Electrical Apprentice Safety

Holiday Shutdown Safety: Protecting Workers During High-Risk Maintenance Periods

The holiday season has arrived, and professionals involved in industrial shutdowns or turnarounds face long hours on-site performing critical maintenance, repairs, or upgrades to production lines.

Shutdown environments bustle with activity and carry inherent risks, including hidden hazards like stored energy, latent error traps, and unsafe conditions that can lead to serious accidents for unprepared workers.

A recent news article delivered a sobering reminder of these dangers. A Sydney tradesman tragically lost his life on Christmas Eve after encountering live electricity in a roof cavity. This heartbreaking incident reminded me of a similar experience early in my career.

A Hard Lesson on Supervision

Early one morning, as contractors arrived for their first day on-site, I led detailed briefings with the team. We discussed isolation procedures for upstream power sources, the methodology for their tasks, and most importantly, I asked a crucial question: “Do you understand the level of supervision your apprentices require?”

Their answers reassured me that supervisors recognized their responsibility to guide apprentices during operations.

However, during my walkthrough, I discovered a lone apprentice in a roof cavity, holding side cutters and unknowingly taking life-threatening risks with live and dead power cables. This moment taught me an unforgettable lesson about the critical importance of effective supervision.

Maintaining the Commitment to Apprentice Safety

Now, five years later, I still ask contractors the same questions: “Who are your apprentices, and do you understand the supervision they require?”

I feel proud to see significant progress in how supervisors safeguard apprentices on worksites today. Companies like SS Electrics lead by example, prioritizing apprentice welfare while delivering high-quality work.

By sharing these experiences, I aim to reinforce the importance of vigilance, supervision, and safety during shutdowns. Let’s ensure every worker—especially apprentices—returns home safely this holiday season.

Liam Cooper

OHS Advisor

Understanding Silica Exposure in the Flooring Trades

Understanding Silica Exposure in the Flooring Trades: Risks and Solutions

Silica exposure is a significant concern in the flooring industry, as workers frequently handle materials that contain this naturally occurring mineral. Silica, found in substances like sand, stone, and concrete, is integral to many flooring products. However, when disturbed, it can release fine dust particles that pose serious health risks to workers. This article explores the dangers of silica exposure in the flooring trades and highlights practical solutions to mitigate these risks and protect workers’ health.

Silica, or silicon dioxide, is a mineral present in materials such as granite, quartz, and concrete. During activities like cutting, grinding, drilling, or sanding, fine dust particles containing silica can be released into the air. Inhalation of this respirable crystalline silica is hazardous, as it can cause long-term health problems. Among these risks are lung diseases, including silicosis, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and even kidney disease.

Workers in the flooring trade are particularly at risk of silica exposure during certain tasks. Cutting or grinding tiles, stone, or concrete generates considerable dust, as does sanding and finishing hardwood floors. Demolition work, such as removing old flooring materials, can also disturb silica-containing products, leading to airborne dust.

To safeguard workers from silica exposure, adopting several preventive measures is essential. Wet methods, such as using water to suppress dust during cutting or grinding, can significantly reduce airborne silica. Ensuring proper ventilation in work areas, using dust control tools like saws with vacuum attachments, and providing personal protective equipment (PPE) like respirators are critical. Additionally, training workers on silica risks and conducting regular health monitoring are vital steps in maintaining workplace safety. By prioritizing these strategies, the flooring industry can minimize silica-related health risks and foster a safer working environment.

Systec provides free services through the OHS essentials program for small to medium sized businesses that employ up to 60 people.

Get in touch with us today to improve your workplace safety.

What is a health and safety representative and how can they benefit your business?

Having a health and safety representative (HSR) offers important benefits for businesses in Victoria.

Many enquiries we have around how HSR’s contribute in the workplace.

In Victoria, Health and safety representatives have the power under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 to raise concerns and request improvements within the workplace.

After undertaking a WorkSafe Approved 5 day Health and Safety Representative Course, HSR’s leave with the skills to spot hazards undertake risk assessments, consult with management and employees to ensure that issues are dealt with in a timely and constructive manner.

HSRs act as a bridge between employees and management, making it easier for workers to share safety concerns. This promotes a culture where safety is important. When employees feel their safety is a priority, they are more positive and productive. Fewer accidents also mean fewer people miss work, helping the business run smoothly without interruptions.

When there are fewer injuries, businesses pay less for workers’ compensation and insurance. Businesses with good safety records are also less likely to face legal issues related to safety violations. By acting proactively and identifying risks early, HSRs help reduce the financial impact of workplace accidents, making it a smart investment for businesses.

In the long term, having an HSR helps businesses in Victoria build a strong focus on safety culture, with ongoing improvements in health and safety practices. HSRs provide feedback on policies to keep safety measures up to date. They also play an important role in emergency planning, ensuring that workers know what to do if something goes wrong. Overall, HSRs help create safer, more efficient workplaces that comply with Victoria’s strict safety regulations.

Get in touch with us for more information about health and safety representative training.

CONTACT US
+613 9484 0086
ADMIN@SYSTEC-PL.COM.AU

Training Employees on New Equipment

Training employees on new equipment ensures they can use the equipment correctly and reduces the likelihood of issues arising when activating the emergency response plan in confined spaces. Well-trained employees can respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies, potentially saving lives and reducing the extent of injuries. This preparedness is crucial in high-risk environments, where quick and correct responses can make a significant difference.

Systec spent a day with our valued clients, Ventia, to conduct training on new equipment vital to their confined space operations. Ventia plays a crucial role in maintaining our health and hospital infrastructure around the clock, often working in challenging environments such as pits, shafts, and service tunnels. Their work ensures that essential services continue running smoothly, making the safety and efficiency of their operations paramount.

The training focused on scenario-based drills and hands-on practice to ensure that all employees were comfortable using the new equipment safely. These practical exercises enhanced their communication and coordination skills, which are essential during emergency situations. By simulating real-life scenarios, the training helped employees become more adept at handling potential emergencies, ensuring they can perform effective rescue operations.

This comprehensive training approach not only improved the technical skills of Ventia’s employees but also boosted their confidence in using the equipment. Ensuring that employees are well-prepared for confined space emergencies enhances overall workplace safety, reduces the risk of incidents, and underscores the company’s commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.

If you have new equipment and need to undertake training, get it done today to ensure your workers are not put on the spot when it comes time to activate the emergency response plan.

Hazardous Substance Surveys

For over a decade, Systec has proudly served Werribee Racing Club by providing asbestos survey and testing services for their facility upgrade projects. Werribee Racing Club has been upgrading its facilities to enhance user and punter experience including removal of redundant buildings and replacing them with new and upgraded facilities.

Systec has played a crucial role in this process by conducting thorough hazardous substances surveys and testing, ensuring every phase of their project, to ensure that Management and workers both can identify which materials could pose health risks.

Our process includes detailed initial surveys, accurate sampling and testing, and comprehensive risk management. We provide clear reports and recommendations for safe removal or management of asbestos, tailored to each project’s needs, especially during the critical demolition stages.

As the club continues to improve its facilities, we are proud to support them in their endeavors building a safer, better future for Werribee Racing Club and its community. F

or more information on our asbestos survey and testing services, and to see how we can help with your facility upgrade projects, visit our website or contact us today.