ASCC meets for the last time

The Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASCC) met for the tenth and final time in Canberra, 20 November 2008. ASCC chairman Bill Scales AO said he was very pleased with the outcomes of the final ASCC meeting.

The ASCC noted arrangements that have been put in place to ensure appropriate consultative mechanisms during the transition from the ASCC to Safe Work Australia.

“The council also agreed to publish two booklets to assist in management of OHS issues arising on the waterfront once appropriate user instructions are included. These booklets can be applied nationally, and have been adopted from Victorian guidance materials,” Scales said.

A discussion paper on options relating to plant design and a proposed approach to conformity assessment for high hazard plant was approved for public comment.

“Work on the review of the National Standard for Plant has progressed to the stage where a proposal for an alternative approach to the regulation of plant design needs broader consideration by key stakeholders,” Scales said.

The ASCC endorsed a suite of reports and guidance material for publication.

The Work-related Traumatic Injury Fatalities Report 2005–06 and the Annual Notified Fatalities Reports 2007–08 were approved for publication.

“Findings in these reports show that while we are making progress in some areas to reduce work-related fatalities, more needs to be done, and more can be done to ensure safer workplaces in Australia,” Scales said.

An updated guidance note for UV protection was also endorsed for publication and will be released in time for summer.

The council also agreed to progress reports to the Workplace Relations Ministers’ Council regarding progress of the ASCC Business Plan 2007–08 and progress against the National OHS Strategy 2002–2012.