Page 27 - The Outdoor Showman January-March 2024

Using portable ladders in
the workplace
Falls from any height can seriously injure employees. The risk of serious injury or death increases if you work at heights above two metres. Anyone on a ladder is at risk of falling, even at heights below two meters.
Industrial rated ladders
Ladders used in a workplace need to meet the minimum standards set out in Australian Standard 1892.1: 2018 Portable Ladders, Part 1: Performance and geometric requirements. These requirements include:
• being ‘industrial grade’ and of robust construction
• having a minimum 120kg safe working load rating
• being suitable to the task
For further information please visit www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/safety-alerts/ employees-seriously-injured-falls-when- ladders-failed
Occupational Health and Safety
Amendment Psychological Health)
Regulations
Information about the proposed regulatory change to create Victoria’s first psychological health regulations.
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act), employers must provide and maintain a working environment for their employees, including contractors, that is safe and without risks to health, so far as reasonably practicable.
In Section 5 of the OHS Act, health is defined as including psychological health.
The Victorian Government is currently considering options for the development of the Occupational Health and Safety (Psychological Health) Regulations (proposed regulations). This also includes the development of necessary resources to support implementation including a compliance code and supporting guidance.
The proposed regulations will strengthen the occupational health and safety (OHS) framework and recognise that hazards that pose a risk to psychological health are no less harmful to employees’ safety and wellbeing than physical hazards. The proposed regulations aim to promote the importance of psychological health and safety in the working environment.
WorkSafe will update as work progresses.
SINGLE USE PLASTICS BAN Effective 1 February 2023
Reducing plastic pollution starts with us
Plastic pollution harms our health, wildlife, and the environment.
These problematic single-use plastics are now banned from sale or supply in Victoria:
Drinking straws • Cutlery • Plates • Drink stirrers • Cotton bud sticks Expanded polystyrene food service items • Expanded polystyrene drink containers
The ban applies to conventional, degradable and compostable plastics. For further information please visit www.vic.gov.au/plastics
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