Uncategorized – Paragon Work Health Safety https://paragonwhs.com Safety and Leadership Training Sun, 08 Feb 2026 01:11:35 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 https://paragonwhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/cropped-Paragon-Icon-32x32.jpg Uncategorized – Paragon Work Health Safety https://paragonwhs.com 32 32 Helping truckies make safer choices behind the wheel https://paragonwhs.com/helping-truckies-make-safer-choices-behind-the-wheel/ Sun, 08 Feb 2026 01:11:35 +0000 https://paragonwhs.com/?p=5437

Truckies can now access a new free industry-led online safety program addressing the behaviours that influence the choices they make behind the wheel.

Devised by the Queensland Trucking Association, the Think.Act.Drive program is built around short, scenario-based online quiz modules that encourage drivers to reflect on their behaviours and actions in everyday driving situations.

Delivered in bite-sized units and accessible online at thinkactdrive.com.au, the program is free for truck drivers around Australia and available 24/7.

According to the QTA, the platform has been designed to be practical, simple to use and easy to integrate into existing driver routines and training schedules.

QTA CEO Gary Mahon said the focus of the program was on helping drivers recognise how everyday experiences can influence decision-making on the road.

QTA Think Act Drive – Don't Be A Ned For Professional Truck Drivers

The program targets common reactions and behaviours in real-world scenarios that may increase the risk of an incident, including interactions with other road users, distraction, lack of awareness, speed choice and following distance.

Mahon said while truck drivers could not control the behaviour of other road users, equipping drivers with the right knowledge and tools was critical.

“We know that we can’t control other road users’ behaviours or decisions so it’s critical we give our truck drivers the best possible knowledge and tools to keep themselves safe,” he said.

He also stressed the program is focused on awareness rather than fault.

“I’d like to reinforce that this program is about recognising behaviour, not blame. It’s about understanding those moments that may influence driving choices and to be able to make safer decisions in real time.”

Using short interactive quizzes, Think.Act.Drive reinforces safer choices through direct language and explanation, with the aim of supporting long-term behaviour change. The repeatable format is intended to encourage ongoing engagement and help translate awareness into action to reduce incidents on the road.

“I encourage every operator and driver to try the free quizzes at thinkactdrive.com.au – safer habits start with a single choice,” Mahon said.

The program aligns with key findings from the 2025 NTARC/NRSPP Report, which identified human factors as the leading cause of major heavy-vehicle crashes, with inattention, distraction, inadequate following distance and inappropriate speed listed as primary contributing behaviours.

Think.Act.Drive is funded through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative and supported by the Australian Government.

More information and access to the quiz modules is available at thinkactdrive.com.au.

]]> Occupational Violence & Aggression: Navigating Growing Challenges with OVA in the Workplace https://paragonwhs.com/occupational-violence-aggression-navigating-growing-challenges-with-ova-in-the-workplace/ Sun, 01 Feb 2026 23:27:21 +0000 https://paragonwhs.com/?p=5417

Occupational Violence and Aggression (OVA) incidents are increasing across all industries -healthcare, retail, emergency services, education, hospitality, predominantly in public-facing and frontline roles. These incidents range from verbal abuse and threats to physical violence, which have significant impacts on employee wellbeing, productivity, and organisational liability.

Our core belief at Resolution Education is that no employee should feel unsafe at work. Many organisations today lack structured approaches to prevent, manage, and respond to these situations effectively.

Understanding the Complexity

OVA isn’t simple or predictable. Each incident involves multiple factors:

  • Dynamic situations – Circumstances change rapidly and unpredictably
  • Individual responses– Team members respond differently based on experience, stress levels, and personal factors
  • Environmental factors – Timing, location, and environmental layout all influence how situations develop
  • Escalation patterns – What de-escalates one person may escalate another. These complexities mean that generic training doesn’t work effectively. Organisations need OVA management frameworks tailored to their specific environments and the specific situations their people encounter.

Building a Comprehensive OVA Protection Plan

Effective occupational violence management requires more than one-off training. A robust approach includes training that accounts for real -life circumstances.

Scenario-based training is significantly more effective than theoretical instruction. When training reflects the actual situations your team faces -whether that’s managing difficult customers, handling escalated clients, or responding to threats -employees develop genuine confidence and competence.

Training methods should match your organisation’s capacity:

  • Face-to-face workshops for hands-on skill development
  • Virtual reinforcement sessions to maintain learning and adapt to changes
  • E-learning modules for ongoing reference and accessibility to supplement training

Embedding Training in Your Culture

The most effective and value-add approach is our Train the Trainer program. When your own accredited team members deliver training, as well as regular briefings (even 20 minutes during toolbox meetings), OVA management becomes part of your organisational culture rather than a one-off compliance exercise.

Other ways we can help embed OVA prevention in your workplace

Resolution Education can assist with development of policies, procedures and risk assessments to implement OVA prevention strategies in your organisation.

Policies alone don’t change behaviour, but clear, communicated expectations do. Policies help your team understand:

  • What constitutes unacceptable behaviour
  • How to document and report incidents
  • What support is available post-incident
  • How the organisation responds to breaches

Understanding the patterns in your workplace is essential. A structured risk assessment identifies:

  • When incidents are most likely to occur
  • Where high-risk situations cluster (specific locations, times, client types)
  • Which tasks or interactions carry higher risk
  • Root causes and contributing factors

With this insight, you can implement targeted controls before incidents happen.

Supporting employees after an OVA incident is critical for their wellbeing and your organisation’s resilience. This includes:

  • Immediate incident investigation and reporting
  • Staff debriefing and support
  • Analysis to prevent future similar incidents
  • Implementation of safeguards and system improvements

Why Customisation Matters

Every organisation is different. A training program for aged care differs from one for retail, customer service, or emergency services. The de-escalation techniques that work in healthcare may need adjustment for law enforcement or education settings.

Generic programs miss the mark because they don’t account for your specific:

  • Industry and client base
  • Current incident patterns
  • Organisational policies and culture
  • Team composition and experience levels
  • Legal and safety obligations

Moving Forward

If your organisation has experienced OVA incidents, is looking to improve your current approach, or wants to build a proactive prevention culture, it’s worth exploring a structured framework tailored to your needs.

A qualified approach involves:

1.      Understanding your organisation’s specific challenges and incident data

2.      Reviewing your current policies, procedures, and training effectiveness

3.      Designing a customised protection plan

4.      Delivering practical, relevant training and support

5.      Evaluating outcomes and refining approaches over time

]]> BHP produces safer outcomes with automated operations https://paragonwhs.com/bhp-produces-safer-outcomes-with-automated-operations/ Fri, 23 Jan 2026 00:31:37 +0000 https://paragonwhs.com/?p=5368

BHP has reached a major safety and operational milestone at its Escondida mine in northern Chile, with the Escondida Norte pit now fully autonomous and among the first of its scale in global copper mining.

The transition removes workers from some of the site’s highest-risk activities, as autonomous equipment now handle haulage and drilling across the pit. 

Escondida Norte forms part of the broader Escondida operation, located 170 kilometres southeast of Antofagasta and in production since 1990.

Escondida is the world’s largest producer of copper concentrates and cathodes, with the operation comprising two open pits feeding three concentrator plants and two leaching operations. With a remaining life of several decades and a resource base exceeding 26 billion tonnes, the site is central to BHP’s long-term copper strategy.

At Escondida Norte, 33 autonomous haul trucks and 11 autonomous drills now operate across the pit, moving more than 350,000 tonnes of material each day. Around 30 per cent of Escondida’s total production is generated from the autonomous zone, integrating automation into core production.

“These achievements reduce risk, enhance productivity, and create a safer working environment,” BHP said in a statement.

The shift has led to large-scale workforce preparation, with more than 5000 workers trained in new technologies to support autonomous operations. Women now account for 64 per cent of autonomy-related roles, reflecting changing skill requirements and broader workforce participation as mining operations become increasingly technology-driven.

“Autonomous operations at Escondida are not just about technology – they represent a strategic response to industry challenges such as declining ore grades and increasing operational complexity,” the company said.

“As we grow our copper production, we remain focused on safety, sustainability, and innovation – building a future where technology and people work hand in hand to deliver the resources the world needs.”

]]> Operation Overwatch results: non-compliance still a concern for one of Queensland’s highest-risk highway corridor https://paragonwhs.com/operation-overwatch-results-non-compliance-still-a-concern-for-one-of-queenslands-highest-risk-highway-corridor/ Tue, 20 Jan 2026 02:28:21 +0000 https://paragonwhs.com/?p=5346

New National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) data has identified ongoing non-compliance among heavy vehicles travelling on one of Queensland’s busiest stretches of roads.

Results from a recent joint operation on the Bruce Highway show that almost one in three intercepted heavy vehicles were found to be non-compliant with the law.

Operation Overwatch, which ran ahead of the Christmas holidays, saw NHVR Safety and Compliance Officers (SCOs) work in partnership with the with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) to conduct roadside inspections along the highway between Maryborough and Miriam Vale.

NHVR Chief Operations Officer Paul Salvati said officers completed more than 140 intercepts, with around a third resulting in detection of non-compliance with the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).

“Operation Overwatch aimed to reduce high-risk behaviours on one of Queensland’s most dangerous stretches of road, with three fatal crashes recorded in the weeks leading up to the operation,” Mr Salvati said.

“SCOs and police spoke to drivers about a range of issues, including mechanical requirements, dimensions, fatigue, permits, loading and mass.

“Concerningly, we saw 10 infringements related to fatigue, which we know is one of the most dangerous behaviours across industry.”

Mr Salvati said areas such as Iveragh, Miriam Vale and Gin Gin were considered a hot spot for traffic crashes, with many heavy vehicle drivers appealing for the presence of officers in these areas.

“While some of the figures from this operation are disappointing from a compliance standpoint, we are really pleased with industry’s positive response to an increased officer presence around the highway,” he said.

“It’s encouraging for the NHVR and our partners to hear first-hand from truck drivers that they appreciate our efforts in educating more motorists on how to comply with the HVNL.

“We are also pleased that no crashes occurred during the operation in areas where officers focused.”

NHVR Northern Region Operations Manager Jarrod Wilson said SCOs worked in partnership with the QPS to increase driver safety and ultimately reduce road trauma throughout the region.

“Every roadside interaction aims to create a safer heavy vehicle industry,” Mr Wilson said.

“Through Operation Overwatch, importantly, we saw 14 targeted education interventions covering topics such as work diaries, dimensions, fatigue and loading.

“Both the NHVR and QPS are committed to helping all drivers reach their destination safely, which is why we will continue to work with industry to make Queensland’s roads safer.”

]]> Advisory Service https://paragonwhs.com/advisory-service-3/ Mon, 22 Sep 2025 00:34:28 +0000 https://paragonwhs.com/?p=4765

We are committed to ensuring safe workplaces for all South Australians by offering free information, support, and advice to enhance workplace safety for everyone.

You can request a visit from our advisory service, which provides practical advice tailored to your workplace’s industry, size, risk, and complexity.

We provide a FREE service for small to medium-size businesses, tailoring our advice to suit the individual needs of your business.

Our advisors can visit your workplace for up to 2-hours at a time, to help you understand your work health and safety responsibilities and offer practical support to improve your systems, practices, and overall approach to safety. Alternatively, you may like us to present an information session to your workers, HSRs, WHS Committees or management teams.

You can request a free advisory visit by completing our request form below or contact us on 1300 365 255 if you have any questions.

Request an advisor(external site)

Read what other businesses had to say about our service:

Further information

]]> Raising the bar on safety https://paragonwhs.com/raising-the-bar-on-safety/ Mon, 22 Sep 2025 00:28:40 +0000 https://paragonwhs.com/?p=4754

Increasing the safety of workers in the hospitality industry is the focus of a new SafeWork SA campaign.

The pubs, clubs, bars and taverns campaign will target organisations with a history of high workers’ compensation claims and businesses with a high a number of new/young workers and workers with non-English speaking backgrounds.

The campaign will include worksite inspections and audits to identify non-compliance and assist in educating the businesses on their Work Health and Safety (WHS) responsibilities.

SafeWork SA has published a self-assessment tool on its campaign page to help pubs, clubs, bars and taverns improve safety and prepare for a potential audit.

The industry traditionally has high injury rates and specific risks. Between 1 January 2016 and 31 July 2024, ReturnToWork SA accepted 1,616 injury claims.

The audits will focus on common injury mechanisms across the pubs, clubs, taverns and bars industry, including:

  • Hitting Objects with a Part of the Body: Ensuring proper storage of materials, appropriate housekeeping and lighting throughout the workplace, and adequate warning information.
  • Body Stressing: Consulting with workers to identify and mitigate body stressing tasks, verification of effective training, and assessment of risk for tasks performed.
  • Slips, Trips, and Falls: Improving housekeeping and ground surfaces, adequate space to move about the workplace.
  • Being Hit by Moving Objects: Ensuring appropriate machine guarding is in place, signage on swing doors, etc.
  • Heat, Electricity and Other Environmental Factors: Current electrical testing and Residual Current Device (RCD) testing, routine services of air conditioning system and kitchen extraction systems, appropriate ventilation.
  • Mental Stress: Process for managing and responding to violence and aggression (patrons), suitable grievance resolution processes, adequate training.
  • Chemicals and Other Substances: Verifying site chemical registers, access to Safety Data Sheets (SDS), correct storage of chemicals (including restraint of pressurised cylinders), appropriate worker training.
  • Sound and Pressure: Ensuring appropriate noise monitoring (specifically in service rooms, kitchens and gaming areas), adequate job rotation.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Training of workers and enforcing PPE usage.
  • Regulator Notification Procedures: Verify the notifiable incident reporting procedures and ensure reference to scene preservation.

Visit the campaign page on the SafeWork SA website to find out more and download the pubs, clubs, bars, taverns self-assessment tool(PDF).

]]> Next round of mine inspections underway in Victoria’s north west https://paragonwhs.com/next-round-of-mine-inspections-underway-in-victorias-north-west/ Wed, 20 Aug 2025 02:02:32 +0000 https://paragonwhs.com/?p=4681 Resources Victoria inspections

Resources Victoria is ramping up its inspection program this week, turning its focus to mines across Victoria’s north west as part of a continuing statewide compliance campaign.

 

Kicking off yesterday until August 21, sites across the Mildura Rural City and Yarriambiack Shire regions will undergo inspections aimed at assessing how well operators are managing key risks on-site.

The latest phase of the campaign will concentrate on extraction limits and site rehabilitation, two areas that remain central to safe and sustainable operations.

“It’s been a big year out in the field for the regulator and we’re well on the way to inspecting every mine and quarry in Victoria at least once by the end of this financial year,” Resources Victoria acting chief inspector Rebecca Carlton said.

Earlier inspections conducted in 2025 revealed several common issues, including inadequate fuel management, poor waste storage, and missing boundary markers. Operators in the current round of inspections will be reminded of their responsibilities around dust and noise control, as well as compliance with their approved work plans.

“Our focus remains on operational risk, including ensuring extraction limits and site rehabilitation obligations are being met,” Ms Carlton said.

The information gathered during these inspections will help shape future audits and regulatory activities.

Resources Victoria has stated that operators will be required to address any areas that are being poorly managed or do not meet the site’s work plan standards..

“What we are seeing is that operators want to do the right thing. Where we have identified room for improvement, they have completed required actions promptly,” Ms Carlton added.

]]> Australian Institute of Health & Safety Clarifies its Position on Engineered Stone Prohibition https://paragonwhs.com/australian-institute-of-health-safety-clarifies-its-position-on-engineered-stone-prohibition/ Fri, 05 May 2023 01:29:01 +0000 https://paragonwhs.com/?p=1521
Date:
Monday, 24 April, 2023 – 10:00

The Australian Institute of Health & Safety (AIHS) wishes to clarify our position on the use of engineered stone in Australia. After receiving feedback that there had been some uncertainty in our previous messaging on this issue, we would like to take this opportunity to address any confusion and provide a clear stance on the matter.

The AIHS does not support a blanket ban on the use of all engineered stone, but instead supports a consultation on the prohibition of engineered stone with greater than 10% crystalline silica content. There are many other materials that contain crystalline silica and present a risk to workers, and we believe it is not practical or economically feasible to prohibit their use entirely.

AIHS Chairperson Naomi Kemp clarified “Our position is to adopt a precautionary approach based on the available evidence and that exposures should be eliminated and where that is not possible reduced as low as is reasonably practicable.”

Ms Kemp went on to say “We recognise there are engineered stone products on the market with 10% or less crystalline silica, and there is evidence that the emissions from processing low silica products have correspondingly low respirable crystalline silica concentrations. A value of 10% crystalline silica is evidently manageable by industry and incorporates a commonly accepted toxicological margin of safety for non-cancer endpoints.”

The incidence of occupational disease from uncontrolled exposure to respiratory crystalline silica is unacceptable. This is despite over 300 years of knowledge of its harm and since 2011 duties under Australian WHS regulations to control dust exposure. Self-regulation has clearly been ineffective and we applaud Safe Work Australia members’ commitment for decisive action.

Unacceptable exposure levels to respirable crystalline silica is likely to also be occurring in many other industries including civil, commercial, and domestic construction, tunnelling, mining, quarrying, demolition, landscaping, rail transport (e.g., associated with sandboxes), manufacturing and others. We urge Safe Work Australia to also consult on respirable crystalline silica exposure in these sectors as soon as practicable, and within the three-year transition period for a new WES of 0.025 mg/m3.

The AIHS acknowledges that choosing to prohibit engineered stone with a specific percentage of crystalline silica will likely drive innovation and lead to new products reaching the Australian market. It is paramount that policymakers anticipate and consider potential “new” or exacerbated health hazards that may arise from these products that may lead to occupational disease.

]]> One Week Healthy & Balanced Meal Plan https://paragonwhs.com/how-to-cook-perfect-steaks-every-time/ Thu, 11 Aug 2022 19:14:33 +0000 https://startertemplatecloud.com/g63/?p=1221 Sed arcu non odio euismod lacinia. Sit amet cursus sit amet dictum sit. Nunc pulvinar sapien et ligula ullamcorper. Pellentesque diam volutpat commodo sed egestas. Tellus elementum sagittis vitae et leo duis ut diam quam. Eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec sagittis aliquam malesuada bibendum. At risus viverra adipiscing at in tellus. Duis at tellus at urna condimentum mattis pellentesque.

We have technical limitations; skills that we have yet to develop that hinder us

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

  • Stick to posting schedules that work
  • Giveaways are a great way to get people into your community
  • Look into your insights to see when your audience is active on Instagram
  • Always be clear on what your CTA is

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Viverra aliquet eget sit amet. At ultrices mi tempus imperdiet nulla. Arcu dui vivamus arcu felis bibendum ut. Arcu cursus euismod quis viverra nibh. Cursus vitae congue mauris rhoncus. Faucibus ornare suspendisse sed nisi lacus sed viverra.

John Doe

At vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentium voluptatum deleniti atque corrupti quos dolores et quas molestias excepturi sint occaecati cupiditate non provident, similique sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollitia animi, id est laborum et dolorum fuga.

At vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentium voluptatum deleniti atque corrupti quos dolores et quas molestias excepturi sint occaecati cupiditate non provident, similique sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollitia animi, id est laborum et dolorum fuga.

]]> Quick & Easy Breakfasts For Busy Families https://paragonwhs.com/quick-easy-breakfasts-for-busy-families/ Thu, 11 Aug 2022 19:12:39 +0000 https://startertemplatecloud.com/g63/?p=1219 Sed arcu non odio euismod lacinia. Sit amet cursus sit amet dictum sit. Nunc pulvinar sapien et ligula ullamcorper. Pellentesque diam volutpat commodo sed egestas. Tellus elementum sagittis vitae et leo duis ut diam quam. Eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien nec sagittis aliquam malesuada bibendum. At risus viverra adipiscing at in tellus. Duis at tellus at urna condimentum mattis pellentesque.

We have technical limitations; skills that we have yet to develop that hinder us

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

  • Stick to posting schedules that work
  • Giveaways are a great way to get people into your community
  • Look into your insights to see when your audience is active on Instagram
  • Always be clear on what your CTA is

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Viverra aliquet eget sit amet. At ultrices mi tempus imperdiet nulla. Arcu dui vivamus arcu felis bibendum ut. Arcu cursus euismod quis viverra nibh. Cursus vitae congue mauris rhoncus. Faucibus ornare suspendisse sed nisi lacus sed viverra.

John Doe

At vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentium voluptatum deleniti atque corrupti quos dolores et quas molestias excepturi sint occaecati cupiditate non provident, similique sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollitia animi, id est laborum et dolorum fuga.

At vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentium voluptatum deleniti atque corrupti quos dolores et quas molestias excepturi sint occaecati cupiditate non provident, similique sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollitia animi, id est laborum et dolorum fuga.

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