SafeAssure Newsletter: Edition 4

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SafeAs Newsletter Important Dates SafeAssure Office Closure 22/12/23 - 07/01/2024

SafeAs News SafeAssure adds to its expertise with new team members - Courtney Guinane, WHS & Risk Consultant and - William Macdonald, Cadet Consultant.

Learn more about Courtney and William inside.

Watch our 2023 Wrap-up Video to see how the SafeAs Crew has been keeping busy throughout the year.

Recently Awarded Projects Zarraffas Franchisee WHS Management Plan Rollout Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service WHS Management System and Security Review Hay Australia WHS Management Systems Improvement Program HaulPro WHS Management Plan and NHVL Manual LSH Auto WHS Management System Gap Analysis

February - REDFEB Heart Research Month - a good time to talk about heart health in the workplace Melanoma March Great time to encourage all staff to undergo a skin check 6 March 2024 Brisbane Safety Forum (NSCA) https://www.nscafoundation.org.au/ eventdetails/20974/2024-brisbanesafety-forum 8 March 2024 International Womens Day 18 - 24 March Worlds Greatest Shave 28 April 2024 World Day for Safety and Health at Work

Acknowledgement Acknowledgement SafeAssure acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country across Australia. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging and to the continuation of the custodial, cultural and educational practices of Australia’s First People.

December 2023

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SafeAssure 2023 Wrap-up

As another year comes to an end, the SafeAssure team would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

We hope you enjoy this ‘2023 Wrap-up’ video from Gareth and the SafeAssure team, who have each been given a moment to star with some personal Christmas messages.

We thank each and every one of you for the professional and personal connections we have had with you this past year and our ongoing relationships. We look forward to continuing to work with you in 2024.

Enjoy watching the 2023 SafeAssure Wrap up

Watch the full Video here : https://vimeo.com/896018765?share=copy .

December 2023

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Industry News Work Health and Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 The Queensland Government has introduced a Bill that gives effect to some of the government's response to recommendations from the 2022 Review of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.

You can view the Work Health and Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 (the Bill) here: https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/whole/html/bill.first/bill-2023-016

Changes to NSW WHS Laws The New South Wales Government recently passed an Act that has made major changes to work health and safety laws (NSW WHS laws).

Key takeaways: Maximum penalties for Category 1 offences under NSW WHS laws will be increased to a maximum of 10 years' imprisonment, or fines of over $10 million for corporations.

Corporations may be held criminally liable in a broad set of circumstances, including the combined conduct of multiple individuals. Corporate liability may be based on a corporate safety culture that tolerates or leads to conduct constituting an offence. Corporations will need to demonstrate the taking of all reasonable precautions involving adequate management, control and supervision of officers, employees or agents, as well as adequate information communication systems.

December 2023

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SafeAssure Turns Animated!

As we bid farewell to 2023 and embrace the exciting opportunities that lie ahead, SafeAssure is thrilled to share the latest chapter in our partnership with Vmation. Over the past year, our collaboration has proven to be a great success, delivering valuable insights and information to organisations across Australia. As we head towards 2024, we are not only continuing this journey but also venturing into new and innovative territories.

In a strategic move to enhance our Work Health and Safety service offering, SafeAssure has embarked on an exciting venture into the world of animation. We have engaged Vmation to breathe life into SafeAssure with animated characters, adding a dynamic dimension to our content. These animated characters will feature in safety posters, infographics, training videos, and more, offering a fresh and engaging approach to learning.

Here's an exclusive sneak peek of our SafeAssure animated characters – a fusion of creativity and safety, soon to become your trusted companions in the journey towards a safer workplace.

The Power of Animation: Why animation, you ask? Compelling graphics, characters, and animations have a proven track record of improving learning retention rates. By introducing vibrant and relatable characters, we aim to make safety content more appealing, noticeable, and easier to understand for all workers. Our animated approach is designed to captivate attention, making safety education an enjoyable and memorable experience.

Keep an eye out for our upcoming animated content and learning materials, set to be released early in 2024.

December 2023

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Spotlight on our newest Team Members Welcoming our new SafeAssure Team Members Courtney Guinane, WHS & Risk Consultant We are thrilled to introduce Courtney Guinane, our new WHS & Risk Consultant at SafeAssure. Courtney joined our team in November 2023 and brings with her a wealth of experience as a Risk & Compliance Professional.

Courtney has a strong personal interest in the development of policies and their frameworks as well as organisational training programs. She also has an established background in HR and Administration which has enabled her to develop well honed business and client based skills.

Her extensive professional experience combined with her educational and training achievements make Courtney a great asset to both SafeAssure and our clients.

William Macdonald, Cadet Consultant We are equally thrilled to introduce William Macdonald, our new Cadet Consultant at SafeAssure. William also joined our team in November 2023 and brings extensive experience in Sales, Customer Service, Administration and Back of House Management.

William has a strong focus on building customer relationships, understanding customer needs and creating tailored solutions to meet their needs.

In addition to these skills, William brings a passion for Workplace Health and Safety that has inspired him to further develop his career within the industry and establish himself as a dedicated and knowledgeable professional in Workplace Health and Safety.

We welcome both Courtney and William to the SafeAssure family.

December 2023

Interior Plants

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Testimonial

“We’ve worked with SafeAssure for nearly 10 years and found Gareth and his team extremely flexible and customer focused.

They Justin Costanzo provide us with market leading insights and information that help us grow our business."

John Christopherson Director, Integral Construction

John‘s full testimonial can be viewed here Video Link: https://vimeo.com/896022209?share=copy

December 2023

Interior Plants

Newsletter

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Jobs Board

As you know, at SafeAssure we are committed to delivering exceptional Workplace Health and Safety services, including the recruitment and placement of quality WHS professionals across the industries we serve.

We invite you to explore the opportunity listed below, and if you know anyone who might be suitable, we encourage you to forward this opportunity so they may apply directly to: recruitment@safeassure.com.au

Join Australia’s Largest Privately Owned Construction Firm!

QSE Systems Professional This is an exciting opportunity to join one of Australia's largest privately owned construction companies! Our client is seeking a motivated and dedicated QSE Systems Professional to join their team immediately.

This is a fulltime position located in their Toowong head office, and may involve occasional interstate travel, as needed.

The QSE Systems team plays a pivotal role in the continual improvement of the organisations third party accredited quality, health and safety, and environmental systems.

Key Responsibilities: Complete a gap analysis on HSEQ systems to relevant ISO criteria and OFSC Criteria for Health and Safety system — providing recommendations or areas for critical action In coordination with the Systems team, review HSEQ procedures and ensure that systems processes and documentation is in line with jurisdictional requirements and ISO standards Work with and support the Systems Team on improvement and implementation projects Internal audit of the HSEQ management systems in line with gap analysis Facilitate close out of non-conformances identified during internal audits

December 2023

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Safety News WHSQ Construction Compliance Blitz

Navigating the WHSQ Construction Compliance Blitz for a Safer Tomorrow In the realm of workplace safety, staying informed is not just a commitment but a responsibility. As we usher in the latest updates and insights, we find ourselves at the forefront of the Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) Construction Compliance Blitz. It's time to prioritise safety on your construction sites, and SafeAssure is here to guide you through.

Understanding the WHSQ Construction Compliance Blitz: WHSQ is on a mission to fortify safe work practices within the construction industry through a comprehensive state-wide compliance blitz. Running until the end of December 2023, this initiative underscores the commitment to ensuring that every Queensland worker goes to work and returns home safe.

Key Focus Areas: The emphasis of the blitz is on high-risk activities, including working at height, scaffold, civil construction, formwork, concrete pumps, medium-rise construction, and the safety of young workers (15 to 24 years of age). The significance of this campaign cannot be overstated, as reflected in the alarming statistics from the 2022-23 period, revealing 4,350 serious injury claims in the Queensland construction sector.

The Role of WHSQ Inspectors: WHSQ inspectors will be conducting on-site visits during the blitz, and it's essential to be aware of potential On-the-Spot Fines ranging from $144 to $720 for individuals and $720 to $3600 for businesses for infringement notice offenses.

Data-Driven Insights: Between November 2022 and October 2023, WHSQ received notifications of incidents on Queensland construction sites, with a staggering 150 falls from height, 110 scaffolding-related incidents, 105 incidents involving mobile plant and electric lines, 60 civil construction incidents, 60 formwork incidents, and 50 concrete pumping incidents. These statistics underscore the need for heightened awareness and proactive safety measures - not just during the blitz, but moving forward!

December 2023

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Safety News cont...

How SafeAssure can assist you?

In times like these, SafeAssure stands as your steadfast partner in safety. We understand the complexities of compliance and are ready to support you through:

On-site WHS Audits/Inspections: Our experienced consultants can conduct comprehensive onsite audits to assess and enhance your safety protocols.

Review of WHS Management Documentation: Ensure your documentation aligns with the latest standards and regulations, providing a robust foundation for your safety practices.

Subcontractor Compliance: We'll help you navigate the intricacies of subcontractor compliance, ensuring that every aspect of your operation is aligned with WHS laws.

Remember SafeAssure is here to empower you with knowledge and practical solutions. Let's prioritise safety today for a secure and resilient tomorrow.

For any assistance or queries, feel free to reach out to our dedicated team.

QLD Embraces Game-Changing Work Health and Safety Reforms In the realm of workplace safety, staying ahead of legislative changes is paramount. 2024 is set to bring about significant Work Health and Safety (WHS) reforms to transform Queensland's safety landscape.

Following an independent review of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, led by Mr Craig Allen, former Deputy Director General of the Office of Industrial Relations; Mr Charles Massy, a barrister specialising in Industrial Relations and Employment; and Ms Deirdre Swan, former Deputy President of the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission, the Queensland Government has embraced all 31 recommendations outlined in the Review Report, heralding a new era of legislative changes, slated for 2024.

December 2023

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Safety News cont...

What's in Store: Key Amendments The forthcoming amendments zero in on several crucial aspects: Empowering Health and Safety Representatives: Strengthening and promoting the role of health and safety representatives, including clarity on powers and functions.

Enhanced Consultation: Fostering consultation about WHS with workers and their representatives, ensuring a collaborative approach to safety.

Rights of Entry Permit Holders: Clarifying the rights of entry permit holders concerning suspected contraventions of the WHS Act. Union Involvement: Affirming the role of relevant unions in assisting and representing workers on WHS issues, with exclusions for specific associations.

Streamlined Dispute Resolution: Streamlining the dispute resolution process and transferring certain proceedings to the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission.

Aligning with the national agenda, the reforms incorporate nine recommendations from the 2018 Review of the Model Work Health and Safety Laws. This reinforces consistency and standards across Australia, promoting a unified approach to workplace safety.

For those eager to delve deeper into the reforms, you can explore the full Review Report and Government Response here: https://www.oir.qld.gov.au/work-health-and-safety-act-2011-review

December 2023

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Supplying to Qld Government Funded Projects In a collaborative effort to empower local businesses aiming to become key suppliers for Queensland's major projects, the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government, and Planning hosted an event on October 19, 2023. The gathering brought together diverse businesses, including trade services, wholesalers, manufacturers, and service providers, shedding light on tendering processes and upscaling strategies.

Queensland's major projects, such as Queens Wharf and Brisbane Olympics 2032, play a pivotal role in the state's economy. To assist businesses aspiring to thrive in this sector, SafeAssure extends an invitation to connect and explore avenues of collaboration.

Safety is paramount in major projects, and SafeAssure is committed to supporting businesses at every level in achieving safety excellence, full compliance, and fostering a culture of Zero Harm.

Our expertise positions your business for success in the world of major projects.

Work Health Safety in Major Projects Compliance requirements span from tiers 2 to 5, with higher standards for onsite work.

Scrutiny of compliance commitments occurs through tender specs, contracts, and prequalification processes.

Tier 3 and lower companies must understand and meet compliance requirements relevant to their level.

Meeting Queensland WHS legislation (Work Health and Safety Act 2011) is imperative.

Certification in ISO 45001:2018, an Occupational Health and Safety management system, enhances attractiveness to projects.

Where does your business currently sit on the WHS scale?

December 2023

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Supplying to Qld Government Funded Projects SafeAssure is more than a consultancy service; we're your partners in readiness, offering the expertise and up-to-date knowledge needed to ensure your business meets evolving standards and challenges in the construction industry.

How Can SafeAssure Support Your Business?

Government Compliance Assessments: Thorough assessments to ensure compliance with statutory and legislative regulations, accompanied by comprehensive reports and action plans.

ISO Compliance Management Systems: Development, implementation, and maintenance of ISO-compliant management systems, including ISO 45001 for Occupational Health and Safety.

Onsite HSEQ Audits: Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality audits to pinpoint risks and non-compliance issues, ensuring alignment with government expectations.

Risk Management Strategies: Tailored risk management strategies for major projects, identifying, evaluating, and mitigating risks in complex supply chains.

Compliance Documentation and Training: Assistance in preparing and maintaining compliance documentation, along with training programs to educate your workforce on government compliance requirements.

Supplier Qualification Support: Navigating prequalification processes, meeting tender specifications, and enhancing overall supplier qualifications for improved competitiveness.

Don't leave safety and compliance to chance. Contact SafeAssure today to ensure your business is well-prepared to thrive in Queensland's major projects market.

December 2023

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Project Highlights Hay Australia WHS Improvement Program SafeAssure has been awarded a substantial project with Hay Australia, a testament to our expertise and dedication in the field of Work Health and Safety.

Our collaboration with Hay Australia is built on a foundation of trust and a shared commitment to prioritising the health and safety of their workforce. We have been actively involved in supporting AgTrade, Hay Australia's parent company, in identifying and rectifying critical issues within their operations.

The project scope, crafted in response to insights gained from our WHS Gap Analysis, is geared towards an all-encompassing elevation of Hay Australia's WHS Management Systems. Our focus involves completing a Critical Response Registers and Controls for each site, enhancing existing documents including Work Instructions and Emergency Response protocols, and providing implementation support through training and operationalizing a comprehensive Safety Management System (SMS). These initiatives are poised to bring significant improvements to Hay Australia's operations, fostering a robust and proactive approach to workplace health and safety.

Sunshine Coast Hospital & Health Service WHS Management System & Security Review SafeAssure is thrilled to announce our recent collaboration with the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service (SCHHS) on a comprehensive project aimed at reviewing and enhancing their Work Health and Safety (WHS) Management Systems and security measures across multiple sites.

The scope of work involves physically inspecting numerous locations, including Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Nambour General Hospital, Gympie Hospital, Caloundra Health Service, and more, totalling 20 sites. Our dedicated team, led by our Senior Consultant Tyson Fiedler, is committed to evaluating and improving SCHHS's WHS strategies, processes, and resourcing to ensure a contemporary, robust, and compliant system.

Leveraging our expertise in similar projects, SafeAssure aims to deliver practical, efficient operational systems and solutions tailored to SCHHS's specific needs. The review will cover document analysis, sitespecific assessments, security measures, WHS delivery models, risk and incident management, and the implementation of innovative solutions. We look forward to concluding this project in the new year, contributing to the ongoing safety and success of SCHHS.

December 2023

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SafeAssure in the Community Congratulations to Courtney’s daughter on graduating from Primary School this year.

The Nutcracker ballet with her daughter and a holiday at the beach have kicked off the Christmas season for Tracy.

Dean & Ellie enjoyed the beauty of Greece on their honeymoon.

December 2023

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SafeAssure in the Community 2023 SafeAssure Christmas Party A terrific night was had by all at this year‘s SafeAssure Christmas Party. We started the afternoon at Archie Brothers which was a lot of fun - A Timezone style gaming arcade for adults, with a cocktail bar!

The evening continued with a beautiful meal at BOS Restaurant, overlooking the Storey Bridge. The conversation and wine flowed well into the night. A wonderful way to wrap up the year together.

December 2023

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Charities & Community Support

The SafeAs Family accomplished incredible feats during the Black Dog Institute's 'One Foot Forward' walk for mental health charity campaign!

Together, we logged an impressive 433 KMs and raised $1,930 to contribute to creating better mental health for all Australians.

But it doesn't stop there! With the support of the amazing One Foot Forward Community, comprised of 28,759 members, Black Dog Institute collectively raised a staggering $5,249,040!

Your Funds in Action: Helping give access... Providing individuals with anxiety and depression access to the myNewWay app to enhance their mental wellbeing.

Helping us inform... Supporting the training of school presenters to inform students about mental health and how to seek support.

Helping us support... Funding critical research to teach children with symptoms of anxiety and depression healthier ways of thinking.

Helping fund research... Supporting innovative research in suicide prevention programs to ensure people can seek support when they need it the most.

Thank you to everyone who contributed, walked, and stood with us. Your efforts have made a significant impact, and together, we're creating positive change for mental health!

December 2023

SafeAssure in the Community

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Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Workplace Support Resources for the Festive Season Christmas can be an emotional time for many people for a whole range of reasons.

Converge International have put together some tip sheets which can be located here: https://convergeinternational.com.au/workplace-support-resources-the-festive-season/ Topics include: Happy Holidays, Practicing Mindfulness over the Festive Season, Dealing with Festive Season Emotions and Dealing with Holiday Stress

Our offices will be closed between 22 December 2023 and 7 January 2024 December 2023