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.
HSRs play a vital role in keeping Victorian workplaces safe. Whether you're newly elected
or due for a refresher, staying up to date with WorkSafe-approved training is
essential for understanding your powers, responsibilities, and how to support your work group.
Systec has a range of upcoming HSR courses running throughout the year, including refreshers
covering psychological health, plant safety, and work-related violence, all designed to keep
HSRs confident and compliant under the OHS Act.
If you're a new HSR, or your organisation needs to get representatives trained from scratch,
be sure to check out our upcoming Initial OHS Training course:
This 5-day, WorkSafe-approved course gives HSRs and Deputy HSRs the knowledge, skills, and
confidence to exercise their powers under the OHS Act and help make their workplaces safer.
For more details on dates, pricing, and how to enrol, visit the link above or get in touch
with the Systec team.
Remaining 2026 Course Dates
HSR Initial OHS Training (5-day course)
15 Jul Preston
18 Aug Preston
6 Oct Preston
17 Nov Preston
HSR Refresher — Plant (1-day course)
11 Sep Preston
HSR Refresher — Psychological Health (1-day course)
Contractor Management: The Knowledge Gap That's Costing You
In manufacturing and logistics, safety attention spikes when a contractor walks on site — then drops the moment they leave. The deeper issue is that most managers overseeing both contractors and their own workforce don't have the technical knowledge to manage either well.
The Gap at the Top
Most manufacturing and logistics operations are led by people promoted through production, operations, or commercial roles. They understand throughput and cost. What they often can't do is read a SWMS critically, verify a high risk work licence, or recognise when a contractor's controls are inadequate. That's not a personal failing — it's a structural one that most businesses never address.
Common knowledge gaps in management include:
Licensing — not knowing which tasks require a high risk work licence, or how to verify one is current
SWMS review — signing off generic, template documents that bear no relation to actual site conditions
Permit-to-work systems — hot work, confined space, and isolation permits treated as paperwork rather than controls
Energy isolation — lockout/tagout misunderstood, delegated without oversight, or skipped
Scope management — inability to recognise when contractor work has deviated from what was assessed
Hierarchy of controls — defaulting to PPE as the answer when the hazard hasn't been addressed
When a manager can't tell a compliant SWMS from a generic internet template, they're not managing risk — they're managing paper.
What Trained Eyes Actually Look For
A contractor management professional or OHS advisor sees things production managers walk straight past. Here's what's on their radar every time they're on site:
Documentation & Compliance
Licences sighted, verified, and in scope
SWMS site-specific — not generic
Permits current and actively controlling work
Insurance and public liability confirmed
Induction records completed and on file
On-Site Controls
Contractor following their own SWMS
Exclusion zones in place and enforced
Energy isolated before work begins
Subcontractors inducted and supervised
Site interface actively managed
People & Communication
Site contact has authority to stop work
Toolbox talks held and documented
Language and literacy barriers addressed
Clear escalation path for safety issues
Workforce Safety Signals
Near-misses reported — not just absorbed
HSRs present, trained, and active
Musculoskeletal risk in repetitive tasks
Plant and pedestrian separation enforced
A manager focused on hitting output targets won't naturally see most of these — not because they don't care, but because they haven't been trained to look.
The Real Cost
Compliance becomes theatre — checklists completed, inductions signed, but nobody in the room could explain why any of it matters
Contractors self-manage — without informed oversight, contractors set their own standards, which may or may not be adequate
Incidents become surprises — warning signs a trained eye would have caught are invisible to someone who doesn't know what to look for
Liability shifts upward — under the OHS Act, officers have a duty of due diligence. Ignorance is not a defence
How Systec Can Help
Building safety capability at the management and supervisor level is the most direct fix. Systec delivers WorkSafe-approved and industry-focused training across Melbourne and Preston — giving your people the technical knowledge to manage contractors and workforce safety with confidence.
Management & Supervisor Training
OHS fundamentals for supervisors
Understanding your legal duties
Hazard identification and risk assessment
Incident investigation techniques
Managing return to work
Contractor Management
Pre-qualification and licence verification
SWMS review and assessment
Permit-to-work systems
On-site contractor supervision
High risk work controls
HSR & Workforce Safety
WorkSafe-approved HSR initial training
HSR refresher (1-day)
Worker rights and consultation
Issue resolution procedures
Designated work group structures
Ready to close the gap?
Regular courses run in Preston, Melbourne. If your management team is overseeing contractors or high risk work without the technical grounding to do it properly, talk to us.
Getting Traffic Management Trained in Regional Victoria
Systec Training & Management Solutions · Austroads Approved TTM Training Provider · Published: July 2026 · Regional Victoria
Regional Victoria
Getting Traffic Management Trained in Regional Victoria — Why It's Been So Hard (Until Now)
For businesses and workers in regional Victoria, getting qualified in Temporary Traffic Management has never been straightforward. Whether you're based in Ballarat, Geelong, Mildura, or further out, the reality of accessing nationally recognised TTM training has long meant one thing — a trip to Melbourne, and everything that comes with it.
The Barriers Facing Regional Workers & Employers
Long travel to metro training centres — often losing a full day before the course even starts
Accommodation and meal costs on top of already expensive course fees
Small regional crews unable to afford losing workers for multiple days at a time
Limited availability outside Melbourne, with long waitlists and frequent cancellations
Workers risking non-compliance on active worksites because training isn't accessible locally
Regional businesses losing contracts to metro competitors with certified crews on hand
The flow-on effects are real. Projects get delayed. Companies fall behind on compliance. Skilled workers put off getting certified because the cost and logistics just don't stack up.
✅ That's Changing — Online TTM Training for Regional Victoria
Systec has been authorised by Austroads to deliver Utilities Traffic Management training online through real-time connected training — purpose-built to solve exactly these problems for regional Victoria. The same nationally approved standard, delivered live, without the travel.
Complete your theory component entirely online — no travel required
Live, real-time delivery by experienced Austroads approved trainers
Nationally recognised qualification accepted across all Australian states and territories
Flexible scheduling to suit your work roster and team availability
Available to individuals and businesses across all of regional Victoria
Another Charge for Death in Traffic Management Industry
Victoria’s traffic management industry is in the midst of significant reform following a series of serious workplace incidents in recent years. These safety failures have driven a comprehensive review of training standards and practices across the sector—well before the most recent tragedy involving a 58-year-old worker.
The worker, employed by Blackwood & Co Pty Ltd (trading as MakeSafe Traffic Management), was fatally injured after exiting his stationary ute, which was then struck by another vehicle during a streetlight inspection. He was working alone at the time of the incident.
Following an investigation, WorkSafe Victoria has charged the company with breaching sections 21(2)(a) and 26(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004. The regulator alleges that the company failed to implement a safe system of work. In particular, it claims that a two-person patrol approach, with inspections performed from within the vehicle, would have significantly reduced the risk.
The matter is scheduled for a filing hearing at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 10 September 2025.
Victoria’s Traffic Management Training Reforms Already Underway
The fatal incident occurred during a period of major change to Victoria’s Temporary Traffic Management (TTM) framework. In 2024, the state adopted the Austroads National Training Framework (NTF) to improve consistency, compliance, and safety in traffic management across Australia.
The new framework requires workers in key traffic roles to complete Austroads-approved training and obtain formal qualifications. These include:
The goal is to ensure that all personnel involved in traffic control and management—regardless of the worksite type—are trained to a nationally consistent standard that reflects best practice.
Training Now Mandatory for Non-Operational Roles
Beyond field workers, the framework also mandates training for non-operational personnel such as project managers, council officers, and others involved in reviewing or approving Traffic Management Plans (TMPs).
These individuals must now complete Austroads-approved training to ensure they understand relevant legislation, risk controls, and planning responsibilities. This change supports a more informed and safety-focused approach to traffic management planning and oversight.
Industry, Councils, and Contractors Preparing for Compliance
Organisations across the state—including local councils, infrastructure contractors, and traffic management providers—are actively working to meet these new compliance requirements. Many are partnering with Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to enrol staff in approved training courses and align internal practices with the new standards.
Stakeholders are also engaging with Austroads, WorkSafe Victoria, and the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) to clarify transition timelines, accreditation pathways, and procurement expectations under the updated framework.
Revised procurement policies are being rolled out, especially in public and utility sectors, to ensure all subcontractors are properly qualified and compliant with the Austroads requirements.
RTOs Supporting Workforce Transition and Compliance
Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) are playing a critical role in delivering Austroads-endorsed training to the sector. They are providing both classroom-based and practical components of training, while supporting workforce planning for long-term capability and workforce building.
RTOs are also working closely with councils, road authorities, and traffic companies to provide support during the transition period. Industry feedback is being used to enhance training delivery and ensure real-world relevance across different worksite conditions.
Strengthening Safety and Compliance Across Victoria
As the Austroads National Training Framework continues to be implemented across Victoria, the collaboration between training providers, regulators, and industry stakeholders remains key to improving safety and compliance.
While the death of the streetlight inspector is a devastating reminder of the risks facing roadside workers, it also underscores the importance of embedding robust training, clear systems of work, and nationally consistent standards across the industry.
Learn More
To stay updated on traffic management training requirements and safety regulations in Victoria, visit the WorkSafe Victoria website or Austroads
Victoria to Introduce New Psychosocial Regulations by 2025
The Victorian Government has confirmed that new Psychosocial Health and Safety Regulations will be introduced by the end of 2025 to improve how workplaces manage mental health risks. The changes follow recommendations from key reviews, including the Boland Review, the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, and the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Mental Health. These reports highlighted the need for stronger protections to address workplace mental health risks.
The new Psychosocial Health and Safety regulations are expected to be finalized in October 2025 and take effect on December 1, 2025. While the exact details are still being finalized, the draft regulations include a new section on psychological health, providing clearer guidance for employers. The goal is to ensure that psychosocial hazards—such as workplace stress, bullying, and harassment—are treated as seriously as physical safety risks.
Employer Responsibilities Under the New Psychosocial Regulations
To comply with the upcoming Victoria workplace safety laws, employers will need to:
Identify psychosocial hazards as much as possible.
Remove or reduce risks linked to workplace mental health hazards.
Use control measures like adjusting work management, workplace design, and employee training. However, training alone cannot be the only solution unless no other options are available.
Regularly review and update risk management measures in response to new hazards or reported incidents.
Develop prevention plans for workplace risks such as bullying, workplace violence, exposure to traumatic events, high job demands, and sexual harassment.
Submit written reports to WorkSafe Victoria if they have 50 or more employees and receive serious complaints about psychosocial risks.
If these regulations take effect as expected, Victoria will join Queensland in requiring written prevention plans for certain workplace mental health risks. While other states do not legally require these plans, they remain a recommended risk management strategy for businesses.
How Businesses Can Prepare for the New Work Health and Safety Regulations
To help businesses comply, a Compliance Code will be introduced, offering detailed guidance on employer responsibilities. Additional resources will explain how prevention plans can help reduce psychosocial hazards in the workplace. Employers should start preparing now by:
Reviewing their current workplace mental health policies and risk management systems.
Providing psychosocial risk training for employees and managers.
Establishing clear processes for reporting and responding to workplace risks.
Ensuring that their workplace health and safety (WHS) systems align with the upcoming Victorian WorkSafe regulations.
IF your business needs a hand to get started on addressing these new laws, get in touch with us!
We offer a range of services from free programs for small businesses to more comprehensive solutions.
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.
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.
