Heat and air pollution from bushfires can be hazardous and can cause harm to people working in both indoor and outdoor work environments.

Employers have duties under work health and safety laws to manage these risks and protect worker health and safety.

See the resources and guidelines available on the Safe Work Australia website for information about the potential hazards and risks associated with working in heat and air pollution.

For more information go to the SafeWork Australia website

Several VicRoads Test Methods were re-issued, and a new issue of a calculator for RC 316.10, and up-loaded on VicRoads website on 31 January 2020, as listed in the extract from the new Index. 

Note to use the calculator RC 316.10B, you will need to “enable editing”.

Other VicRoads Test Methods, and Codes of Practice, can be found on the VicRoads website. https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/

The following are some useful links to videos about quarries.

http://www.lifeinquarries.eu/en/2018/02/01/video-life-in-quarries/

https://www.nssga.org/aggswell/

The following shows a photographic progression of Melbourne since 1945.

https://1945.melbourne/

WorkSafe VIC have released advice for doing outdoor work on days of poor air quality due to bushfire smoke. This information is not for first responders and relief and recovery personnel, such as firefighters, who may be exposed to other airborne hazards.

Read more here

The Andrews Labor Government is urging employers to do everything they can to protect workers from deadly silica dust with the introduction of a new national exposure standard.

Read more here

Every business and industry is affected to some degree by fatigue. However, some types of work and some sectors have an inherently higher risk of fatigue, particularly when shift work is part of their business model.

For more information click here.

Dear Members,

A reminder that the CMPA has been able to obtain a Group deal offer with the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI). Please find attached information on the deal between CMPA and VCCI as well as information on what the VCCI – Complete membership can provide your business.

Complete membership with the Victorian Chamber is $1200 plus GST per annum but as an exclusive offer through the CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL PROCESSORS ASSOCIATION (CMPA) Association members can join for only $600+gst!

As a Complete member some of the advice through our HELPLINE includes,

• Dismissals – Unfair and unlawful dismissal application process
• Long Service – Entitlements, calculations
• Awards – Entitlements, interpretation and wage rates, transitional provisions
• Agreements – Interpretation of agreement and agreement making process
• Superannuation – When super is payable or not payable
• Workers Compensation – Claim process, leave and super entitlements, termination process
• Unions – Right of entry provisions
• Occupational Health and Safety – General advice such as first aid officers, health and safety reps, working in office environments
• HR – Bullying and harassment claims by employees – process for investigation of matter

Plus you’ll also receive……

• Invites to complimentary member only functions
• A library of over 300 tools and customisable templates to assist businesses in putting policy and procedure in place.
• Regular communication about compliance issues and changes to legislation, and what they mean for you and your business.
• Information about government programs and funding opportunities that may help your business.

We also offer our COMPLETE members a FREE visit from one of our OHS Consultants. This includes an initial site visit of 3 hours and then a follow up site visit of 2 hours which can be beneficial for your business.

Plus you’ll receive a $400 credit that can be used for VCCI Training courses or consulting services!

COMPLETE membership also offers members the opportunity to have an Intern come into your work place to complete a short term project for your business and the Victorian Chamber will contribute $3000 to cover the cost.

CMPA members who are currently COMPLETE members of VCCI will be able to renew their membership at 50% off, a saving of $600.

CMPA members who are NOT currently COMPLETE members of VCCI can complete an membership application to also receive their membership at 50% off, a saving of $600.

Any queries regarding the deal from a VCCI perspective please contact Craig Neylon, 0447 776 677 or cneylon@victorianchamber.com.au

Last week in State Parliament, Member for Morwell Russell Northe called upon the Premier to urgently intervene into ongoing issues that are preventing the Latrobe Valley (LV) Quarry industry from achieving their potential.

For the full Media Release click here

The illegal stockpiling of dangerous toxic chemicals poses a threat to the whole community.

Targeted inspections of industrial sites by WorkSafe, EPA, fire agencies and Victoria Police have detected concerning amounts of liquid chemical waste stored within warehouses at several sites within metropolitan Melbourne and Victoria.

https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/chemicals

New Gippsland quarry to help Victoria’s big build.

A new quarry on the Bass Coast will create 20 new jobs and produce enough sand each year to fill 80 Olympic swimming pools.

The sand will go to Hanson’s Yannathan plant to produce concrete for the booming Melbourne and Gippsland construction markets and will likely be used for the foundations of houses in the growing south-eastern suburbs, new schools, road projects and the Gippsland Rail Upgrade.

For more information or to watch the video which features the CMPA click here.