Manufacturing ISSC communique: March 2025
The Manufacturing Industry Sector Standing Committee (the Committee) met on 27 March 2025. Mr Scott Reichman, the Chair, welcomed members and guests to the Committee’s fourth meeting.
The Committee discussed heat stress initiatives undertaken by the Office of Industrial Relations (OIR). Members raised concerns regarding the February-March 2025 OIR heat stress campaign noting that the information being disseminated should be more specific and informative. The Committee looks forward to further heat stress materials such as an audit tool and observed that additional guidance and controls would be valuable for the manufacturing sector. The Committee observed that heat stress compliance should form part of any future heat stress campaigns.
Members had a discussion on work in confined spaces, particularly issues relating to confined space entry permit requirements and powers of a qualified/competent person. Members raised recent issues and noted that confined space training needs to be specific to the workplace. Members noted the importance of having a rescue procedure. Members agreed to raise the issue of confined spaces with the Work Health and Safety Board (the Board).
The Committee noted items referred by the Board including member sharing of OIR campaigns to support an increased reach of safety messaging, and identification of sector relevant case studies that could be developed and provided for health and safety representative (HSR) training. Members observed that it can be difficult to source good HSR training relevant to the industry the HSR is engaged in and highlighted the need for HSR training to discuss psychosocial hazards. Members agreed to provide the Board with examples for manufacturing sector HSR case studies.
Members confirmed they are assisting the broadcast of OIR’s campaign messages where the campaign is relevant to their industry and membership, while also observing an improvement in OIR’s messaging. Members agreed to assist OIR with sharing safety materials with their networks and requested involvement in the development of OIR campaigns.
Members considered reports by OIR including:
- Policy and legislative updates
- OIR Data – Power BI Dashboard
- Strategic Communications update
- Injury Prevention and Management Program (IPaM) Services Paper
Members expressed their appreciation for the proof-of-concept data dashboard report for the manufacturing industry developed by OIR. Members observed that the ability to show industry trend data was particularly valuable.
Members noted that the Injury Prevention and Management (IPaM) Program was a beneficial advisory program, especially for small and medium businesses. Members recommended that OIR undertake greater efforts to promote the IPaM Program to industry. The Committee agreed to assist OIR promote the IPaM Program.
The next Committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 19 June 2025.
ISSC secretariat | Email: oirboardsandcommittees@oir.qld.gov.au