Rural ISSC communique: May 2024
The Rural Industry Standing Committee (the Committee) met on 29 May 2024. The Chair, Associate Professor Kelly Johnstone, welcomed Committee members and guests to the second meeting.
The Chair facilitated discussions on the Committee’s reporting requirements to undertake committee functions (noting the primary function of an ISSC is to give advice and make recommendations to the work health and safety board about work health and safety in the industry sector for which the committee is established). Discussions were supported by presentations from OIR representatives from the Data and Evaluation Unit and the Licensing and Advisory Services.
The Chair referred to the key industry risks and issues in the rural industry raised by members at the previous meeting and invited members to consider whether any other matters should be added to the Committee’s list and whether these issues should be prioritised.
The revised summary of industry issues prioritised by members was:
- Quad bikes (including possible rebate scheme for Qld as per other jurisdictions’ initiative/s)
- Tractors and other (mobile and fixed) rural plant
- Psychosocial hazards and mental health
- Other important (unranked) matters:
- Culture change with regard to safety
- Need for further education (utilising a clear targeted communication strategy) to highlight the importance of managing WHS
- Alcohol and drug abuse
- Workforce (including worker shortages, ageing workforce, fatigue, need for constant training of new workforce, workers whose second language is English)
- Natural Disasters – Climate Change/heat stress
- Forestry - Equipment (e.g., hydraulic) maintenance, public recreational use, long commute etc
- Chemical spraying – Proximity to workers and others
- Electrical safety.
The Members discussed items for future meetings including OIR’s implementation of the Managing the risk of psychosocial hazards at work Code of Practice 2022 and measures to improve quad bike safety.
The next meeting of the Committee will be held on Wednesday, 10 July 2024.
ISSC secretariat | Email: oirboardsandcommittees@oir.qld.gov.au