Australian Government - Royal Australian Mint

Annual Report 2005-06

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Management of Human Resources

Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S)

The Mint is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for employees, contractors and visitors. All reasonable steps are taken to control or eliminate hazards and minimise the risks associated with production and day to day activities.

Occupational Health and Safety Committee

• The OH&S Committee meets on a monthly basis to discuss OH&S issues, OH&S performance, training, incident reports, and policy and staff wellbeing.
• The Mint has six trained Health and Safety Representatives from three designated working groups: Administration, Engineering and Production. The Representatives undertake quarterly workplace inspections in accordance with an agreed schedule and provide a verbal report to the monthly OH&S Committee. The Representatives also assist in accident/incident investigation as requested, and actively promote safe work practices within all areas of the Mint.

Employee Health and Safety Initiatives

• As part of the induction process all new staff are briefed on OH&S issues, including information on emergency procedures, employee assistance program, first aid officers, harassment contact officers, incident reporting and staff wellbeing.
• The Mint currently has 14 trained First Aid officers, with a fully equipped First Aid Room which can be used in the event of an emergency situation and is available to staff when they are unwell.
• The Mint's Employee Assistance Program continues to be managed by the consulting firm Davidson Trahaire who provides confidential counselling on work-related matters and personal support services to Mint staff and their immediate families.
• As part of the 2004-05 Certified Agreement 89 employees took advantage of the Mint's Healthy Lifestyle Payment. This one off annual payment of $100.00 is available to contribute to activities such as gym membership, quit smoking and/or similar activities which promote a healthy lifestyle.
• Diabetes Australia launched "Diabetes Week" at the Mint, when staff and invited guests participated in a healthy morning tea.
• Staff are offered free influenza vaccinations and some 71 staff took advantage of the off er to be vaccinated.
• The Mint's Health Surveillance Programme ensures all staff , whose normal occupations expose them to hazardous materials, are tested appropriately and regularly. The programme monitors occupational exposure to chromium and nickel.
• Staff who are exposed to noise in the process building have regular hearing tests.
• Lisa Castles and Associates have been contracted to undertake workstation assessments with some 27 assessments completed during 2005-06.

Workplace Incident Reports

All reported incidents are fully investigated, and where appropriate, remedial action is taken. No notices were given under section 29, 46 and 47 of the Occupational Health and Safety (Commonwealth employment) Act 1991.

• There were a total of 53 recorded first aid attendances during the year.
• During 2005-06 the Mint received 50 incident reports.
• Two workers compensation claims were lodged resulting in five lost time days (37 Hours).

Annual OH&S Audit

The annual OH&S audit was placed on open tender during the year, the successful tenderer being Consulting Safety International Pty Ltd. The annual audit against AS4801:2 was conducted in December and there were some 39 recommendations which the Mint is currently working towards to ensure full compliance.