Paragon WHS – Paragon Work Health Safety https://paragonwhs.com Safety and Leadership Training Wed, 10 Apr 2024 02:29:34 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://paragonwhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/cropped-Paragon-Icon-32x32.jpg Paragon WHS – Paragon Work Health Safety https://paragonwhs.com 32 32 Engineered stone ban https://paragonwhs.com/engineered-stone-ban/ Wed, 10 Apr 2024 02:29:34 +0000 https://paragonwhs.com/?p=3014
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Before a ban comes into effect

Until the ban on engineered stone comes into effect, workers and businesses can continue to work with engineered stone in a controlled way.

Under the model WHS Regulations, if you are cutting, grinding, trimming, sanding, abrasive polishing or drilling engineered stone using power tools or other mechanical plant, you must use one of the following:

  • a water suppression (wet cutting) system
  • an on-tool dust extraction system, or
  • local exhaust ventilation system.

All workers who process engineered stone must also be provided with and wear respiratory protective equipment.

See our resources on working safely with engineered stone for more information.

When a ban comes into effect

WHS ministers unanimously agreed to ban the use, supply and manufacture of all engineered stone with the majority of jurisdictions to commence the ban from 1 July 2024. Jurisdictions will manage arrangements for working with engineered stone products installed prior to the ban on the basis of a national framework developed by Safe Work Australia.

For further information on what is included within the scope of the ban please visit our FAQs webpage.

Jurisdictions will also need to implement amendments to their own WHS laws to give effect to the ban on the use of engineered stone.  For questions about transitional arrangements and the implementation of the amendments in your jurisdiction, please contact your WHS regulator.

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The Safe Work Australia recommendations to WHS Ministers included:

  • draft amendments to the model WHS Regulations which will give effect to the ban on the use of engineered stone once implemented in each jurisdiction
  • policy parameters for a national framework to consider and assess applications to exempt engineered stone products from the ban
  • policy parameters for a national framework which requires persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) who plan to undertake removal, disposal, repair and minor modification of legacy engineered stone to notify the relevant WHS regulator, and
  • policy parameters for stronger regulation of crystalline silica products (including engineered stone that is not banned) across all industries, including specific requirements for conducting risk assessments, training, and air and health monitoring.

On 22 March 2024, WHS ministers representing the Commonwealth, states and territories agreed to progress a number of amendments to the model WHS Regulations to enable a ban on engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs. WHS ministers also endorsed a stronger regulatory framework to manage to risk of exposure to respirable crystalline silica from other materials and products. The amendments are designed to protect thousands of workers from the health and safety risks arising from respirable crystalline silica (silica dust). Silica dust is generated in high levels when workers cut, shape, or polish engineered stone. Exposure to silica dust from engineered stone has led to a rapid increase in the number of workers developing the serious lung disease silicosis in Australia.

The ban prevents a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) from carrying out work, or directing or allowing a worker to carry out work, on or with engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs. This includes manufacturing, supplying, processing and installing engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs.

Next steps

Following the 22 March meeting, WHS ministers have asked Safe Work Australia to develop:

  • a national framework for working with previously installed engineered stone
  • a national framework for a product exemption process
  • amendments to the model regulations to allow for the supply, installation or processing of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs between 1 July 2024 and 31 December 2024 for contracts entered into before 31 December 2023, and
  • the new regulations for crystalline silica processes which will be provided to WHS ministers by the end of April 2024.

The ban will not apply to the removal, repair, minor modification or disposal of engineered stone installed prior to the ban on 1 July 2024. For the amendments to the model WHS Regulations to apply, each jurisdiction will need to implement them separately through amendments to their jurisdictional WHS laws.

Safe Work Australia will also develop guidance to support PCBUs and workers understand how amendments to the model WHS Regulations will affect them and help them prepare for the changes.

More information

Stay up to date with your state or territory regulations by contacting your WHS regulator.

]]> Importance of abolishment of electricity supply prior to demolition https://paragonwhs.com/importance-of-abolishment-of-electricity-supply-prior-to-demolition/ Mon, 08 Apr 2024 06:00:32 +0000 https://paragonwhs.com/?p=3002
SafeWork SA is reminding developers, builders and demolition businesses to ensure permanent disconnection of electricity supply has occurred prior to demolition commencing.

In recent months, SafeWork SA and South Australian Power Networks (SAPN) have attended residential premises, either in the process of being demolished, or have been demolished, with the electrical service line being cut, damaged and left in a dangerous live state, creating a risk to workers and the public.

SafeWork SA and SAPN have discussed this issue to determine what action can be taken to minimise reoccurrence.

Executive Director SafeWork SA, Martyn Campbell said, “I now warn builders and demolition companies that if SafeWork SA becomes aware that a house is being demolished without the electrical service line first being disconnected, SafeWork SA will take enforcement action against the business for failing to identify the hazard and placing workers and the public at risk to their health and safety”.

Work that is carried out on or near energised electrical installations or services is defined as high risk construction work in the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012 (SA). To minimise risks to workers and the public the disconnection of power eliminates the risks of electrocution.

SafeWork SA and SAPN will continue to work together to take action against this risk.

New guidance information has been developed on permanent disconnection of electricity supply before commencing demolition.

]]> Worker seriously injured after fall from ladder https://paragonwhs.com/worker-seriously-injured-after-fall-from-ladder/ Mon, 08 Apr 2024 05:59:12 +0000 https://paragonwhs.com/?p=3000
SafeWork SA is issuing a safety alert to highlight the dangers of working at height on ladders.

Background

On 10 April 2021, SafeWork SA received notification of a serious incident involving a worker at a quarry.

The worker sustained life threatening injuries after falling approximately 5 metres whilst carrying out planned maintenance work on a crusher plant.

Preliminary investigations suggests:

  • the injured worker had been carrying out a task which involved the use of an “A” frame ladder
  • the ladder was positioned on a raised platform where part of the guardrail had been removed
  • the worker was alone at the time of the incident when he fell from the platform.

Controlling the risk

SafeWork SA  remind businesses and workers to ensure the following safe systems of work are developed, implemented and maintained to minimise the risk of falls from heights.

  • Reasonable fall protection measures have been put in place
  • Comprehensive risk assessments have been undertaken when working at height
  • Persons working at height have been trained and assessed as competent in the controls to minimise the risk of  falls
  • Information, training and instruction are provided to a worker necessary to protect all persons from the risks arising when working at height, and
  • Workers exposed to risk of a fall are adequately supervised by a competent person.

Further information

Mining and quarrying

Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces

Slips, trips and falls

Ladders

Safe use of portable ladders: Video

]]> Crush risk when operating stabilisers on truck mounted cranes https://paragonwhs.com/crush-risk-when-operating-stabilisers-on-truck-mounted-cranes/ Mon, 08 Apr 2024 05:58:37 +0000 https://paragonwhs.com/?p=2998
On 5 September 2021 SafeWork SA received notification of a Notifiable Incident in an underground mine.

An underground worker sustained fatal crush injuries while operating a truck mounted vehicle loading crane. The worker was in the process of setting up the cranes outriggers.

We remind all mine operators to develop, implement and maintain safe systems of work to control the risk of operating mobile plant in an underground mine.

Image of truck mounted crane
Example image of truck mounted crane from incident.

We advise mine operators and persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) to ensure:

  • comprehensive risk assessments are undertaken for the use of mobile plant
  • mobile plant is fit for purpose
  • workers are trained and assessed as competent in the use of mobile plant
  • systems are in place for adequate supervision of workers
  • maintenance of mobile plant is in accordance with the OEM recommendations.

Visit our website for further mining and quarrying information.

]]> Three serious falls from ladders in six weeks https://paragonwhs.com/three-serious-falls-from-ladders-in-six-weeks/ Mon, 08 Apr 2024 05:57:26 +0000 https://paragonwhs.com/?p=2996
SafeWork SA is issuing a safety alert to remind the construction industry to assess whether a ladder offers the highest level of protection to workers after a person was killed and two were seriously injured in falls less than 2 metres over the past 6 weeks.

Background

SafeWork SA received notification that a worker suffered fatal head injuries when they fell to the floor while installing ceiling joists from a ladder within a warehouse. SafeWork SA is currently investigating the incident.

Two other workers have received serious injuries after falling from height.

The first incident occurred when a worker, traversing between two levels of a modular scaffold at a residential construction site, sustained fractures to their shoulder and a serious laceration to their left hand when the foot of the access ladder slipped out causing the worker to fall heavily on the platform. The scaffold access from level 2 to level 3 had been inadequately installed by the builder and not undertaken by a scaffolder holding a high risk work licence.

In the second incident, a worker, drilling holes for a down pipe at a residential construction site, fell from a ladder, impaling their left foot on an unprotected vertical reo bar. At the time of the incident the ground around the work area was uneven.

Worker injured after having falling off ladder and impaling foot on reo bar.
Actual photo of incident scene taken by co-worker

Reminder of duty holder obligations

Duty holders are reminded to consider reasonably practicable control measures to manage the risk of falls from heights, particularly providing adequate information, training and supervision when workers are required to use ladders.

Portable ladders are one of the least stable but most commonly used tools for working at heights and typically require workers to be more vigilant about the risk of falling.

Portable ladders can be a sensible and practical option for working at height when the use of other equipment is not reasonably practicable because of the low risk and short duration of the work.

Before choosing to use a ladder, you must identify whether a ladder offers the highest level of protection that is reasonably practicable. This is performed by assessing all known and potential risks associated with the use of the ladder, including the environment they are used in, and following the hierarchy of control for prevention of falls.

SafeWork SA Acting Executive Director, Glenn Farrell reminds duty holders that the type of work that can be safely performed on a ladder is limited. Work platforms or scaffolding provide a much safer way to work at heights.

“Deaths and serious life changing injuries through falling from ladders can occur from surprisingly low heights”.

“This is highlighted by the fact that in 2021, 61% of serious injuries associated with a fall below 2 metres were from a ladder. Most of these incidents involve a ladder being used incorrectly or inappropriately”.

“If a suitable safe system of work had been in place prior to the incidents, the serious injuries sustained by the workers could have been prevented”.

“Sadly, one of those workers will not be going home to his family as a result of falling from a ladder at work”.

Hierarchy of control for prevention of falls

In most cases, working from a ladder should be the last option as a fall from a ladder can have devastating consequences. Duty holders can, in accordance with the hierarchy of control:

  • eliminate the risk by, where practicable, doing all or some of the work on the ground or from a solid construction
  • use a passive fall prevention device such as scaffolds, perimeter screens, guardrails, safety mesh or elevating work platforms
  • use a positioning system, such as a travel-restraint system, to ensure employees work within a safe area
  • use a fall arrest system, such as a harness, catch platform or safety nets, to limit the risk of injuries in the event of a fall
  • use a suitable fixed or portable ladder
  • implement administrative controls.

Further information

Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces — Code of Practice

Slips, trips and falls

Ladders

Managing risk of falls videos:

Ladder videos:

Falls from heights in the construction industry — 2020 snapshot

]]> Don’t take the fall for unsafe roof work https://paragonwhs.com/dont-take-the-fall-for-unsafe-roof-work/ Mon, 08 Apr 2024 05:56:33 +0000 https://paragonwhs.com/?p=2994 two workers on a roof

 

A fall that left an apprentice electrician with broken ribs in December has prompted a SafeWork SA warning about rooftop safety.

A fall that left an apprentice electrician with broken ribs in December has prompted a SafeWork SA warning about rooftop safety.

The third-year apprentice was installing a solar panel system on a single storey house when he fell 3 m while attempting to climb off the roof via an access ladder.

He fell onto a boundary fence and was taken to hospital by ambulance with six broken ribs and a bruised torso following the 21 December 2022 incident.

An initial SafeWork SA investigation found:

  • workers on site were installing the solar panel system while wearing harnesses
  • the apprentice was not attached to the rope when climbing down from the roof.
  • perimeter guard railing was not installed on the working faces of the roof
  • the Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) for high-risk construction work, listed ‘guard railing’ as a control measure but this was crossed out

Falls from heights is the number one cause of notifiable serious injury on South Australian construction sites, with most serious and fatal falls being from roofs, ladders or non-compliant scaffolds.

The SafeWork SA 2021 Health and Safety Snapshot relating to falls from heights identified that workers on a roof received the most serious injuries.

In the December incident, there was a risk of serious injury or death to workers because the company failed to provide safe access on and off the roof and install perimeter guard railing across the working face of the roof.

Scene of the incident

Instead, the company had relied on a lower order control measure to manage the risk of falls by allowing workers to use a fall restraint device.

SafeWork SA acting Executive Director Dini Soulio said all builders and contractors have duties under work health and safety laws to ensure their workers are safe when working from heights.

‘Falls should be controlled using a fall prevention device, such as covers, temporary edge protection and scaffolding. A harness-based system is only to be used when higher order controls are not reasonably practicable,’ he said.

The SafeWork SA 2021 Health and Safety Snapshot relating to falls from heights identified that workers on a roof received the most serious injuries and determined the installation of guard railing as a ‘reasonably practicable’ control measure in most circumstances.

In August 2022, SafeWork SA published a media release and associated guidance on managing risk of falls following a compliance program audit.

‘Businesses that sell, design and install solar systems have duties to provide and maintain a working environment that is safe for every worker,’ Mr Soulio said.

‘No solar installer should be working on a roof without adequate fall protection in place. If you see this happening, please contact SafeWork SA immediately via the help centre.’

]]> The seen and unseen dangers of laser use https://paragonwhs.com/the-seen-and-unseen-dangers-of-laser-use/ Mon, 08 Apr 2024 05:53:05 +0000 https://paragonwhs.com/?p=2992

05 April 2024

Warning about dangers of improper use of high-power lasers

SafeWork SA has identified a growing concern regarding the unsafe use of Class 3B and 4 lasers in entertainment venues, particularly in laser light shows.

Lasers can add visual appeal to events but they can also pose potential risks to the health and safety of staff, performers and audiences if they are not used and managed properly.

Class 3B and 4 lasers are classified based on their potential to cause harm to eyes and skin burns, with Class 4 lasers being fire hazards if they are not properly controlled and positioned.

Emissions from lasers may be visible and non-visible light and are commonly used at concerts, festivals, and events for light shows, projections, and special effects.

Regulation 223 (5) of the Work Health & Safety Regulations (2012)  states the person with management or control must ensure workers operating laser equipment are trained in the proper use of the equipment.

Safety solutions

A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must identify and assess all risks associated with the use of high-power lasers and ensure that lasers are not directed:

  • In a manner that the laser beam could interact with a person
  • Towards a surface that the beam could reflect off
  • Towards a surface or substance that has the potential to ignite

All lasers require correct labelling to warn of the hazards involved with the radiation source as per Australian requirements.

If a business identifies that they have Class 3B or 4 lasers, they should consider if that category of laser is appropriate for the location and activity undertaken.   A lower class of laser can produce a similar effect without the associated risk.

Further information

AS/NZS IEC 60825.3:2022 Safety of laser products, Part 3: Guidance for laser displays and shows | Standards Australia Store

]]> New regulations to manage risks of psychological harm https://paragonwhs.com/new-regulations-to-manage-risks-of-psychological-harm-3/ Mon, 08 Apr 2024 05:51:54 +0000 https://paragonwhs.com/?p=2990 Female and male talking

01 December 2023

New regulations to help workers and employers manage the risk of psychological injuries and illnesses in the workplace will come into effect this month.

The changes to the regulations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 will help provide better guidance to workers and employers from 25 December 2023.

Psychological illnesses have a significant effect on workers’ health, as well as business productivity. There has been a growing recognition of the need for the work health and safety framework to better deal with risks of psychological harm.

These new regulations reflect the outcomes of an independent review of Australia’s model work health and safety laws in 2018, which recommended more specific guidance how to identify and manage psychosocial risks.

Psychosocial hazards are hazards that may cause psychological harm. Examples range from excessive workload demands, to exposure to traumatic events and material, to issues such as bullying, harassment and sexual discrimination in the workplace.

When the regulations come into effect they will be supported by a Code of Practice on Managing psychosocial hazards at work which will provide practical guidance on how to manage risks to psychological health, developed in consultation with workers and businesses.

SafeWork SA Executive Director Glenn Farrell said that a psychologically safe environment creates the foundation for workers and businesses to thrive.

‘The new regulations and Code of Practice will support businesses to be proactive in ensuring their most valuable assets – their workers – are free from harm at work,’ he said.

‘SafeWork SA will be working with employer and employee organisations to push out guidance material to help business owners understand their obligations.’

Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector Kyam Maher said preventing psychological harm is an essential part of creating a safe and healthy workplace.

‘These new regulations are part of a significant national effort to better address the risks caused by psychosocial hazards at work, and recognise that a worker’s psychological health is just as important as their physical health,’ he said.

‘I look forward to continuing to work with both business and worker representatives to improve health and safety in South Australian workplaces.’

Further links:

_

Young workers Working conditions Mental health
]]> Work and rest requirements for fatigue regulated vehicles. https://paragonwhs.com/work-and-rest-requirements-for-fatigue-regulated-vehicles/ Mon, 08 Apr 2024 05:50:00 +0000 https://paragonwhs.com/?p=2988 In addition to the general duty to not drive a fatigue-regulated heavy vehicle on a road while fatigued, drivers must comply with certain maximum work and minimum rest limits.

Parties in the supply chain have to undertake everything reasonably practicable to prevent drivers from exceeding these limits. This is similar to occupational health and safety laws and means that drivers must be allowed to stop if they are at risk of exceeding the limits and make alternative arrangements.

For additional information and guidance on fatigue in the heavy vehicle transport industry, as well as obligations under the HVNL for parties in the Chain of Responsibility (CoR), see Regulatory Advice – Fitness to drive: Fatigue.

On this page

Standard hours

Standard hours apply to all drivers who do not have accreditation for fatigue management.

Solo drivers

Time Work Rest
In any period of… A driver must not work for more than a maximum of… And must have the rest of that period off work with at least a minimum rest break of…
5 ½ hours 5 ¼ hours work time 15 continuous minutes rest time
8 hours 7 ½ hours work time 30 minutes rest time in blocks of 15 continuous minutes
11 hours 10 hours work time 60 minutes rest time in blocks of 15 continuous minutes
24 hours 12 hours work time 7 continuous hours stationary rest time*
7 days 72 hours work time 24 continuous hours stationary rest time
14 days 144 hours work time 2 x night rest breaks# and 2 x night rest breaks taken on consecutive day

*Stationary rest time is the time a driver spends out of a heavy vehicle or in an approved sleeper berth of a stationary heavy vehicle. #Night rest breaks are 7 continuous hours stationary rest time taken between the hours of 10pm on a day and 8am on the next day (using the time zone of the base of the driver) or a 24 continuous hours stationary rest break.

Download the Daily work and rest hours planner – Standard hours (solo drivers) (PDF, 24KB)

Solo drivers in the bus and coach sector only

Time Work Rest
In any period of… A driver must not work for more than a maximum of… And must have the rest of that period off work with at least a minimum rest break of…
5 1/2 hours 5 1/4 hours work time 15 continuous minutes rest time
8 hours 7 1/2 hours work time 30 minutes rest time in blocks of 15 continuous minutes
11 hours 10 hours work time 60 minutes rest time in blocks of 15 continuous minutes
24 hours 12 hours work time 7 continuous hours stationary rest time*
7 days   6 x night rest breaks#
28 days 288 hours work time 4 x 24 hours continuous hours stationary rest time

*Stationary rest time is the time a driver spends out of a heavy vehicle or in an approved sleeper berth of a stationary heavy vehicle. #Night rest breaks are 7 continuous hours stationary rest time taken between the hours of 10pm on a day and 8am on the next day (using the time zone of the base of the driver) or a 24 continuous hours stationary rest break.

Two-up drivers

Time Work Rest
In any period of… A driver must not work for more than a maximum of… And must have the rest of that period off work with at least a minimum rest break of…
5 1/2 hours 5 1/4 hours work time 15 continuous minutes rest time
8 hours 7 1/2 hours work time 30 minutes rest time in blocks of 15 continuous minutes
11 hours 10 hours work time 60 minutes rest time in blocks of 15 continuous minutes
24 hours 12 hours work time 5 continuous hours stationary rest time* or 5 hours continuous rest time in an approved sleeper berth while the vehicle is moving
52 hours   10 continuous hours stationary rest time
7 days 60 hours work time 24 continuous hours stationary rest time and 24 hours stationary rest time in blocks of at least 7 continuous hours of stationary rest time
14 days 120 hours work time 2 x night rest breaks# and 2 x night rest breaks taken on consecutive days

*Stationary rest time is the time a driver spends out of a heavy vehicle or in an approved sleeper berth of a stationary heavy vehicle. #Night rest breaks are 7 continuous hours stationary rest time taken between the hours of 10pm on a day and 8am on the next day (using the time zone of the base of the driver) or a 24 continuous hours stationary rest break.

What to do when swapping between AFM and Standard Hours

Drivers who change from AFM to Standard Hours (or BFM) must not drive a fatigue-regulated heavy vehicle unless:

  • they are compliant with all the work and rest requirements of the new work and rest option (i.e. Standard Hours), or
  • they have had 48 continuous hours of rest.

For more information, read the Swapping between BFM and Standard Hours fact sheet (PDF, 249KB)

Basic Fatigue Management (BFM)

Basic Fatigue Management (BFM) is a module of the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS).

BFM gives operators a greater say in when drivers can work and rest, as long as the risks of driver fatigue are properly managed. Operators with BFM accreditation can operate under more flexible work and rest hours, allowing for (among other things) work of up to 14 hours in a 24-hour period.

BFM Solo drivers

Time Work Rest
In any period of… A driver must not work for more than a maximum of… And must have the rest of that period off work with at least a minimum rest break of…
6 ¼ hours 6 hours work time 15 continuous minutes rest time
9 hours 8 1/2 hours work time 30 minutes rest time in blocks of 15 continuous minutes
12 hours 11 hours work time 60 minutes rest time in blocks of 15 continuous minutes
24 hours 14 hours work time 7 continuous hours stationary rest time*
7 days 36 hours long/night work time** No limit has been set
14 days 144 hours work time 24 continuous hours stationary rest time taken after no more than 84 hours work time and 24 continuous hours stationary rest time and 2 x night rest breaks# and 2 x night rest breaks taken on consecutive days.

*Stationary rest time is the time a driver spends out of a regulated heavy vehicle or in an approved sleeper berth of a stationary regulated heavy vehicle.
**Long/night work time is any work time (outside of the period midnight to 6.00 am) that is in excess of 12 hours of work in a 24 hour period or any work time between midnight and 6 am (or the equivalent hours in the time zone of the base of a driver).
#Night rest breaks are 7 continuous hours stationary rest time taken between the hours of 10pm on a day and 8am on the next day (using the time zone of the base of the driver) or a 24 continuous hours stationary rest break.

Download the BFM daily work and rest hours planner for solo drivers (PDF, 24KB)

BFM Two-up drivers

Time Work Rest
In any period of… A driver must not work for more than a maximum of… And must have the rest of that period off work with at least a minimum rest break of…
24 hours 14 hours work time No limit has been set
82 hours No limit has been set 10 continuous hours stationary rest time*
7 days 70 hours work time 24 continuous hours stationary rest time and 24 hours stationary rest time in blocks of at least 7 continuous hours of stationary rest time
14 days 140 hours work time 4 night rest breaks#

*Stationary rest time is the time a driver spends out of a regulated heavy vehicle or in an approved sleeper berth of a stationary regulated heavy vehicle.
#Night rest breaks are 7 continuous hours stationary rest time taken between the hours of 10pm on a day and 8am on the next day (using the time zone of the base of the driver) or a 24 continuous hours stationary rest break.

Use of an approved sleeper berth for BFM Two-up drivers: A sleeper berth can be used as rest when the vehicle is moving as long as it is prior to a driver’s major rest break.

What to do when swapping between BFM and Standard Hours

Drivers who change from BFM to Standard Hours must not drive a fatigue-regulated heavy vehicle unless:

  • they are compliant with all the work and rest requirements of the new work and rest option (i.e. Standard Hours), or
  • they have had 48 continuous hours of rest.

For more information read the Swapping between BFM and Standard Hours fact sheet (PDF, 249KB)

Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM)

Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM) is currently the only available mechanism under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) that can provide you with tailored work and rest hours.

For more information, see Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM).

Personal use of a fatigue-regulated heavy vehicle

Any activity involving a fatigue-regulated heavy vehicle is counted as work time and limited by the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL). However, we understand that drivers may need to use their fatigue-regulated heavy vehicle for personal reasons from time to time if they cannot reasonably access another means of transport.

In such cases, an exemption provides drivers with additional work time to carry out a permitted personal activity.

What is a permitted personal activity?

A permitted personal activity is any work done by a driver for personal, non-commercial purposes and includes:

  • stowing or retrieving personal effects from a fatigue-regulated heavy vehicle
  • cleaning a fatigue-regulated heavy vehicle
  • driving a fatigue-regulated heavy vehicle for personal reasons (for example, visiting a bank or a post office).

The exemption allows drivers to use their fatigue-regulated heavy vehicle:

  • during the driver’s 24 continuous-hour stationary rest break (Standard Hours, BFM and AFM)
  • any time where all conditions of the exemption are met (Standard Hours).

To protect drivers from commercial pressures leading to longer work times, exemptions are for non-commercial purposes only. For example, the exemption can’t be used to drive a heavy vehicle to a mechanic for repairs or to get home at the end of a journey.

View the exemption notices below and download the appropriate advisory publication.

National work and rest hours exemption notices

Standard hours

National Heavy Vehicle Work and Rest Hours Exemption (Personal Use – Standard Hours) Notice 2024 (No.1) provides up to an hour of additional work time to drivers under Standard Hours to use a fatigue-regulated heavy vehicle for permitted personal activities.

For more information on how and when to use this exemption, read the Heavy Vehicle Advisory Publication – Personal use of fatigue-regulated heavy vehicles (PDF, 412KB)

BFM and AFM

National Heavy Vehicle Work and Rest Hours Exemption (Personal Use – BFM and AFM) Notice 2022 (No.1) provides drivers under Basic Fatigue Management (BFM) and Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM) with up to one hour of additional work time in a 24 continuous hour stationary rest break to use a fatigue-regulated heavy vehicle for permitted personal activities.

For more information on how and when to use this exemption, read the Heavy Vehicle Advisory Publication – Personal use of fatigue-regulated heavy vehicles BFM and AFM (PDF, 232KB).

]]> 2024 World Day for Safety and Health at Work and Workers’ Memorial Day https://paragonwhs.com/2024-world-day-for-safety-and-health-at-work-and-workers-memorial-day/ Mon, 08 Apr 2024 05:48:31 +0000 https://paragonwhs.com/?p=2985 Sunday 28 April 2024 is World Day for Safety and Health at Work (World Day) and Workers’ Memorial Day. Our latest data shows that in 2022, 195 workers in Australia were fatally injured at work. This concerning statistic amplifies the importance of increasing awareness around work health and safety to prevent work-related injuries and fatalities.

In 2024, the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) World Day theme explores the ‘impacts of climate change on occupational safety and health’.

Accompanying World Day, the International Trade Union Confederation’s (ITUC) theme for Workers’ Memorial Day 2024 is ‘climate risks for workers’.

Want to get involved?

We encourage everyone to promote World Day and Workers’ Memorial Day on 28 April 2024 to recognise the importance of health and safety in the workplace.

Staying safe when working in severe weather

Explore our practical resources about staying safe when working in severe weather and outside, including managing the work health and safety risks from extreme heat, bushfires, sun exposure and air pollution.

About this year’s theme

The International Labour Organization’s (ILO) theme for World Day 2024 explores the ‘impacts of climate change on occupational safety and health’.

The theme recognises that changing weather patterns can create WHS risks. Heat, flooding, and extreme weather events are increasingly likely to disrupt the normal operation of many businesses. In addition, new technologies and industries in decarbonisation and the circular economy are emerging, creating new roles.

Climate change, increasing urbanisation and proximity of humans and animals have also led to the emergence of novel infectious diseases and increased the transmission and spread of other diseases.

Supporting information

Further advice

Visit your WHS regulator website for information and local activities for World Day for Safety and Health at Work and Workers’ Memorial Day on 28 April 2024.

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