Transport and Storage ISSC communique: November 2024
The Transport and Storage Industry Standing Committee (the Committee) convened on 5 November 2024. Ms Julie Russell, the Chair, welcomed members and guests to the Committee’s third meeting.
Ms Katherine Smith (Chief Advisor Psychological Health Unit) presented to the Committee on the Managing the risk of psychosocial hazards at work Code of Practice 2022. Members discussed issues including: the difficulty persons conducting a business or undertaking face in identifying psychosocial hazards, the complexities around cumulative psychosocial hazards, available tools and the importance of guidance materials - especially case studies tailored for industry. Members agreed to focus on psychosocial hazards at the second meeting of the Committee in 2025.
Ms Michelle James (Chief Advisor Work Health Design) presented to the Committee on work health design and the Office of Industrial Relations (OIR) approach to the management of design issues. Members discussed the impact of musculoskeletal disorders for the transport and storage sector, and the issue of ‘how to lift training’ (HTLT). Members noted OIR’s information on HTLT - that there is no empirical evidence supporting HTLT impacting injury frequency rates. Members agreed that this information needs to be broadcast to industry and agreed to focus on work health design at the first meeting of the Committee in 2025.
The Chair facilitated discussion on ‘Building enhanced and sustained compliance through improved information and its use’ – a matter referred by the Work Health and Safety Board (WHS Board). The Committee provided the WHS Board with feedback including the value of industry specific case studies, the need to develop communication mediums that deliver ‘bite sized’ information and consideration for a safety ambassador that specifically appeals to young workers.
In discussing contemporary industry issues the Committee noted the recent (30/08/2024) ammonium nitrate tanker explosion that occurred on the Bruce Highway. Members discussed the investigation and considered the current state of the Bruce Highway to be a likely factor in the incident. Members agreed to explore road quality issues at future Committee meetings.
The Committee reviewed its draft forward plan and updated it to focus on a key industry issue at each meeting as outlined above.
The next Committee meeting is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, 18 March 2025.
ISSC secretariat | Email: oirboardsandcommittees@oir.qld.gov.au