

and to deal with other issues of concern or interest. There is a Designated Work Group

(DWG) to ensure that employees are suitably engaged over matters that may affect OHS

in the workplace. In-line with the OHS (Commonwealth Employment) Act 1991, staff and

unions participate in establishing the DWG and the selection of HSRs.

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Training and staff induction

OHS training, focusing on the principles of OHS risk management, was conducted in

the NOHSC Office during the year. Appropriate training was provided for HSRs, first aid

officers and fire wardens. The orientation program for new NOHSC employees explains

the importance of OHS in the workplace, employee and employer responsibilities and

the OHS policies.

OHS programs and employee initiatives

Activities during the past year relating to employment by NOHSC included:

� ongoing ergonomic and work station assessments by external occupational therapists;

� continuation of the employee assistance program;

� reimbursing employees for eyesight testing relating to use of screen-based equipment;

� reimbursing employees up to $200 for health and fitness equipment or activities;

� subsidised participation in ‘quit smoking’ programs;

� on-site health assessments and subsidised influenza vaccinations; and

� an on-site seminar in reducing the risk of cancer.

Workplace OHS inspections are carried out on a quarterly basis and as required.

Contribution to improving OHS within the Australian Public Service (APS)

NOHSC employees attend the Commonwealth Safety Management Forum to maintain

contact with other OHS professionals and to keep up to date with latest developments.

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55

Statistical Indicators

NOHSC has the following indicators to measure its OHS performance:

Table 7—OHS performance measures

2002–03 2001–022003–04

Accidents or dangerous occurrences that are required to bereported under section 68 of the Occupational Health and Safety(Commonwealth Employment) Act 1991.

2 nil3

Investigations required under section 68 of the OccupationalHealth and Safety (Commonwealth Employment) Act 1991.

nil nil nil

Notices issued under section 29 (provisional improvementnotice), section 46 (prohibition notice) or section 47(improvement notice) and directions given to the NOHSC Officeunder section 45 (power to direct that workplace etc. not bedisturbed) of the Occupational Health and Safety(Commonwealth Employment) Act 1991.

nil nilnil

Convictions for health and safety offences. nil nilnil

Scheduled internal OHS inspections. 2 44

Hazards identified. 2 122

Total reported OHS incidents. 8 99

Incidents resulting in fatalities. nil nilnil

Incidents resulting in lost time/total lost time. 3/5 days 2/28 days2/21 days

NOHSC workers’ compensation premium. $41,48032 $61,111$52,10031

Workers compensation cost. 0 $13,693$ 4,334

OHS incidents

A total of nine incidents were recorded in 2003–04, one more than in the previous

financial year. Three were accidents notified under section 68 of the Occupational Health

and Safety (Commonwealth Employment) Act 1991. Two were off-site incidents—

tripping on an uneven pavement on the way to work and falling from a bicycle on the

way home from work. A third related to an aggravation of a pre-existing knee condition.

The remaining incidents related to: two exposures to cleaning chemicals; three instances

of striking or being struck by objects; and a traffic accident.

Action was taken promptly to eliminate or minimise the risk of further incidents.

Comcare took no action in respect to any incidents.

31 This figure is an estimate. Adjustment is made during 2004–05 based on actual staffing, salary expenditure and claims experience.

32 The reduction from 2001–02 is partly attributable to the transfer of the National Industrial Chemical Assessment and NotificationScheme, including staff, to the Health portfolio.

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Planning, design and procurement

There were several staff relocations in the NOHSC premises and one minor refit

undertaken during the year to improve efficiency and amenity. Staff members were

consulted. Refit works were carried out after-hours whenever possible. The design took

into account collocation of teams, noise and access to natural light. Office lighting and

airflows were periodically checked and modified in response to individual sensitivities.

To ensure the safety of NOHSC employees, visitors and contractors on NOHSC premises,

the following measures were taken. Existing security measures were examined and will

be enhanced to introduce staff photographic passes and installation of surveillance

cameras at all points of entry. Safety cards are issued to visitors to NOHSC premises.

Contractors engaged to carry out on-site activities, such as refurbishments must show

evidence of their compliance with the requirements of the National Code of Practice

for the Construction Industry. As NOHSC is a tenant in a multi-tenanted building,

the building owner administers the induction of contractors.

Advice from occupational therapists was sought when purchasing office equipment

and safety features were taken into account in procurement decisions.

Environmental monitoring and health surveillance

Monitoring of the air conditioning plant for the NOHSC premises was conducted monthly

for biological hazards such as legionella. No problems were detected. Indoor air quality

testing was conducted on a six-monthly basis.

Procurement, assets and services

Purchasing

Procedures for contract management and procurement activity were reviewed and

improved during the year to ensure compliance with the core policies and practices in the

Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines. NOHSC employees were trained appropriately.

NOHSC established an OHS data panel through a standing offer arrangement.

Over the next two years, the panel will be used to provide NOHSC with expertise

in epidemiological and statistical analysis, actuarial services, and analysis of the health,

social and economic issues that arise from occupational injury and disease.

Where possible endorsed suppliers were used. Alternatively, NOHSC obtained quotes

from suppliers listed in publicly available documents such as the Yellow Pages.

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57

Asset management

NOHSC manages an asset base of around 227 items with a book value of $2.13 million.

These items include building fit-outs, the NOHSC library, computers and office equipment.

NOHSC has been progressively revaluing its assets to fair value in accordance with

the Finance Minister’s Orders (FMO). The computers, office equipment and fit-out

were revalued in 2002–03 and the NOHSC Library in 2003–04.

Stocktakes are undertaken on an annual basis. The 2003–04 stocktake revealed no

material discrepancies between the listed assets and the physical checks of the assets.

Property management

This year NOHSC’s sub-lease in the Alan Woods Building was renegotiated to include

an additional 160 square metres of office space and a minor office refit was undertaken.

The profile of the NOHSC Office at the end of the reporting period is:

Net lettable area 2100.4 square metres

Rent $298 per square metre

No. of persons occupying premises at 30 June 2004 95

Usage 33 21.5 square metres per person.

NOHSC sub-leases some accommodation in a building at Marrickville, NSW, from DEWR.

It is occupied by the Office of Chemical Safety (OCS) 34 and, until April 2004, by a small

number of NOHSC staff. NICNAS (which transferred to Health in 2002–03) was formerly

part of NOHSC. The lease expires on 19 February 2005. NOHSC will cost recover the

accommodation expenses until a new sublease is negotiated between DEWR and Health.

Consultancy services

NOHSC consultancy proposals must satisfy the Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines

criteria regarding value for money, open and effective competition, ethical and fair dealing

and support for other Australian Government policies. Accountability for engaging

consultants is supported by various reporting mechanisms, including this annual report.

NOHSC publishes its procurement activities through the Gazette and Publishing System.

The selection of consultants entails: assessing the merits of each proposal; the tendered

fees, charges and other costs; the relative capabilities of consultants; and the extent

of understanding of the project demonstrated by the consultant’s proposals. The CEO

or delegate must approve the proposal before a consultant is engaged. The primary

methods of engagement include public tender (advertised requests for tender),

33 Including meeting rooms, reception, storage, work areas, circulation space, computer server rooms, tearooms and washrooms.

34 OCS staff include NICNAS (who transferred to Health in 2002–03) and, since April 2004, AgVet staff. Both groups were previouslyNOHSC employees.

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select tender and direct engagement from a range of known consultants. Where they

exist, Australian Government pre-qualification lists are used to identify consultants for

select tender purposes. NOHSC also draws on DEWR’s existing contractual arrangements

with consultants, where a tender process has already been undertaken. In a limited

range of circumstances, only one consultant may be approached, for example, when

the work builds on earlier work and continuity is important. In 2003–04 NOHSC let

35 contracts for consultancy services. Expenditure against all consultancy services

in operation during 2003–04 totalled $2,029,198. Details of consultancies valued

over $10,000 let in 2003–04 are set out in Table 11 at Appendix 4.

Indemnities and insurance premiums

In 2003–04, NOHSC took out general liability insurance 35 and directors and officers

insurance 36 with the Australian Government’s insurable risk managed fund, Comcover.

These were: general liability ($100 million on any one claim); products liability

($100 million in aggregate); professional indemnity ($100 million in aggregate);

and directors’ and officers’ liability ($100 million in aggregate). The annual

premium was $20,117.

General liability and professional indemnity insurance cover is provided to NOHSC as an

organisation. Directors’ and officers’ liability insurance covers those defined as directors

and officers under the CAC Act and includes NOHSC members and senior management.

No claims were made in 2003–04.

Competitive tendering and contracting

NOHSC remains committed to examining outsourcing options in cases where this

would be beneficial. Services outsourced in 2003–04 were internal audit secured

by the engagement of consultants as detailed in Table 11 at Appendix 4. Subject

to the government’s final decisions about the proposed ASCC, market testing of

IT infrastructure support, security and cleaning services is planned for 2004–05.

Ecologically sustainable development and environmental performance

The Appropriations Acts do not specify any outcomes for NOHSC that contribute directly

to ecologically sustainable development (ESD). Even so, NOHSC contributes at a strategic

level to ESD through its focus on healthy and safe working environments and prevention

of work-related death, injury and disease. In undertaking its work, NOHSC considers

long-term and short-term economic, environmental, social and equity matters.

35 General liability and professional indemnity insurance covers any claims arising from personal injury; damage to, or loss of, or inabilityto use personal property; advertising or publicity activities; and breach of duty.

36 Directors’ and officers’ liability insurance covers any claims arising from wrongful acts of a director or officer. Directors and officers arenot insured against liabilities and costs disallowed by sections 27M and 27N of the CAC Act.

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59

NOHSC responsibilities that are most directly relevant to environmental sustainability

considerations concern its advisory standards on workplace hazardous substances,

dangerous goods, and the control of major hazard facilities (MHFs). In 2003–04,

a change was made that will help to improve ESD and environmental performance,

namely: the prohibition of all new workplace uses of asbestos. In addition, changes

to NOHSC criteria for classifying hazardous substances now allow for the communication

of the environmental hazard aspects of chemicals. Work is advancing on the strategies

to improve the nationally consistent implementation of the MHFs Standard.

NOHSC is a small office-based agency in a multi-tenanted building. The main impact

of the work of its employees on the environment is the consumption of energy, water

and consumables. Measures were in place throughout the year to minimise that impact,

including by the initiatives shown below.

Table 8—Measures implemented to enhance environmental performance

Energy consumption data is provided to the Australian Greenhouse Office for inclusion in

its annual energy report. To ensure effective review of the measures against s.516A (6)(d)

of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, an environmental

management plan was completed during 2003–2004.

Utility/equipment Measure implemented

Electricity Timer controlled, energy efficient lighting and air conditioning systems. IT equipment with energy saving features.

Vehicles Most vehicles leased by NOHSC meet or better the Vehicle Green Guide score of 10.5.

Water Purified chilled and boiling water installed in kitchen areas. Monitoring of air and water safety in air conditioning units.

Photocopiers Photocopiers able to use recycled paper.

Office Paper and Consumables Default setting of printers to double-sided printing.

Waste and recycling Recycling of waste paper and toner cartridges.Provisions in relevant contractor agreements to send demolished materials to nominated recyclers.

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Appendices: Appendix 3—Human resources

Appendix 3—Human resources

Workforce data

Table 9—Categories of employees

Salary Range No. of EmployeesClassification37

Australian Workplace Agreement 1SES Band 2

Australian Workplace Agreement 3SES Band 1

$76,515–$89,78638

9Executive Level 2

$66,892–$72,035 30Executive Level 1

$52,220–$59,517 27APS Level 6

$47,982–$50,878 6APS Level 5

$42,980–$46,702 12APS Level 4

$38,567–$41,642 5APS Level 3

$34,579–$37,567 1APS Level 2

$18,013–$33,066 0APS Level 1

Staffing overview

NOHSC had 94 employees at 30 June 2004, including four Senior Executive Service (SES)

staff. All employees are based in the NOHSC Office in Canberra.

Under a machinery of government change, ten staff carrying out the agricultural and

veterinary chemicals assessment function were transferred to the OCS within Health

on 6 April 2004. The staff were already collocated with other OCS staff in Sydney.

Certified Agreement and Australian Workplace Agreements

The NOHSC Certified Agreement 2002–2005 has a nominal expiry date of 30 June 2005.

Subject to the government's final decisions about the establishment of the ASCC and

the proposed transfer of NOHSC employees to DEWR, negotiations for a new Agreement

would commence in 2004–05.

At 30 June 2004, sixteen NOHSC Office staff were employed under AWAs.

37 The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer are statutory office holders and are not shown in this table.

38 Salary range for EL2 as per Certified Agreement—all current EL2s (with the exception of one) are on AWAs as well as several EL1s.

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Statutory office holder and senior executive service (SES) remuneration

NOHSC has two statutory officers, the Chairman and the CEO.

The Remuneration Tribunal sets the remuneration and conditions for the Chairman.

This is currently provided under Determination No. 2003/03.

The CEO is a Principal Executive Officer (PEO). The Minister, within the parameters

set by the Remuneration Tribunal, determines PEO remuneration and conditions.

The CEO determines SES remuneration and conditions in negotiation with individual

employees. Factors taken into account include work value, skills, broad APS

remuneration and market demand for the skills.

Training and development of staff

The NOHSC Office has a Performance Management Program for identifying individual

and corporate training and development needs. In conjunction with other analyses,

it was used to establish the learning and development focus during 2003–04 of

strengthening the skills of staff in relation to key business processes.

Training covered several areas including: financial management; records management;

performance management; tendering and contracting; and project management.

Training in workplace equity and diversity, OHS risk management and the APS Values

and Code of Conduct was also conducted during the year.

Workplace diversity

The Workplace Equity and Diversity (WED) Committee is a sub committee of the NOHSC

Office's Consultative Committee and includes both staff and management representation.

The Workplace Equity and Diversity Plan 2003–2005 provided the basis for the

Committee's work during the year.

NOHSC has an Harassment Complaints Procedure and a network of Workplace Contact

Officers in place to provide information and support to employees.

One Code of Conduct complaint was received in 2003–04. The independent investigation

examined alleged harassment and concluded that no charges should be laid. The parties

were informed of the outcome and reasons. Individuals within the team concerned

subsequently worked with an external provider to improve skills in communication

and conflict resolution.

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Commonwealth Disability Strategy

NOHSC is committed to improving access to OHS information to all members of the

community, including people with disabilities.

As an employer, NOHSC has employment policies, processes and agreements that aim

to eliminate discrimination in all aspects of employment for people with a disability.

In particular, NOHSC:

� provides job applicants with access to all recruitment information via the NOHSC

website and the facility to lodge their applications electronically;

� ensures that employees involved in recruitment and selections are appropriately

trained and implement the principles of reasonable adjustment;

� has engaged two peak disability bodies to conduct staff information sessions

to help raise disability awareness; and

� ensures that all contractors and training providers comply with the Disability

Discrimination Act (Commonwealth) 1992.

The WED Committee is currently undertaking a review of the NOHSC Office's Disability

Action Plan and, when endorsed by the Consultative Committee, will result in a number

of new initiatives to assist people with disabilities.

Workplace equity and diversityThe NOHSC Office has an ongoing program of information and awareness sessions

on equity and diversity. WED information is also provided to all employees via the

NOHSC intranet and also to all new employees as part of the NOHSC orientation kit.

Table 10—Employees identifying themselves in workplace diversity groups

Female TotalMale

Indigenous people 0 00

People from diverse cultural and linguistic background 6 115

People with a disability 1 32

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Appendices: Appendix 4—Public accountability

63

Appendix 4—Public accountability

Freedom of Information (FOI)The following information is provided in accordance with section 8 of the Freedom of

Information Act 1982. Information about the establishment, organisation and functions of

NOHSC can be found in Appendix 1.

Privacy Act and current FOI requests

No claims of breaches of the Privacy Act were reported. One FOI request was finalised

during the year. Only parts of the documents requested were released. Mandatory returns

under the Privacy Act and Freedom of Information Act were provided on time.

Powers

NOHSC's powers and functions are set out in the NOHSC Act. NOHSC may:

� declare, by writing, national standards and codes of practice relating to OHS

(the national standards and codes of practice are advisory instruments);

� constitute committees, as it considers necessary (committees, with the approval

of NOHSC, may establish expert working groups);

� engage consultants and determine the terms and conditions of their engagement;

� make grants of financial assistance for OHS research, education and training;

� charge such fees for its services as it may determine;

� require persons to furnish information or produce documents relating to a matter

relevant to its functions and may retain such documents for as long as necessary

(NOHSC may disseminate or publish such information, subject to advising the person

who provided the information and considering any objections the person makes);

� direct that public inquiries be conducted on specific OHS matters; and

� subject to the NOHSC Act do all things necessary or convenient to be done for,

or in connection with the performance of its functions.

For the purpose of conducting an inquiry, NOHSC may: appoint a commissioner and advisers;

determine the commissioner's terms and conditions of appointment; and terminate such

appointment at any time. A commissioner so appointed has a number of powers, for example,

a power to administer an oath or an affirmation, summons witnesses, inspect documents

produced to the commissioner and retain possession of these documents as long as necessary.

While inquiries will generally be held in public, a commissioner may direct that an inquiry or

part of the inquiry take place in private and prohibit the publication of evidence.

NOHSC may delegate any of the above powers.

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Categories of documents held by NOHSCNOHSC holds:

� reports, agendas, discussion and information papers, and minutes of meetings relating

to, or the product of, NOHSC, its committees, subcommittees and working groups;

� documents relating to the provision of advice and recommendations to the Minister

and the Chairman of NOHSC and the development of policy in relation to the

performance of NOHSC's functions;

� documents relating to the organisation, operation and administration of the NOHSC

Office, including personnel records, financial records, documents relating to staffing,

office procedures and instructions, financial and other delegations, and other

handbooks, manuals or guidelines for administrative use; and

� documents from external sources making representations or seeking assistance,

and related internal working documents and replies from the NOHSC Office,

and documents originating in the NOHSC Office seeking information from,

or providing advice to, external agencies or individuals.

Reference documents

NOHSC maintains a national reference library on OHS.

Publications

NOHSC has published a variety of brochures, newsletters, research papers, committee

and working party reports, standards, technical reports, guidelines and training and

educational material. Current publications are generally available on the NOHSC website.

Procedures and initial contact pointRequests for access to documents should be made in writing and posted to:

Coordination Unit

National Occupational Health and Safety Commission

GPO Box 1577

CANBERRA ACT 2601

Attention: Freedom of Information Officer

Initial enquiries concerning access to documents or amendment of personal records

should be directed to the Freedom of Information Officer by mail at the above address

or by telephone on +61 2 6279 1100.

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Arrangements for outside participationNOHSC consists of members nominated by the ACTU, the ACCI and Australian,

State and Territory governments. The Governor-General appoints the members.

NOHSC's committees are tripartite and include representatives of governments,

the ACTU and the ACCI. Representatives of professional organisations and community

groups, or other experts, may also be included on some committees.

Before declaring a national standard or code of practice, NOHSC must, under

section 38 of the NOHSC Act, invite persons to make representations in connection

with the proposed national standard or code. NOHSC must consider any representations

and may then alter the proposed national standard or code, if it sees fit.

Social justice and equityNOHSC has addressed social justice and equity issues by:

� using consultation to develop its OHS strategies, standards and codes of practice;

� producing disaggregated data that enable the differing experiences of particular

client groups to be identified;

� considering the economic and social composition of the workforce and,

where relevant, the experience of particular industry groups in analysing

OHS issues and formulating recommendations for action;

� taking into account small business considerations to ensure that, as far as

possible, employers and employees in small businesses are not disadvantaged

by OHS initiatives;

� facilitating access, particularly by electronic means, to OHS data, information

and resources for all interested persons;

� assisting in managing the use of chemicals by making recommendations on

the prevention of chemical-induced disease and injury to workers and the public,

and the prevention of environmental damage; and

� integrating OHS into vocational education and training, including by examining

youth and school-to-work transition programs.

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ConsultanciesNOHSC let 34 consultancy contracts in 2003–04 valued at $10,000 or more. The total

value of these contracts is estimated at $4,545,220. Details are provided in Table 11

below. (*indicates consultancy contracts let for a period greater than twelve months)

Table 11—Consultancy services

Consultant ProcessReason CostProject

Access Economics PtyLtd

Select Tender4 $35,264Reviewing the methodology for calculating andestimate of the number of workplace deaths due toinjury and disease.

Access Economics Pty Ltd Select Tender4 $101,151The provision of an analytical report reviewing themethodology used in calculating the indirect costs ofworkplace injury and illness to the AustralianEconomy and providing comments on thereasonableness of the estimates.

Access UTS Pty Ltd Direct7 $92,950Implementation of the peer review recommendationson the engineering resource package (ERP).

Acumen Alliance (ACT)Pty Ltd

Public Tender3,4,7 $100,000*Internal audit services.

Australian Chamber ofCommerce and Industry(ACCI)

Direct7 $1,056,000*Services to assist NOHSC to advance the NationalOHS Strategy 2002–2012, the NOHSC Strategic Planand annual Business Plans and to participateeffectively in NOHSC's work—2004 to 2007.

Australian Council ofTrade Unions (ACTU)

Direct7 $1,056,000*Services to assist NOHSC to advance the NationalOHS Strategy 2002–2012, the NOHSC Strategic Planand annual Business Plans and to participateeffectively in NOHSC's work—2004 to 2007.

Australian Institute ofHealth & Welfare

Direct8 $32,935Development of occupational disease indicators

Curriculum CorporationPty Ltd

Direct4 $36,142Manage research into the identification of strategiesto better integrate health and safety in the schooleducation system.

Dr John Culvenor Direct1,3,7 $46,640Develop a Safe Design Guide and Code of ConductPreliminary Literature Review for a compendium ofsafe design information.

Dr Robert McLaughlan Direct7 $10,010Peer Review of NOHSC publication—OccupationalHealth and Safety for Engineers—A ResourcePackage for Engineering Education (ERP).

Dr Robin Burgess-Limerick—Ergonomicsand ResearchConsultants

Direct1,2,3 $14,850Develop a hazard and risk assessment tool for theCode of Practice for Manual Handling.

Ernst & Young Select Tender7 $29,590IT threat and risk assessment.

Family MedicineResearch Centre,General PracticeStatistics andClassification Unit,Sydney University

Direct8 $133,100Bettering the Evaluation and Care of Health (BEACH)Services Agreement.

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Flinders Consulting Pty Ltd

Select Tender3,7 $48,345Assist in the Phase 3 of the research/analysis of theincidence of workplace injury and fatalities as a resultof design issues in Australia in the period 1997 to 2002.


Select Tender7 $90,000Analyse/research data on the incidence of designrelated workplace fatalities and injuries in Australiafor the period 1997–2002.


Select Tender3,7 $27,830Phase 2A—Quality Assurance Test and ReportAmendments.

Haystac Public AffairsPty Ltd

Select Tender3 $38,500National OHS Strategy 2002–2012—CommunicationStrategy.

Haystac Public AffairsPty Ltd

Direct3,7 $100,000Implementing the National OHS CommunicationStrategy.

Mr David Caple Direct1,2,3 $16,700Develop specific risk control sections for the NationalCode of Practice for Manual Handling.

Peka Enterprises Pty Ltd Direct7 $23,875Audit of Hazardous Substances Information System (HSIS).

Pickford & RhyderConsulting Pty Ltd

Direct3 $32,220The Revised Issues Paper for Work Area 1:Integrating Hazardous Substances and DangerousGoods Requirements


Direct3,7 $78,804Revising the National Model Regulations for theControl of Workplace Hazardous Substances[NOHSC:1005(1994)] and Code of Practice for theControl of Workplace Hazardous Substances[NOHSC:2007(1994)].


Direct7 $49,230Revising the NOHSC Guidance Note on theinterpretation of Exposure Standards forAtmospheric Contaminants in the OccupationalEnvironment [NOHSC:3008(1995)] to improve theapplication of National Exposure Standards.

Qest Consulting Pty Ltd Public Tender3,7 $95,000Consultancy services to develop background papersto contribute to the development of the Stage 1Report for the review of the National Standard forPlant [NOHSC:1010(1994)].

Safety Institute ofAustralia

Letter of OfferFunding

9 $10,000Safety Professional Task and Activity QuestionnaireProject.

Stamfords Advisors andConsultants Pty Ltd

Select Tender7 $50,000An evaluation of the Comparative PerformanceMonitoring project.

Taylor Fry ConsultingActuaries

Select Tender7 $26,400Comparative Performance Monitoring—Revision ofthe premium rate adjustment factors.

The Allen ConsultingGroup

Direct7 $38,000Review of Current Australian Jurisdictional ExplosivesRegulation and Administration.

The Allen ConsultingGroup

Direct4 $11,000Reviewing NOHSC estimate of indirect costs ofworkplace injury and illness for the 2000–01financial year.

The Allen ConsultingGroup Pty Ltd

Direct3 $15,500Provision of an economic impact analysis forincorporation in the RIS for Reviewing the CrystallineSilica Exposure Standard.

The Australian NationalUniversity—NationalResearch Centre for OHS Regulations

Direct3 $990,000*Services in relation to the National Research Centrefor OHS Regulations 2004 to 2007.

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The University of NSWas represented by the NSW Injury RiskManagement ResearchCentre

Select Tender3 $26,116A project to collect and examine data on fatigue,with focus on priority industries

With Imagination Pty Ltd Direct1 $13,068NOHSC Online Statistics Interactive (NOSI andNOS12) Database Revisions

WorkCover NSW Direct8 $20,000Work-related Stress: Causes, Impact, Solutions

Within NOHSC, consultancy services are commissioned for the following reasons:

1. need for rapid access to the latest technology and experience in its application;

2. limitations on executive time;

3. lack of in-house resources;

4. need for an independent study;

5. need for a change agent or facilitator;

6. service contracts;

7. expert or standing in field/area;

8. sole supplier of service; and

9. research funding.

In a limited range of circumstances, only one consultant may be approached. The direct engagement method may be used becausethe consultancy service will be provided by:

i a recognised and pre-eminent expert;

ii a consultant who had previously undertaken closely related work for NOHSC;

iii a consultant already engaged by NOHSC following a tender process; and

iv a consultant known to have the requisite skills where the value of the project did not justify the expense or delay associatedwith seeking tenders.


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Advertising and market researchNOHSC paid a total of $127,722 to media advertising organisations during 2003–04.

No payments were made to advertising agencies, market research, polling or direct

mail organisations. Details of payments over $1,500 are presented in the table below.

Table 12—Organisations used for advertising, market research, polling, direct and media advertising

Company Cost DateDescription

Advertising agencies Nil

Market research organisations

Nil

Polling organisations Nil

Direct mail Nil

Media advertisingorganisations

Executive Media $2,677 26 September 2003Advertisement—Agribusiness Bi-annual compendium

Executive Media $3,045 14 October 2003Advertisement—Smart Business 2004

Executive Media $1,818 30 June 2004Advertisement—Agribusiness Chain 2004

hma Blaze $2,360 22 August 2003Feature on OHS—The Australian

hma Blaze $3,437 31 July 2003Feature on OHS—National Farmers Federation Bulletin

hma Blaze $3,756 31 July 2003Public Notice—Comment on Code of Practice HIV Exposure—The Australian

hma Blaze $4,173 29 August 2003Public Notice—Comment on Proposed Amendments to the NationalExposure Standard for Crystalline Silica—The Australian

hma Blaze $2,750 12 September 2003Advertisement—Corporate Health News

hma Blaze $3,756 31 October 2003Public Notice—Comment on Proposed Amendments to Code ofPractice Noise Management—The Australian

hma Blaze $2,955 14 November 2003Feature on OHS—Australian Financial Review

hma Blaze $3,547 14 November 2003Public Notice—Comment on Proposed Amendments to NationalWorkplace Exposure Standard—The Australian

hma Blaze $10,593 30 November 2003Call for tenders—OHS Data Panel—all national daily papers

hma Blaze $3,965 30 November 2003Public Notice—Comment on Proposed Amendments to NationalWorkplace Exposure Standards—The Australian

hma Blaze $5,414 12 March 2004Public Notice—Comment on Proposed Amendments to the Code of Practice and Supporting Guidance Material for Asbestos—The Australian

hma Blaze $5,121 31 March 2004Call for tenders—Review of National Standard for Plant—The Australian, The Canberra Times

hma Blaze $3,654 18 June 2004Public Notice—Comment on Proposed National Standard forConstruction Work and National Code of Practice for the Preventionof Falls from Height in Construction—The Australian

hma Blaze $61,951 Various datesAdvertisements for general recruitment—various publications

Streaming Media $2,750 10 July 2003Sponsorship—SAI Forklift Safety Web-conference

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Partnership arrangements

Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) of New Zealand

This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishes a cooperative relationship

between NOHSC and ERMA in connection with hazardous substances used in the workplace.

The agencies have agreed to actively maintain a cooperative relationship to complement

aspects of each agency's roles and responsibilities in their respective countries.

State Administration of Work Safety (SAWS) in the Peoples’ Republic of China

In 2002, a five-year MOU was signed between NOHSC and SAWS. The MOU expresses

the mutual intention for the two organisations to cooperate on OHS matters of common

interest, including initiatives to improve OHS.

A delegation led by Mr Zheng Hui, Division Chief of the Department of Planning and Science

& Technology of SAWS, visited the NOHSC Office in April 2004.

European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EASHW)

EASHW and NOHSC entered into an MOU in 2001 to co-host a website giving access to

European and Australian OHS information.

International Occupational Safety and Health Information Centre (CIS)

NOHSC is the Australian National Centre in the CIS Centres Network, which is the product

of the ongoing cooperation of the CIS Centre and its National and Collaborating Centres

all over the world. CIS was established in 1959 to collect all relevant information about

occupational safety and health published around the world, whatever the format and the

language. It is assisted in its work by more than 120 national institutions worldwide.

As the Australian National Centre, NOHSC contributes to the CIS community in the

following ways:

� making NOHSC publications available via the CIS bibliographic database;

� providing an Australian access point to the ILO-CIS Bulletin via OHS information

on the NOHSC website;

� providing OHS information nationally through the Australian ILL network, the Australian

OHS Libraries Consortium, and by circulating ILO/CIS regional newsletters to Australian

OHS Libraries;

� providing CIS with information regarding activities in Australia of interest to the

international OHS information community; and

� providing CIS with focused Australian material on request.

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Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR)

NOHSC has an MOU with DEWR for the provision of corporate services in the areas of

payroll processing; financial services reporting; corporate contracts; and records

management. NOHSC can also use additional DEWR services, which are charged for

separately. Following a review of the MOU, some functions that are more effectively

carried out in the NOHSC Office were excluded from the MOU, eg. credit card applications.

The amended MOU was renewed for 2003–04.

Australian National Training Authority (ANTA)

A Statement of Relationship creates a collaborative relationship between NOHSC and

ANTA to assist each other in training employees to work safely through the VET system.

The mechanism for such collaboration is primarily by the integration of OHS material

into training package development and delivery.

Department of Health and Ageing (Health)

In 2002 an MOU was signed between Health and NOHSC for the continued cooperation

for the delivery of the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment

Scheme (NICNAS) following the transfer of responsibility for the Industrial Chemicals

(Notification and Assessment) Act 1989 to the Health and Ageing portfolio.

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Correct informationReference

The correct total value is$1,767,458.

Consultancy services pp 48–51

The correct amount is $11,000.Consultancy services pp 48–51

The correct total is $102,739.Consultancy servicespp 48–51

The correct information is threeCommission meetings and 18committee meetings.

Committee structurepp 26

Annual Report 2002–2003The 2002–2003 NOHSC annual report was delivered in accordance with mandatory

content requirements and timelines and was presented to the President of the Senate

on 15 October 2003. The report was subsequently tabled in the Senate and in the

House of Representatives on 15 October 2003.

The following discrepancies in information included in the 2002–2003 annual report

have been identified and correct information provided in Table 13 below.

Incorrect information

The 2002–03 annual report states that the total value for 38new consultancies valued at $10,000 or more is $1,776,105.The value amount is incorrect.

The Elmatom consultancy on the Review of the WA Code ofPractice on HIV/AIDS Code for national use was included inthe listing as valued at $5,000. This value amount is incorrect.

The payments to Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu for Internal Auditservices, including reviews of contract management andpurchasing processes, as well as records management totalled$101,568 in the 2002–03 annual report. This total is incorrect.

The 2002–03 annual report states three Commission and 21committee meetings were held during the year. This meetingtotal is incorrect.

Table 13—Corrections to NOHSC Annual Report 2002–03

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Appendices: Appendix 5—Financial statements

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Abbreviations

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AbbreviationsABCB Australian Building Codes Board

ACCI Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

ACTU Australian Council of Trade Unions

AgVet Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Assessment Function

ANAO Australian National Audit Office

ANTA Australian National Training Authority

ANU Australian National University

APS Australian Public Service

APVMA Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority

ASCC Australian Safety and Compensation Council

AWA Australian Workplace Agreement

BCP Business Continuity Plan

BEACH Bettering the Evaluation and Care of Health

CEO Chief Executive Officer

CPM Comparative Performance Monitoring

DEWR Department of Employment and Workplace Relations

DWG Designated Work Group

ERP Engineering Resource Package

ESD Ecologically Sustainable Development

ETS Environmental Tobacco Smoke

ERMA Environmental Risk Management Authority New Zealand

FCP Fraud Control Plan

FMO Finance Minister’s Orders

FOI Freedom of Information

GaPS Gazette and Publishing System

GHS Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals

HSR Health and Safety Representative

HWSA Heads of Workplace Safety Authorities

ILO International Labour Organisation

IT Information Technology

MHF Major Hazard Facility

MOU Memorandum of Understanding

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108

Abbreviations

NCIS National Coroners Information System

NDS National Data Set for Compensation–based Statistics

NICNAS National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme

NOHSC National Occupational Health and Safety Commission

NTC National Transport Commission

OCS Office of Chemical Safety

OHS Occupational health and safety

PEO Principal Executive Officer

SAWS State Administration of Work Safety, People’s Republic of China

SDAP National OHS Skills Development Action Plan

SES Senior Executive Service

SLA Service Level Agreement

TTMRA Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement

VET Vocational Education and Training

WED Workplace Equity and Diversity

WRMC Workplace Relations Ministers’ Council

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Glossary of terms

109

Glossary of termsAustralian Standard Standard developed by Standards Australia

CAC Act Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997

Executive NOHSC’s Executive Committee

Health Department of Health and Ageing

Jurisdictions Realms of governance in OHS, including New South Wales,

Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia,

Tasmania, the Northern Territory, the Australian Capital

Territory and Australian Government employment

NOHSC National Occupational Health and Safety Commission

NOHSC Act National Occupational Health and Safety Act 1985

National Code of Practice A Code of Practice relating to OHS declared by NOHSC

National Standard A standard relating to OHS declared by NOHSC

National Strategy National OHS Strategy 2002–2012, NOHSC’s National OHS

Strategy approved by the Workplace Relations Ministers’

Council on 24 May 2002

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110

Compliance Index

Compliance IndexLetter of Transmittal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii

Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Contact details including internet address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii

Review by Agency Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Overview description of agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv, 38

Role and functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Organisational structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Outcome and output structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Review of performance in relation to outputs and contributions to outcomes . . . . . 32–35

Discussion and analysis of financial performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52–53

Summary resource table by outcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Statement of main corporate governance practices in place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49–51

Certification of fraud measures in place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48–49

Policy and practices in the establishment and maintenance of

appropriate ethical standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Assessment of the effectiveness in managing and developing

human resources to achieve agency objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60–61

Statistics on staffing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Certified Agreements and AWAs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Assessment of purchasing against core policies and principles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Number of consultancy services let and total expenditure on

consultancy services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57–58, 66–68

Competitive tendering and contracting outcomes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Report on Commonwealth Disability Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Financial statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73–106

Occupational health and safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53–56

Freedom of Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63–65

Advertising and market research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Ecologically sustainable development and environmental performance . . . . . . . . . 58–59

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Figures and Tables

111

Figures and TablesFigure 1 Compensated fatalities, incidence rate, Australia 1998–99 to 2002–03 ............9

Figure 2 Compensated fatalities, incidence rates by industry, Australia 2002–03 ........10

Figure 3 Compensated injury/disease claims, incidence rates 1998–99 to 2002–03 ....11

Figure 4 Compensated injury/disease claims, incidence rates by industry 2002–03 ....12

Figure 5 Current outcome and output groups ................................................................32

Figure 6 NOHSC 2003–04 Committee Structure ............................................................44

Figure 7 NOHSC Office structure at 30 June 2004 ..........................................................50

Table 1 Proportion of compensated injury/disease claims in the priority

mechanisms, 1998–99 to 2002–03 ..................................................................13

Table 2 Status of adoption of NOHSC national standards into Regulation ..................27

Table 3 NOHSC Members ......................................................................................40–43

Table 4 NOHSC Members attendance at meetings 2003–04 ..................................45–46

Table 5 Areas assessed in NOHSC’s Audit Program 2003–04 ......................................48

Table 6 Resource summary ..........................................................................................52

Table 7 OHS performance measures ............................................................................55

Table 8 Measures implemented to enhance environmental performance ....................59

Table 9 Categories of employees ................................................................................60

Table 10 Employees identifying themselves in workplace diversity groups ..................62

Table 11 Consultancy services ................................................................................66–68

Table 12 Organisations used for advertising, market research, polling,

direct and media advertising ..........................................................................69

Table 13 Corrections to NOHSC Annual Report 2002–03 ..............................................72

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112

Index

AAbbott, The Hon Tony...39

ABS

See Australian Bureau of Statistics

ACCI

See Australian Chamber of Commerce

and Industry

ACTU

See Australian Council of Trade Unions

Andrews, The Hon Kevin...iii, 35, 39

See Minister for Employment and

Workplace Relations

ANTA

See Australian National Training

Authority

ANU

See Australian National University

APVMA

See Australian Pesticides and

Veterinary Medicines Authority

asbestos...iv, 22, 29, 33, 59

Asset management...57

Australian Bureau of Statistics...8, 13, 25

Australian Chamber of Commerce and

Industry...iv, 16–17, 20, 39, 41, 65–66

Australian Council of Trade Unions...iv, 3,

16–17, 20, 39–40, 65–66

Australian National Training Authority...21

Australian National University...26

Australian Pesticides and Veterinary

Medicines Authority...52

Australian Safety and Compensation

Council...4–5, 35

Bbusiness plan...4, 20, 47

CCAC Act

See Commonwealth Authorities and

Companies Act 1997

CEO

See Chief Executive Officer

Chairman...iii, 2–3, 6, 14, 29, 30, 38, 40,

45–46, 61, 64

Message...2–3

Chief Executive Officer...4–5, 18, 20,

38–40, 44, 48–51, 57, 61

Overview...4–5

COAG

See Council of Australian Governments

Comcare...17, 24, 55

Committees, NOHSC...39–46, 51, 63–65

Audit Committee...44, 46

Executive Committee...44, 46

Information Committee...45, 46

Prevention Committee...45, 46

Commonwealth Authorities and

Companies Act 1997...iii, 38–39, 44, 58

Comparative Performance Monitoring...iv,

25, 29

Compendium of Workers’ Compensation

Statistics, Australia 2001–02...24

Compensated injury/disease claims...

8–13, 20

Consultancies...57, 63, 66–68

Council of Australian Governments...29

Index

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Index

113

CPM

See Comparative Performance

Monitoring

DDangerous goods...22, 26–27

Department of Employment and

Workplace Relations...4, 25, 35, 57–58,

60, 71

EEcologically Sustainable

Development...58–59

Ellis, Jerry

See Chairman...iii, 6, 14, 31, 40, 44–46

Exposure standards...iv, 22, 33

FFatalities...iv, 2, 8–10, 13, 16, 20, 23–25

Compensated, by industry...10

Incidence rate...9

Financial performance...4, 52, 73–106

Freedom of Information...63–65

GGHS

See Globally Harmonised System of

Classification and Labelling of

Chemicals...22

HHazardous Substances Regulatory

Framework...22

Heads of Workplace Safety

Authorities...17, 32

Health and Ageing portfolio...53, 71

Human resources...60–62

HWSA

See Heads of Workplace Safety

Authorities

IILO

See International Labour Office...2, 13

LLabour force data...8, 60

MMajor Hazard Facilities...28, 59

Manual handling...iv, 17, 20, 25, 27

Material Safety Data Sheets...22

MHF

See Major Hazard Facilities

Minister for Employment and Workplace

Relations...iii, 3, 29, 35, 39, 61, 64

MSDS

See Material Safety Data Sheets

NNational Code of Practice for...

Control of Work-related Exposure to

Hepatitis and HIV (Blood-borne)

Viruses...27, 29

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114

Index

Noise Management and Protection of

Hearing and Work...27, 29, 33

National Coroners Information System...23

National Data Set for Compensation-based

Statistics...9, 24–25

National Occupational Health and Safety

Commission...iv, 3–5, 9, 13, 16–17, 20–21,

24–25, 29, 33–35, 38–49, 52–62, 64, 70–71

Commission members...39–43

Committees....44–46

Functions...38

Legislation...38–39

Office...49–51

Organisation...50

Structure...39, 44

National Occupational Health and Safety

Commission Act 1985...38, 63, 65

National OHS Communications Plan...3

National OHS Data Action Plan...24

National OHS Research Action Plan...25

National OHS Skills Development Action

Plan...21

National OHS Strategy 2002–2012...iv, 4,

13, 16–18, 20–21, 23–29, 32–35, 38, 45, 47

National priorities...16, 20–24

Uptake by key parties...16–17

Implementing...20–29

National Standards...26, 27, 63, 65

National Strategy

See National OHS Strategy 2002–2012

National Transport Commission...17, 20

National Industrial Chemicals Notification

and Assessment Scheme...57, 71

NCIS

See National Coroners Information System

NDS

See National Data Set for Compensation-

based Statistics

NICNAS

See National Industrial Chemicals

Notification and Assessment Scheme

NTC

See National Transport Commission

OOCS

See Office of Chemical Safety

Occupational disease...iv, 8–9, 11–13, 16,

21–22, 33, 38

Occupational health and safety...3–5, 8–13,

16–17, 20–21, 24–29, 33–35, 38–49, 53–56

Data...24–25

Jurisdictions...16–17

NOHSC Office...53–56

Standards...27

State of...in Australia...8–13

Office of Chemical Safety...4, 57, 60

Outcome and outputs...32–35, 52

Output 1.1—Provide national leadership for

the effective implementation and further

development of the National

Strategy...32–33, 52

Output 1.2—Improve the prevention of

occupational death, injury and disease

across Australia...32–33, 52

Output 1.3—Provide a national forum for

the cooperative improvement of OHS

prevention efforts...32, 34–35, 52

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Index

115

PPartnership arrangements...70–71

Performance against outputs...32–35

Priority areas, under the National

Strategy...16, 20–24

Priority industry sectors...10, 12, 17, 20, 24

building and construction...10, 12, 17, 20,

24

transport and storage...10–12, 17, 20

manufacturing...10, 12, 20

health and community services...10, 12,

17, 20

Price of outputs...52

Productivity Commission...23, 35

Property management...57

Public Service Act 1999...38, 49

Purchasing...48, 56

RResearch coordination...25–26

Risk management...47

SSafe design...23, 56

Social justice and equity...58, 65

Stewart-Crompton, Robin

See Chief Executive Officer...4–5, 18,

40, 45–46, 50

TTrans Tasman Mutual Recognition

Arrangement...29

TTMRA

See Trans Tasman Mutual Recognition

Arrangement

UUN

See United Nations...22

VVET

See Vocational Education and

Training...iv, 21, 65, 71

WWebsites...i, 62, 70

Workers’ compensation...2, 8–13, 35

Claims by industry...12

Claims in the priority mechanisms...13

Data...8–13

Incidence rates...11

Workplace equity and diversity...51, 61–62

Workplace Relations Ministers’

Council...16, 22, 24–25, 29, 33, 35, 49

Work-related injury...8, 11–13, 16, 23, 25,

29, 33, 38, 58

WRMC

See Workplace Relations Ministers’

Council

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0304 annual

report

…workplace safety and health…no compromise

National O

ccupational Health and S

afety Comm

ission Annual Report 2003–2004


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