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.
The prohibition on using engineered stone under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations takes effect today and applies to all Victorian employers, regardless of previous contracts. Violations will face strict enforcement, including prosecution and fines. WorkSafe Executive Director Sam Jenkin announced that inspectors would be ensuring compliance, with unannounced visits to manufacturers and processors to verify the use of permitted products.
Inspectors will require information on the products being used and may take samples for testing. Engineered stone, defined as an artificial product with one percent or more crystalline silica, is now regulated. Exceptions allow for the removal, repair, or modification of pre-July 1 installations, provided they meet control requirements. Disposal of excess stock is allowed, and supply to jurisdictions with transition periods is permitted.
Employers must continue providing information, training, and health monitoring for employees exposed to crystalline silica. New WorkSafe guidance is available, and independent legal advice is recommended for uncertain cases. The “Silica dust can be deadly” campaign will run throughout July to raise awareness of the ban and the risks of silica dust.
Systec’s Commitment to Road Safety: Offering TC1 & TMI1 Training Across Melbourne
Systec is proud to announce its enhanced training programs for Traffic control courses TC1 & TMI1 Training, Traffic Controller (TC1) and Traffic Management Implementer (TMI1) certifications in both metro and regional areas of Melbourne. This initiative is part of the broader Austroads national traffic harmonization scheme aimed at elevating the standards of traffic management across Australia.
Bridging the Gap in Traffic Management Skills
Traffic management is more than just directing vehicular flow; it’s about ensuring the safety and efficiency of roads during regular operations and when special events or construction activities disrupt normal patterns. Systec’s training programs are meticulously designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to handle these challenges competently.
TC1 and TMI1 Training Programs: What to Expect
The TC1 certification program focuses on the core competencies required to control traffic using a stop-slow bat, understand traffic controller responsibilities, and manage risks on the road. It is ideally suited for newcomers to the field or those looking to formalize their expertise with a recognized certification.
The TMI1 certification, on the other hand, is tailored for those involved in implementing traffic management plans. Participants will learn how to read and understand traffic guidance schemes and the logistics of setting up and removing signs and devices according to the traffic management plans.
Training Across Melbourne: Metro and Regional Focus
Recognizing the unique challenges faced in both metropolitan and regional settings, Systec offers these programs throughout Melbourne. Whether in the densely populated city center or the more spread-out regional areas, our training covers the specific needs and regulations pertinent to each locale. This approach ensures that all participants gain practical and relevant skills that can be applied immediately in their respective environments.
Aligned with the Austroads National Traffic Harmonization Scheme
Systec’s training programs are aligned with the Austroads national traffic harmonization scheme, which seeks to standardize and improve traffic management practices across all Australian states and territories. This alignment ensures that our training not only meets local needs but also adheres to nationally recognized standards, enhancing the credibility and quality of our certifications.
Why Choose Systec?
Expert Trainers: Systec’s instructors are seasoned professionals with years of on-the-ground experience. They bring real-world scenarios into the classroom to enhance learning outcomes.
Comprehensive Material: Training materials are comprehensive and updated regularly to reflect the latest practices and regulations.
Flexible Scheduling: Understanding the busy schedules of our participants, Systec offers flexible training sessions, including weekends and evenings, to accommodate everyone.
Support Beyond Certification: Systec believes in supporting learners even after completion of the course. Our team is available to offer advice and further learning resources to ensure participants are successful in their roles.
Join Us to Make Melbourne’s Roads Safer
Whether you’re starting a new career or looking to upgrade your skills in traffic management, Systec’s TC1 and TMI1 training programs in Melbourne provide the essential education and certification you need to excel in this vital field. Join us in our mission to make Melbourne’s roads safer and more efficient for everyone.
For more information and to enroll, visit our website or contact our dedicated training team. Embrace the opportunity to make a significant impact with certified skills that are in high demand across Melbourne and beyond.
*Please note with all courses undertaken verification of competency is required to complete your TC1 & TC2 Courses.
Verification of the practical component requires you to have 20 hours of logbook experience before a training can visit your workplace and verify your competency for the practical component.
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.
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.
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.
Systec spent the day with our client Hach Pacific conducting Fire Suppression and Spill Containment Training. Our aim was to equip Hach Pacific’s employees with the skills and knowledge needed to handle emergencies effectively and safely.
We had a look at their emergency response procedures and conducted a gap analysis with the team before venturing out to make some flames and obviously extinguisher them.
Our fire suppression and spill containment training focused on essential topics. We taught employees about different fire types and how to extinguish them properly, providing hands-on practice with various fire extinguishers. We also covered evacuation procedures and fire prevention techniques, emphasizing the importance of clear escape routes and safe storage of flammable materials and removing waste and redundant chemicals from their warehouse. These practical sessions aimed to build confidence and readiness among the participants as not everyone is comfortable with fire and the effects that it can cause, so this was a great confidence boost for the team.
Simultaneously, the spill kit response training was tailored to meet the specific needs of Hach Pacific’s operations. We trained employees to identify and assess chemical spills, contain them effectively, and use spill kits correctly. The training included clear instructions on cleaning up spills and disposing of contaminated materials properly. We also stressed the importance of reporting spills promptly for effective follow-up and prevention.
The training had a positive impact, with Hach Pacific’s employees showing increased confidence and a stronger commitment to safety. The improved teamwork and safety culture we observed were especially rewarding. At Systec, we are proud to have contributed to Hach Pacific’s safety efforts and look forward to continuing our partnership to ensure a safe working environment for their team.
Next with Hach we will be focusing on individual chemical response needs as they stock around 2000 different types of chemicals and supply internationally.
Cobalt, a vital component in numerous industrial processes, can also pose serious risks when it comes in the form of dust. The particles generated during manufacturing, processing, or handling of cobalt-based materials can have detrimental effects on both human health and the environment.
Recently Chemical Giant Orca whos operations are based in Newcastle were Fined 1.2 million dollars and charged under the work health and safety laws following major failures to implement critical respiratory protection protocols including the fitment of respiratory protection equipment despite knowing that excessive dust buildup was prominent in the workplace.
Inhalation of cobalt dust particles can lead to a range of respiratory issues, including coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Furthermore, prolonged exposure may result in chronic conditions such as asthma or bronchitis. What’s more concerning is the potential carcinogenic effect of cobalt compounds, increasing the risk of lung cancer among those regularly exposed to cobalt dust. Moreover, cobalt is a heavy metal, and excessive exposure can lead to cobalt poisoning, manifesting in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and neurological effects.
Given the recent ban on silica based engineered stone products, SysTec has played a large role is helping business’s tackle the ongoing compliance hurdles adopted into the Health and Safety Regulations in Victoria as part of the OHS Essentials Program funded by WorkSafe Victoria.
WorkSafe approved HSR refresher Gendered Violence course provides an opportunity for HSRs and Deputy HSRs to revisit aspects of the HSR Initial OHS Training Course and refresh their knowledge of OHS in the workplace.
Under the OHS Act 2004 (section 67), all elected HSRs and deputy HSRs, after completing an initial course of training, have an entitlement for each year they hold office to attend a WorkSafe-approved HSR refresher OHS training course.
An employer, if requested, must allow the HSR/Deputy HSR to attend on paid time, pay the cost of the course and any other associated costs. Section 67 also allows HSRs to choose the course, in consultation with their employer.
This WorkSafe-approved training course will help HSRs and Deputy HSRs to understand and exercise their powers effectively. The training will provide HSRs and DHSRs with the confidence, skills and knowledge to represent their co-workers when raising health and safety concerns in relation to work-related gendered violence and to understand the health and safety issues arising from incidents of work-related gendered violence.
Course Content
The value of HSRs
Consultation in the workplace
Element of the legislative framework
Risk management overview.
Duty of care
Issue resolution.
The role of inspectors
Safety compliance
Who should attend?
Health & Safety Representatives and Deputy Health and Safety Representatives. Although HSRs are the primary audience; managers, supervisors, health and safety committee members and anyone else with an interest in health and safety may also benefit from attending this course.
Delivery
Course hours: 9am – 5pm Course length: 1 day
We can come to your workplace and deliver this course or you can visit out in house facilities.
Our Difference
Systec are leaders in OHS compliance working in the industry for over 25 years. Our courses provide relevant information, ongoing support, and efficient delivery.
Our professional trainers have experience in and out of the classroom providing the best experience for our students and empowering them to create safer workplaces.
Having worked on multiple projects where telehandlers are utilised for different tasks, i find it integral that competency based training is important, but mostly these machines are dangerous and do require a set of skills to be successfully operated.
Non-slewing telehandlers that are integral in agriculture, construction, and warehousing, demand specialized skills to operate safely. The high-risk nature of these machines has highlighted the need for tailored training to ensure the safety of operators and those in proximity are aware.
Current mobile crane license training addresses key aspects of non-slewing telehandler operation, particularly in handling suspended loads with attachments like hooks and jibs.
A new Worksafe Victoria High Risk Work License (HRWL) initiative focuses on non-slewing telehandlers with a capacity over 3 tonnes and various attachments. This ensures targeted training and certification for operators handling these powerful machines.
The specialised license covers comprehensive training on challenges specific to non-slewing telehandlers, enhancing safety standards and reducing the risk of accidents in operations exceeding 3 tonnes.
For machines with a capacity of 3 tonnes or less, training is still essential, emphasizing competency without the need for a specialized HRWL license.
The introduction of a targeted license for non-slewing telehandlers demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that employers have a duty to check that control is enforced at their workplace.
WorkSafe Introduces the New License scheme for telehandlers from the 1st July 2024,
People have some options when looking at getting or maintaining the license:
Complete specific training for non-slewing telehandlers at an authorised Registered Training Organisation (RTO), such as TAFE.
Pass the assessment.
Apply for the non-slewing telehandler specific licence.
Renew the licence every 5 years.
To understand a bit more about your safety compliance status for your business, get in touch today with our experienced safety consultants for a free consultation through the WorkSafe Victoria OHS Essentials Program.
