annual report 2012-13 - safe work australia · of safe work australia for the 2012–13 financial...

Annual Report2012-13

Creative Commons

With the exception of the Safe Work Australia logo and all other images, this report is licensed by Safe Work Australia under a Creative Commons 3.0 Australia Licence.

To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/3.0/au/deed.en

In essence, you are free to copy, communicate and adapt the work, as long as you attribute the work to Safe Work Australia and abide by the other licensing terms. The report should be attributed as the Safe Work Australia Annual Report 2012-13.

Enquires regarding the licence and any use of this publication are welcome at:

Copyright Officer

Safe Work Australia

GPO Box 641 Canberra ACT 2601 Email: [email protected]

ISSN 1838-059X

Published by Safe Work Australia

Contact Officer: Annual Report Coordinator

Postal Address GPO Box 641 Canberra ACT 2601

Officer Address 220 Northbourne Avenue Braddon ACT 2612

Phone: 1300 551 832

Email: [email protected]

www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/swa/about/publications/pages/annual-report-2012-13 Design: Cate Eggleton

Printing: New Millennium Print

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Guide to the report

This report provides information on the activities, achievements and performance of Safe Work Australia for the 2012–13 financial year.

Part 1 – OverviewPart 1 provides information about Safe Work Australia as well as its key achievements and events in 2012–13. In this part the Chief Executive Officer, Rex Hoy gives his review of the year.

Part 2 – Performance reportPart 2 reports on the performance of Safe Work Australia during 2012–13 against its Portfolio Budget Statement strategies.

Part 3 – Management and accountabilityPart 3 introduces Safe Work Australia Members and details Safe Work Australia’s management and accountability processes including internal governance arrangements.

Part 4 – Our organisationPart 4 provides Safe Work Australia’s organisational structure and profiles of the Executive Management Team. This part also includes information on Safe Work Australia’s people and work health and safety management.

Part 5 – Financial performancePart 5 contains information on Safe Work Australia’s financial management and contains the audited financial statements for 2012–13.

Part 6 – AppendicesThe appendices contain information about 2012–13 publications, Model codes and guidance material and ecologically sustainable development performance.

Part 7 – References and indexesReferences and indexes includes a list of abbreviations and acronyms, glossary of terms and compliance and alphabetical index.

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Contents

PART 1 – OVERVIEW 7Role and functions 8

Chief Executive Officer’s review 9

PART 2 – PERFORMANCE REPORT 13Portfolio Budget Statements 14

Performance against strategies 16

The Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2012–22 16

Feature story – Launch of Australian Strategy 18

Feature story – Quad bikes 23

Outlook for 2013–14 24

Harmonised work health and safety laws 25

Feature story – Bullying 27


Research and data program 30

Feature story – Australian Workplace Barometer 33

Outlook for 2013-14 35

Community awareness and knowledge of work health and safety 36

Feature story – Annual Safe Work Australia Awards 37


Promotion of consistent approaches to health and safety 39


Feature story – Sharing work health and safety cost estimate methodology expertise with Singapore 41

Workers’ compensation 42


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PART 3 – MANAGEMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY 45Government and Parliament 46

Safe Work Australia 46

Corporate governance 56

External accountability 57

Internal accountability 58

PART 4 – OUR ORGANISATION 59Organisation chart 60

Executive profiles 61

Our staff 63

Terms and conditions of employment and remuneration 64

Work health and safety 66

Rewards and recognition 68

Feature story - Data and Analysis Section 69

PART 5 – FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE 71Financial overview 72

Independent Auditor’s Report 75

Financial statements 78

PART 6 – APPENDICES 113Appendix 1: Publication List 114

Appendix 2: Model codes and guidance material 117

Appendix 3: Ecologically sustainable development and environmental performance 119

PART 7 – REFERENCES AND INDEXES 121Acronyms and abbreviations 122

Glossary of terms 124

List of requirements 125

Alphabetical index 129

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PART 1 OVERVIEW

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Role and functions

Safe Work Australia was established as a statutory agency on 1 November 2009 under the Safe Work Australia Act 2008 (the Safe Work Australia Act). It is the principal body leading the development of national policy to improve work health and safety and workers compensation across Australia. Safe Work Australia does not undertake any regulatory functions.

The establishment of Safe Work Australia was provided for in the Intergovernmental Agreement for Regulatory and Operational Reform in Occupational Health and Safety (the IGA) and agreed by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) on 3 July 2008.

Safe Work Australia is responsible for coordinating and developing national policy and strategies, developing model work health and safety (WHS) laws, undertaking research and collecting, analysing and reporting data. Safe Work Australia works collaboratively with the community, work health and safety authorities, industry groups and unions to achieve the national vision of healthy, safe and productive working lives.

The agency is jointly funded by the Commonwealth, state and territory governments. The funding arrangement promotes collaboration with jurisdictions on policy development, implementation, compliance, enforcement and communication activities.

Our Members work with staff to deliver the objectives of the Safe Work Australia Strategic Plan 2012–15 and Safe Work Australia Operational Plan 2012–13. These Members include an independent Chair, nine Members representing the Commonwealth and each State and Territory, two Members representing the interests of

workers, two representing the interests of employers and the Chief Executive Officer of Safe Work Australia.

The agency’s functions are set out in the Safe Work Australia Act. Since the establishment of Safe Work Australia, a central function has been to progress the development of model WHS laws. Other functions include:

» development of the Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2012–22 (the Australian Strategy)

» conducting and publishing research and collecting, analysing and publishing data or other information relating to work health and safety and workers’ compensation to inform the development or evaluation of policies

» developing proposals relating to improving workers’ compensation arrangements particularly for businesses with workers in more than one jurisdiction, and

» developing and promoting national strategies to raise awareness of work health and safety and workers’ compensation.

Safe Work Australia is subject to the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 (FMA Act).

Safe Work Australia’s Chief Executive Officer is responsible for managing the administration of Safe Work Australia and assisting it to perform its functions.

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Chief Executive Officer’s review

This has been a great year for both Safe Work Australia and work health and safety in Australia. I would firstly like to thank our inaugural Chair, Tom Phillips AM for his leadership and guidance over the past three years. Tom oversaw the establishment of Safe Work Australia, the development of the model WHS laws and the Australian Strategy. I would also like to welcome Ann Sherry AO as the new Chair of Safe Work Australia. Ann was appointed in February and has provided great insight into the work health and safety priorities of industry and business.

Being involved in such an important reform of legislation across the country over the past three years has allowed us to create real change in the way Australians approach work health and safety. The new WHS laws have commenced in seven of the nine jurisdictions. We will continue to work closely with the Commonwealth, state and territory governments, industry and unions to ensure improved safety for all Australian workers under harmonised laws.

For the fourth consecutive year Safe Work Australia has met all its key performance indicators in the Portfolio Budget Statement measuring progress against three outcome areas. This is a great achievement and I would like to thank Safe Work Australia staff for their commitment to delivering on our priorities. With all great achievements comes change. The work of Safe Work Australia is changing direction. Having completed most of the development work on the new WHS laws Safe Work Australia’s focus has shifted to monitoring the implementation of the laws. Safe Work Australia will continue to assist the Commonwealth, states and territories to resolve any issues associated with the adoption of the new WHS laws in their jurisdiction.

A major achievement for Safe Work Australia has been the endorsement of the Australian Strategy by the Commonwealth, all state and territory governments, industry and unions. The Australian Strategy was launched in October 2012 after extensive consultation and public comment. The Australian Strategy will provide the framework for the future direction of our work in its priority industries and action areas.

A final review of the National Occupational Health and Safety Strategy 2002-2012 was published in June 2013 and recognised the significant reduction in the number and rate of work-related fatalities and injuries over the 10 years. Most notably the review found a 47 percent decrease in the rate of work-related fatalities in Australia. This is more than twice the strategy’s target of a 20 percent reduction over the 10 years.

This is a great indication of how a nationally consistent approach to improving work health and safety can truly save lives.

Each year over the past three years around 220 workers have died as a result of an injury received at work. We have continued to work on raising awareness of work-related fatalities through activities like providing the Minister with briefings within three days of a work-related incident. These incidents are reported to Safe Work Australia from jurisdictions or in the media. Tragically we have sent these ‘real time’ reports to the Minister nearly every day over the past year.

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Raising awareness of the importance of work health and safety is not just the role of Safe Work Australia. All Australians go into some type of workplace every day and deserve for their workplace to be safe. Through our Safety Ambassador Program run in conjunction with national Safe Work Australia Week, everyday Australians are asked to be ambassadors for work health and safety. In 2012 Safe Work Australia Week saw 699 people from across Australia take on the role of Safety Ambassador in their workplace. They led safety activities, organised information sessions and made workplace safety a key issue in large and small organisations across Australia.

The Australian Strategy was launched at the Safety Ambassador of the Year Award ceremony in October. The Safety Ambassador of the Year Award recognises an individual who shows passion, commitment and innovation in work health and safety. From 23 entries received from workers in small to large organisations across Australia, Jacinta Macaulay from Ron Finemore Transport was chosen as the 2012 Safety Ambassador of the Year. Jacinta is a great example of how one person can make an industry like road transport safer.

Each year the Safe Work Australia Awards are held in Canberra as one of our key awareness raising activities. This year the 8th annual Safe Work Australia Awards were hosted by Safe Work Australia Chair, Ann Sherry AO and held at Old Parliament House. The historical venue was a spectacular backdrop for the theme of looking at how far we have come in work health and safety in Australia. Twenty-nine finalists from across Australia competed for this year’s awards covering five categories. The quality of finalists was excellent and I continue to be inspired by the commitment of everyday Australians to make workplaces safer for everyone.

Work health and safety covers so many industries and community activities but the impact on Australian workers and their families is just as tragic no matter the workplace. Safe Work Australia focused on two major work health and safety issues in the community throughout 2012-13 with work continuing into 2013-14 – quad bike safety and workplace bullying.

With more than 150 Australians dying from quad bike incidents since 2001 the safety of quad bikes on farms has become a growing concern for families, the community, regulators and policy-makers. As a result of an Australian Government roundtable on quad bike safety in July, Safe Work Australia launched the QuadWatch initiative. The online page hosts information on quad bike safety, up to date statistics and information on design and engineering controls to generate community and industry engagement and action.

In November the report from the Parliamentary Inquiry into Workplace Bullying ‘We Just Want it to Stop’ was released. Safe Work Australia has been asked to action 10 of the 23 recommendations in the report including to urgently progress the draft model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Workplace Bullying. Safe Work Australia will continue to work with the Commonwealth, state and territory governments to develop the draft model code, publish the latest research on workplace bullying and produce annual statements on trends in workers’ compensation claims of bullying and harassment.

Significant progress has also been made in the two key areas of mining and explosives. During 2012-13 Safe Work Australia finalised draft model WHS (Mines) Regulations in cooperation with the National Mine Safety Framework (NMSF). These regulations and a Decision Regulation Impact

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Statement (RIS) have been sent to the Select Council on Workplace Relations (the Ministerial Council) for agreement and adoption in Queensland, Western Australia and Victoria. The model WHS laws and Regulations apply to mine safety in all other states and territories.

Safe Work Australia has also been asked to develop nationally consistent explosives legislation. We will continue to work with the Australian Forum of Explosives Regulators (AFER) in 2013-14 on implementation issues and technical matters in the current explosives legislation. Progress on the explosives legislation will be reported regularly to the Ministerial Council.

Safe Work Australia’s statistical, research and data publications have continued to attract a range of media attention and recognition from Australia and overseas. These publications are an excellent way to communicate work health and safety and workers’ compensation issues to the community.

Overseas recognition of our work does not stop at publications. I have been invited to become a member of Singapore’s International Advisory Panel for Work Safety and Health. The panel comprises international experts advising on efforts to raise work health and safety standards in Singapore. This is a great opportunity for Safe Work Australia to contribute to improving workplace safety around the world.

I am proud to say our Economist, Richard Webster was invited to visit Singapore’s Work Safety and Health Institute in January. Richard shared his expertise in the development of a model to estimate the cost of work-related injury and disease.

In June our Branch Manager of Work Health and Safety and Corporate Governance, Julia Collins was invited by New Zealand’s Minister of Business, Innovation and Employment to provide

advice on the development of model WHS laws. Julia provided expert advice on the development, adoption and implementation of the model WHS Act, Regulations, guidance materials and supporting documents to assist the New Zealand Government in their work on harmonised laws. New Zealand is developing legislation based on Australia’s model WHS laws.

We have been sharing information and expertise with the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and the Accident Compensation Corporation on data and research, quad bike safety, leadership and culture, compensation of work-related disease and the New Zealand schedule of diseases.

It is an honour for me to work with the calibre of people whose work is recognised around the world.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Safe Work Australia Members and staff for their support, advice and tireless work to improve work health and safety and workers’ compensation for all Australians.

This is my fourth and last annual report as the Chief Executive Officer of Safe Work Australia as I have decided to retire from 1 November 2013. Being involved in the establishment of Safe Work Australia and seeing the harmonisation of WHS laws across most of the country is a highlight of my 46 year career in the Australian Public Service. I wish Members, staff and Australian workers all the best in the pursuit of reducing work-related fatalities and incidents.

Rex Hoy

Chief Executive Officer Safe Work Australia

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PART 2 PERFORMANCE REPORT

State Library of Queensland, neg no. 178543

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Portfolio Budget Statements

The 2012–13 Portfolio Budget Statements (PBS) for Safe Work Australia outline a single program structure that is reflected by the outcome statement:

Safer and more productive Australian workplaces through harmonising national occupational health and safety and workers’ compensation arrangements.

Performance against this outcome is measured by six strategies and three key performance indicators (KPIs) also outlined in the PBS. The strategies from the PBS have been used to report on Safe Work Australia’s performance during 2012–13.

The six strategies are:

» strategic national work health and safety policy and practice is supported by the activities of the Australian Strategy

» Australia has harmonised and improved work health and safety laws that provide a consistent, equitable and high level of protection to all workers

» the national work health and safety research and data program supports evidence informed policy, programs and practice

» community awareness and knowledge of work health and safety is increased

» assistance is provided to other policy agencies to promote consistent and improved approaches to managing health and safety hazards and risks, and

» opportunities for improvements in workers’ compensation arrangements are identified and assessed particularly for employers with workers in more than one jurisdiction.

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The three KPIs measure Safe Work Australia’s progress in achieving its outcome.

KPI 2012–13 Estimate Actual performance

Model legislation continues to be developed in accordance with COAG timelines

COAG agreed timelines are met

Model WHS Act and Regulations apart from the mining component achieved on time. COAG timeframes extended for completion of mining regulations

Level of satisfaction of the Chair of Safe Work Australia with how the services of the agency are directed at achieving the outcomes of its Strategic and Operational Plans

Very good or above Achieved

Level of satisfaction of the Members of Safe Work Australia with how the services of the agency are directed at achieving the outcomes of its Strategic and Operational Plans

80 percent of members agree the services of the agency are appropriately directed at achieving the outcomes

100 percent of Members agreed

Throughout 2012–13 Safe Work Australia sought to have its outcome statement updated in the PBS. From 2013–14 the outcome statement will be Healthier, safer and more productive workplaces through improvements to Australian work health and safety and workers’ compensation arrangements.

The change reflects the changing direction of Safe Work Australia’s focus with the majority of the development of the model WHS laws complete. The outcome statement is also linked to the vision in the Australian Strategy.

The KPIs in the 2013–14 PBS will also be updated to align with the new outcome.

LEVEL OF SATISFACTION

Safe Work Australia Members’ satisfaction of the agency’s overall performance was more than 90 percent for the third consecutive year. In 2012–13 all Members were satisfied with the performance of the agency.

For the fourth consecutive year Safe Work Australia has met all its key performance indicators.

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Performance against strategies

Safe Work Australia has a strategic plan and an operational plan as required in Part 4 of the Safe Work Australia Act. The Safe Work Australia Strategic Plan 2012–15 sets out six strategic outcomes to be achieved in those three years. The Safe Work Australia Operational Plan 2012–13 sets out the activities to achieve the outcomes for the year being reported. Both plans were endorsed by a majority of the Ministerial Council and are available on the Safe Work Australia website.

The six strategic outcomes are below.

1. Work health and safety is regarded as a key community issue.

2. Work health and safety is improved through understanding what influences Australian workplace cultures and putting in place mechanisms to effect change.

3. Australia has harmonised work health and safety laws complemented by consistent compliance and enforcement policies that contribute to improved safety for all workers.

4. National work health and safety and workers’ compensation policy is informed by knowledge, evidence, understanding and prioritisation of existing and emerging issues.

5. Opportunities for greater improvements in workers’ compensation arrangements are identified and assessed and policy proposals developed.

6. Continuous improvement of Safe Work Australia.

Performance against these outcomes is highlighted throughout the document.

The Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2012–22

REVIEW OF THE NATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY STRATEGY 2002–12

The National Occupational Health and Safety Strategy 2002–12 (the National OHS Strategy) concluded in 2012. It provided a framework for the improvement of work health and safety through common goals and national priorities. It promoted a collaborative approach between key players and supported a more consistent regulatory environment across Australia.

The final review titled Triennial Review of the National OHS Strategy 2002–12 was published in June 2013. The review recognised the significant reduction in the number and rate of workplace fatalities and injuries over the 10 years.

Performance against targets from the National Occupational Health and Safety Strategy:

» a 47 percent decrease in work-related fatalities, more than twice the target of a 20 percent reduction

» a 28 percent decrease in serious injury which was below the target of a 40 percent reduction

» improvements in each national priority mechanism with the exception of Falls, trips and slips of a person, and

» significant improvement in all of the priority industries of between 19–49 percent reduction of serious injury.

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The review report highlights activities undertaken at the national, state and territory level to support national priorities and areas requiring national action. Performance against the indicators of success and the targets were also reported.

THE AUSTRALIAN WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY STRATEGY 2012-2022

The Australian Strategy was developed to build on the National OHS Strategy. Throughout 2012–13 Safe Work Australia commissioned a series of papers on emerging work health and safety issues to support the development of the Australian Strategy and ensure its relevance for the coming decade. These papers informed and promoted debate on key work health and safety topics.

Each paper provides a description of current evidence or a presentation of underpinning concepts.

Safe Design In 2009 the Australian Safety and Compensation Council published a report ‘Sizing up Australia: How contemporary is the anthropometric data Australian designers use?’. This identified a need to collect Australian anthropometric data and make this more readily available to designers of workplaces, plant, structures equipment and clothing. Better anthropometric data could then be used to help provide safer designs. To support this long term objective Safe Work Australia commissioned a report to describe the method and scientific parameters for any future Australian body sizing survey to help ensure the data are fit for purpose. This report will be published later in 2013.

Leadership and Culture

Leadership and due diligence describes how the due diligence duties of officers under the harmonised WHS laws support leadership that can contribute to an improved organisational culture. A companion paper Culture describes the existing evidence base around organisational culture and the implications for the Australian Strategy.

The Australian Strategy was approved by Commonwealth, State and Territory Workplace Relations Ministers and representatives of employer and employee groups in October 2012. The Australian Strategy was launched in a series of events around Australia in association with national Safe Work Australia Week.

The Australian Strategy promotes the vision of healthy, safe and productive working lives and sets four outcomes to be achieved by 2022. Seven action areas have been identified to collectively contribute to the delivery of these outcomes. These are illustrated in the diagram below.

The identification of emerging issues achieves Strategic Outcome 4 of the strategic plan.

The launch of the Australian Strategy and commencing its implementation is a key part of achieving Strategic Outcome 4 of the strategic plan.

The Australian Strategy visual overview

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Feature story

LAUNCH OF AUSTRALIAN STRATEGY

The Australian Strategy is the product of extensive public consultation which began in late 2010. It builds on the previous National OHS Strategy.

The Australian Strategy provides a 10 year framework to drive improvements in work health and safety and has four outcomes to achieve the vision of healthy, safe and productive working lives by 2022:

» reduced incidence of work-related death, injury and illness, achieved by

» reduced exposure to hazards and risks, using

» improved hazard controls, and supported by

» an improved national work health and safety infrastructure

The Australian Strategy was approved by the Select Council on Workplace Relations, the Australian Council of Trade Unions, the Australian Industry Group and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The Australian Strategy was launched by the Hon Bill Shorten MP, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations on 31 October

2012 at Parliament House in Canberra.Throughout

October 2012 work health and safety regulators across Australia hosted Australian Strategy workshops as part of their

safety awareness raising activities.

In launching the Australian Strategy, Minister Shorten recognised the collaborative approach between the

Commonwealth, state and territory governments, industry, unions and the community. The Australian Strategy promotes collaboration as a key way to improve work health and safety in Australia. In his speech Minister Shorten said:

The new Australian Strategy aims to reduce both the human and financial costs of work-related injuries and illness. It recognises that good health and safety is good business and is associated with long-term productivity.

As part of the launch event the 2012 Safety Ambassador of the Year was announced. Jacinta Macaulay from Ron Finemore Transport was honoured for her commitment to work health and safety.

More information about the Safety Ambassador of the Year is on page 36.

Professor Dennis Else (left of photo) and Mr Robin Stewart-Crompton, authors of the National OHS Strategy 2002–2012, at the Safety Ambassador of the Year Award and launch of the Australian Strategy. 31 October 2012 - Parliament House, Canberra

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OUTCOMES AND TARGETS

The Australian Strategy sets three targets to be achieved by 2022.

Safe Work Australia will report annually on progress with the implementation of the Australian Strategy. The first of these reports covers up to October 2013.

Implementation of the Australian Strategy has commenced with the Commonwealth state and territory governments jurisdictions, industry and unions and agreeing to implementing a program of national projects.

IMPLEMENTATION

The Commonwealth, state and territory governments, industry and unions have strategies to support and improve work health and safety. The Australian Strategy has been designed to be sufficiently broad and high-level so the parties and other organisations can undertake activities that assist in meeting the desired outcomes.

In collaboration with Safe Work Australia Members planning is underway on how to implement the Australian Strategy so that outcomes and targets can be achieved.

ACTION AREAS

The Australian Strategy has seven action areas:

» Healthy and safe by design

» Supply chains and networks

» Health and safety capabilities

» Leadership and culture

» Research and evaluation

» Government, and

» Responsive and effective regulatory framework.

Throughout 2012–13 the focus has been on commencing work in healthy and safe by design, supply chain, health and safety capabilities and responsive and effective regulatory framework.

Healthy and safe by designSafe Work Australia commenced a revision of the suite of Safe Design documents released in 2006 by the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC). The documents being reviewed are:

» Guidance on the principles of safe design for work, and

» Safe Design for Engineering Students.

The review will look at updating these documents with current practices and explore options for implementation of these documents in university curriculum.

Supply chains and networksSafe Work Australia commissioned a report to identify exemplars within supply chain networks.These people are leading innovative activities to eliminate or more effectively control hazards and risks associated with musculoskeletal disorders and

Australian Strategy targets to be achieved by 2022 are reductions in the:

» number of worker fatalities due to injury of at least 20 percent

» incidence rate of claims resulting in one or more weeks off work of at least 30 percent, and

» incidence of claims for musculoskeletal disorders resulting in one or more weeks off work of at least 30 percent.

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management of hazardous chemicals. The focus was on the agriculture, road-freight transport, and construction industries. The report will be published in late 2013.

Health and safety capabilitiesA report of a Qualitative Assessment of Master of Business Administration (MBA) Course Content was completed and will be published in late 2013. This revealed the majority of sampled MBAs have little or no content directly relating to work health and safety governance and strategic leadership and a narrow understanding of work health and safety. Work health and safety was viewed as a human resource management issue.

Responsive and effective regulatory frameworkThe work on the maintenance and ongoing development of the model WHS legislation is significant work by Safe Work Australia under this action area. More information on the harmonised WHS laws is on page 25.

PRIORITY INDUSTRIES

The priority industries identified in the Australian Strategy are:

» agriculture

» road transport

» manufacturing

» construction

» accommodation and food services

» public administration and safety, and

» health care and social assistance.

Throughout 2012–13 the focus has been on the agriculture industry and preparation for the road transport industry for 2013–14. Throughout Safe Work Australia Month in October 2013 the agriculture and road transport industries will feature as a focus across the nation.

Agriculture

Throughout 2012–13 there has been significant attention on the agriculture industry and its poor injury and fatality rates.

In March 2013 Safe Work Australia published the statistical report Work-related injuries and fatalities on Australian farms. This report brings together compensation, fatality and hospital data to provide a full picture of injuries and fatalities on farms.

Safe Work Australia is supporting a number of key organisations working on improving work health and safety in agriculture.

» University of Sydney’s Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety are providing advice and information on hazards in the agriculture industry including asthma on farms, falls, noise, pesticides, tractors and machinery, workshop safety, zoonoses and quad bikes. They are also providing data on non-intentional farm deaths and serious injuries.

» Farmsafe Australia are establishing and maintaining a communications network.

Quad bikes continue to be an issue for the agriculture industry, with 19 fatalities in 2012–13.

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» The Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation are developing a partnership agreement and strategic plan to undertake research focused on improving work health and safety in the agriculture sector. This research will be used to improve knowledge and practices through a range of key influencers involved in the partnership and industry. It is anticipated the partnership agreement will be signed in late 2013.

Throughout 2012–13 Safe Work Australia commenced working with Comcare to develop a technical specification for crush protection devices (CPD) for quad bikes.

Safe Work Australia will continue to work with the agriculture industry to reduce the incidence of injuries and fatalities, especially in the area of quad bikes.

Road transportThroughout 2012–13 Safe Work Australia commenced two data reports which are expected to be finalised in 2013–14 relating to the road transport industry and involving trucks. These reports will be used by Safe Work Australia to consider what further activities can be undertaken to improve the rate of injury and fatality in this industry.

Safe Work Australia is also working with the National Transport Commission to help demonstrate our commitment to improving work health and safety in the road transport industry.

PRIORITY DISORDERS

The priority disorders identified in the Australian Strategy are:

» musculoskeletal disorders

» mental disorders

» cancers (including skin cancer)

» asthma

» contact dermatitis, and

» noise-induced hearing loss.

Throughout 2012–13 focus has been on mental disorders, with research work underway for musculoskeletal, cancer, asthma and contact dermatitis.

Musculoskeletal disordersResearch has commenced to examine the impacts of musculoskeletal disorders on the productivity of young workers. This work is expected to conclude in 2013.

Mental disordersThe Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance was established in late 2012 by the National Mental Health Commission. The Alliance brings together organisations committed to improving mental health support and practices in Australian workplaces. Safe Work Australia is a founding member and is collaborating on a project to collect examples of good practice and develop resource material to assist employers to create mentally healthy workplaces.

Further information can be found at www.workplacementalhealth.com.au.

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Cancer (including skin cancer)Research has commenced on how workers are exposed to workplace cancer causing chemicals. This research is expected to conclude in 2014.

Safe Work Australia supports the work of the Australian Mesothelioma Register (AMR). Further information on the AMR is on page 35.

AsthmaResearch commenced in 2012–13 on how many workers might be exposed to workplace chemicals that could cause work related asthma. This work is expected to conclude in 2016.

Contact dermatitisResearch looking at causes of work related contact dermatitis commenced and is expected to conclude in 2013.

All of these research projects will help inform Safe Work Australia Members on these disorders and help identify areas for relevant prevention activities.

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Feature story – QUAD BIKES

Improving quad bike safety was a focus for Safe Work Australia in 2012–13. There are an estimated 220 000 quad bikes in use in Australia. Since 2001 more than 150 Australians between the ages of 4-94 have died from a quad bike incident. In the 2012–13 financial year alone 19 people died as a result of a quad bike with more than half of these deaths as a result of a roll over.

Reliance on the use of personal protective equipment, training and education over the last 25 years has been ineffective in preventing fatalities and serious injuries. In 2012 the Australian Government called for action to prevent more quad bike deaths and injuries. Safe Work Australia has developed initiatives to improve quad bike safety.

In July 2012 the Hon Bill Shorten MP, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations hosted a round table with farming organisations, unions, industry and community groups to discuss quad bike safety.

An initiative of the roundtable was the development of QuadWatch—an online page to host information on quad bike safety and stimulate community engagement. An action from the roundtable was the release of a discussion paper on design

and engineering controls for improving quad bike safety. This discussion paper was released for public comment in September 2012. The discussion paper was followed by another forum in October 2012 with representatives from farming, community groups, research, unions, industry and regulators.

In December 2012 Minister Shorten released a report on the key findings emerging from the discussion paper and forum. In doing so he stated designers and manufacturers of quad bikes must improve the design of quad bikes so they are not prone to roll over and some form of CPD is required to reduce the potential for death and injury as a result of a crush or asphyxiation when they do roll over.

Safe Work Australia is working with work health and safety regulators to prevent children under 16 years operating an adult size quad bike in a workplace—including on a farm. Warnings already exist on adult sized quad bikes stating that children under 16 years should not operate them.

Safe Work Australia participates in the Project Reference Group overseeing the University of New South Wales’ research on quad bike stability and crashworthiness—with

and without CPDs—that will develop a safe design performance star rating based on machine stability.

Safe Work Australia is also working with Comcare to develop a technical specification to underpin the design, manufacture, testing and installation of CPDs during or after manufacture.

In 2013–14 Safe Work Australia will continue to work with farming organisations, unions, industry and community groups to improve quad bike safety in Australia.

CPD on quad bike. Image courtesy of QB Industries.

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Outlook for 2013–14

In 2013–14 Safe Work Australia will develop national projects to support the Australian Strategy’s vision and outcomes. It is expected these projects will fall under eight themes, including:

» the design of structures and plant

» the design of work and work systems

» the design and management of work for improving mental health

» the use of supply chains to promote work health and safety

» national leadership and culture

» the promotion of better linkages between regulators with overlapping policy interests

» support for and dissemination of an improved evidence base, and

» implementation, review and monitoring and evaluation of work health and safety legislation and practice.

Under the Action Area Healthy and Safe by Design a key activity in 2013–14 will be identifying and promoting a common understanding of the underlying principles and elements of well-designed work and work systems.

Activity plans based on criteria to ensure consistent national approaches to support improvements in the agriculture and road-freight transport industries will be developed for Safe Work Australia Members’ consideration by early 2014.

A strategic outcome of the Australian Strategy is for leaders in communities and organisations to promote a positive culture for work health and safety. A project to provide an opportunity for businesses and organisations to showcase activities they are undertaking to improve work health and safety will commence in 2013–14.

Planning for a 2014 Australian Strategy conference to showcase initiatives and act as a reporting mechanism will shortly commence.

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Harmonised work health and safety laws

IMPLEMENTATION

Safe Work Australia marked a significant milestone with the harmonisation of WHS laws on 1 January 2013 when they took effect in South Australia and Tasmania. Of the nine jurisdictions, seven have now enacted and commenced harmonised WHS laws.

Safe Work Australia is monitoring the implementation of new WHS laws to identify and resolve any issues regarding interpretation and workability. An Implementation temporary advisory group (TAG) has been established to consider implementation issues and provide advice to ensure the legislation is implemented consistently across jurisdictions. The Implementation TAG met twice in 2012–13.

MONITORING ADOPTION OF MODEL LEGISLATION IN JURISDICTIONS

Throughout 2012–13 Safe Work Australia worked with jurisdictions, industry and unions to make a number of technical amendments to the model WHS Regulations to correct inadvertent errors, clarify policy intent and address workability issues.

CODES OF PRACTICE AND GUIDANCE MATERIAL

In November 2012 Safe Work Australia Members endorsed 12 codes and sent them to the Ministerial Council for agreement.

Safe Work Australia published 13 model Codes of Practice and 11 model guides in 2012–13. A full list of model codes, guides and factsheets is at Appendix 2.

Safe Work Australia is currently developing additional model Codes of Practice including stevedoring.

In July 2012 Safe Work Australia released an Issues Paper: Review of the National Guidance Material for Working Safely in the Waterfront for public comment. The 649 submissions received informed the development of a draft model Code of Practice: Managing the Risks in Stevedoring (the draft Stevedoring Code).

Safe Work Australia worked closely with industry, unions and jurisdictions to develop the draft Stevedoring Code to address the high rates of serious injury, illness and deaths in this industry. The draft Stevedoring Code was released for public comment on 7 June 2013. The Office of Best Practice Regulation (OBPR) had exempted the draft Stevedoring Code from a RIS but reversed this decision following concerns raised by some stevedoring companies that compliance

The majority of the Australian workforce is now covered by harmonised work health and safety legislation.

Development of codes of practice and guidance achieves Strategy 3.1 – Continued development and assistance with the implementation of the model work health and safety laws of the operational plan.

Implementation, monitoring and development of harmonised WHS laws achieves Strategic Outcome 3 of the strategic plan.

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with the draft Stevedoring Code would have cost impacts. Safe Work Australia commenced work on a Consultation RIS which will be released when approved by OBPR.

Guidance material has been published to assist duty holders on various topics including a package of information for volunteers and volunteer organisations. This was published on the Safe Work Australia website on 31 July 2012. Safe Work Australia worked closely with volunteer organisations to resolve any uncertainties and respond to questions.

ONGOING DEVELOPMENT

Registrable plant reviewThe model WHS Regulations require scheduled plant to be design registered and/or item registered before the item can be used in a workplace in Australia. Safe Work Australia commenced a review of the scheduled registrable plant and related regulatory definitions. The review will develop recommendations for change where deficiencies are identified.

Exposure standards framework review Safe Work Australia commenced a review of the framework for the regulation of airborne contaminants in the workplace. The review will provide a responsive and effective regulatory framework to improve the health and safety of workers, reflects world’s best practice, and responds and adapts to changes in scientific and technical knowledge.

Throughout 2012–13 a working group comprising a range of technical and regulatory experts has been established to assist in the review. A discussion paper for public consultation on a range of options relating to the future use

of workplace exposure standards as a regulatory compliance tool under the model WHS laws is expected in early 2014.

High Risk Work Licensing

Units of competency and licensing of high risk workThe model WHS Regulations established 29 classes of high risk work (HRW) requiring a licence in Australia. Safe Work Australia endorses the units of competency (UoC) against which candidates are trained and mandates the national assessment instruments (NAIs) that must be used by registered assessors to assess a candidate’s competency.

During 2012–13 Safe Work Australia revised 25 NAIs and progressed the development of new UoCs and NAIs for boilers, reach stackers and concrete placing booms. A continuous improvement process has been implemented to improve and maintain the mandated NAIs.

HRW license class reviewSafe Work Australia commenced a review of the 29 HRW licensing classes and related regulatory definitions. The review will consider both the HRW licensing classes listed in Schedule 3 and the related units of competency listed in Schedule 4 of the model WHS Regulations and will recommend change where any deficiencies are identified.

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Feature story – BULLYING

Bullying at work is a hazard that can affect any one, in any job, at any time. Estimates of the prevalence of bullying in Australia vary but the outcomes can be serious for both individuals and businesses. Workplace bullying can result in significant health impacts and undermine productivity and morale.

In 2011 Safe Work Australia commenced work on a draft model Code of Practice: Preventing and Responding to Workplace Bullying based on existing codes of practice and guidance material in the states and territories. The draft model Code was released for public comment in September 2011 and attracted significant interest with 71 submissions received.

On 26 May 2012 the Government announced a Parliamentary Inquiry to address community and public concerns about bullying in the workplace. The agency made a submission to the Inquiry and Safe Work Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Rex Hoy appeared at a public hearing on 17 August 2012.

The Committee’s report Workplace Bullying “We Just Want it to Stop” was tabled in Parliament on 26 November 2012. The Department of

Education, Employment and Workplace Relations coordinated the Australian Government’s response. Safe Work Australia has been asked to action 10 of the 23 recommendations made by the Committee.

In particular, recommendation 3 requested the Commonwealth Government, through Safe Work Australia, urgently progress the draft model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Workplace Bullying to a final version and all jurisdictions adopt the code.

A revised draft model Code was released for a second round of public comment, along with a guide for workers and a Consultation RIS on 3 June 2013.

In response to recommendation 18 of the Committee’s report, Safe Work Australia committed

to issuing an annual statement outlining trends in successful workers’ compensation claims arising from mental stress and specifically the subcategory of mental stress claims arising from workplace bullying and harassment. The annual statement will also include information on relevant academic research findings relating to psychosocial health and safety and workplace bullying. The first of these annual statements will be issued in the first half of 2013–14.

Safe Work Australia Members will consider the draft document in 2013–14 incorporating the public comment submissions.

Workplace Bullying “We Just Want it to Stop”

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BULLYING – continued

In April 2013 Safe Work Australia published the report The incidence of accepted workers’ compensation claims for work-related mental stress in Australia 2001–02 to 2010–11. This report includes a detailed analysis of workers’ compensation claims arising from mental stress and presents specific information on workplace bullying. Claims arising from workplace bullying and harassment account for just over one fifth of all workers’ compensation claims arising from mental stress. Compensation data show that the rate of claims resulting from workplace bullying and harassment is increasing while the overall rate of claims resulting from mental stress is declining.

Safe Work Australia also published the results of two research projects throughout 2012–13 that examined workplace bullying issues.

The relationship between work characteristics, wellbeing, depression and workplace bullying – Summary report

provides information about the relationships between workplace bullying and work characteristics like high job demands, low job control, job insecurity, and lack of support from colleagues and managers and between workplace bullying and depression. This research is ongoing and uses information collected every four years from participants in the Australian National University’s Personality and Total Health (PATH) Through Life Project.

The Australian Workplace Barometer: Report on psychosocial safety climate and worker health in Australia provides information obtained from Australian workers about the prevalence of workplace bullying. Further information on the Australian Workplace Barometer project is on page 33.

Safe Work Australia’s ongoing research includes participating in the University of Queensland’s People at Work project which is examining workplace bullying issues at the organisational

level. This research will help employers identify and manage psychosocial risks. The ongoing Regulatory Burden Survey project is collecting information from businesses about their activities to comply with obligations to prevent workplace bullying.

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MINING

Safe Work Australia has developed model WHS (Mines) Regulations in cooperation with the NMSF Steering Group to be included in the model WHS Regulations.

A Decision RIS for the model WHS (Mines) Regulations and draft codes of practice for mines was prepared in accordance with the COAG best practice regulation guidelines for Ministerial Councils and National Standard Setting Bodies.

Safe Work Australia Members endorsed the model WHS (Mines) Regulations in late 2012. The regulations and Decision RIS have been sent to the Ministerial Council for agreement. These regulations will be included in the model WHS Regulations once approved by the Ministerial Council.

The model WHS Act and the model WHS Regulations as adopted by the Australian Capital Territory, the Commonwealth, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Tasmania and South Australia apply to mining in those jurisdictions. The model WHS (Mines) Regulations will apply to Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia.

EXPLOSIVES

In December 2012 COAG agreed explosives legislation reforms should progress through the Ministerial Council. This work is being overseen by Safe Work Australia and in 2012–13 a formal consultative mechanism to develop nationally consistent explosives legislation was established. Safe Work Australia will regularly report to the Ministerial Council on progress.

The Australian Forum of Explosives Regulators (AFER) is the forum of government authorities responsible for administering explosives safety and security legislation in Australia. It provides a forum for regulators to exchange information on matters relating to explosives. AFER held two meetings in 2012–13.


In 2013–14 Safe Work Australia will:

» continue to oversee implementation of model WHS laws and work with governments, and to ensure the model WHS laws operate as intended

» continue to develop codes of practice and guidance material in support of the model WHS laws

» undertake minor technical and legislative drafting amendments to the model WHS (mines) regulations identified during implementation

» prepare for the reviews of the model WHS laws, and

» progress development of nationally consistent explosives legislation.

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Research and data program

A national Research, Evaluation and Data Strategy 2013–2017 was developed during the year to provide clear objectives for Safe Work Australia’s research, evaluation and data activities against the Australian Strategy and strategic plan. It will be published in late 2013.

RESEARCH

Safe Work Australia’s research program is focussed on the three broad areas:

» workplace culture

» the evaluation of work health and safety harmonisation, and

» hazard surveillance.

WORKPLACE CULTURE

This area of research is to better understand what influences Australian workplace culture and how workplace culture can be influenced to improve health and safety outcomes. Projects included in this research are below.

» The continuation of the Motivations, Attitudes, Perceptions and Skills project started in 2009-10.

» An examination of psychosocial factors and compliance with work health and safety regulation in small and medium workplaces as part of a three-year Australian Research Council (ARC) linkage grant between Safe Work Australia and the Australian National University. The focus of this work is in Queensland and South Australia in the construction, health care and social assistance and manufacturing industries. In 2012–13 interviews were conducted

with business owners and managers in 24 workplaces in Queensland and inspectors from the Queensland work health and safety inspectorate.

» A project on how classroom work health and safety learning and skills are translated to health and safety behaviour in workplaces and maintained over time.

Findings from these projects will assist in developing policies responsive to the needs of different industry groups. Reports will be published on the Safe Work Australia website as findings become available.

EVALUATION OF HARMONISATION

Safe Work Australia is undertaking a range of projects to examine the effectiveness of the harmonised WHS laws and to report on progress and changes which have occurred in achieving a harmonised approach to work health and safety in Australia.

Three collections of data on harmonisation were completed in 2012–13:

» Perceptions of Work Health and Safety – a postal survey of non-employing, small, medium and large Australian businesses

» Regulatory Burden – a postal survey of non-employing, small, medium and large Australian businesses, and

» interviews with senior managers in 37 organisations on perceptions of work health and safety and its cost to the business.

Research focussed on workplace culture achieves Strategic Outcome 2 of the strategic plan.

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Survey data collected during 2012–13 will be collated and summarised in a single summary report. The summary report is expected to be provided to Safe Work Australia Members in early 2014.

Safe Work Australia is preparing for the reviews of the model WHS laws by commissioning a research project focusing on how legal concepts and changes due to the implementation of the model WHS laws are working in practice. The research project will be carried out by the National Research Centre for OHS Regulation between 2013 and 2016 and includes an examination of:

» legal construction of key sections of the model WHS Act

» regulator compliance, support, inspection and enforcement

» efficacy of codes of practice and guidance material

» efficacy of Safe Work Method Statement and Work Health and Safety Management Plans in construction, and

» effectiveness of the WHS Act, Regulations, Codes of Practice and Guidance material in addressing psychosocial risks.

This research complements the regulatory burden survey data being collected to assess the impact of the model WHS laws.

HAZARD SURVEILLANCE

Safe Work Australia undertakes a wide range of research on hazard exposure and occupational disease to inform national work health and safety policy development and evaluation. In

2012–13 a national occupational hazard and risk management surveillance program was developed to understand hazard exposures and the effectiveness of controls to enable timely action to prevent work-related disorders. The following projects were undertaken or completed in 2012-13.

A report on residual chemicals in shipping containers was published in December 2012. This research investigated worker exposures when unpacking shipping containers at retail warehouse or distribution centres in Melbourne and Brisbane.

» Interviews were completed with over 50 employers/managers in Structural Metal Manufacturing to explore influential factors on safe work practices and to collect ideas on potential solutions to health and safety problems.

» Data were collected from 520 people aged under 25 years to examine productivity loss due to musculoskeletal disorders and to identify areas of intervention.

» Data collection is nearly complete on exposure to hazards and other workplace contributing factors for occupational contact dermatitis with a report due in late 2013.

A range of work on psychosocial hazards was completed or commenced in 2012–13.

The implementation of the Evaluation Plan for the Harmonisation of Work Health and Safety in Australia achieves Strategy 3.2 – Monitor the effectiveness of the model work health and safety laws of the operational plan.

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» In December 2012 the Australian Workplace Barometer (AWB) report was published highlighting psychosocial risk factors in the working Australian population and the relationships between risk factors and employee health. This report informed the Parliamentary Inquiry on bullying undertaken in 2012.

» Safe Work Australia partnered with the University of Queensland, the Australian National University, Work Health and Safety Queensland, Vic WorkSafe, NSW WorkCover, Comcare and beyondblue on the People at Work ARC linkage project. It will provide benchmark levels for psychological wellbeing and psychosocial risks and a practical risk assessment tool to enable workplace assessment of risk levels.

» The Work Wellbeing Project, an ongoing partnership with the Australian National University, collects new data and examines existing data from the Personality and Total Health Through Life project on the impact of psychosocial hazards in the workplace on health.

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AUSTRALIAN WORKPLACE BAROMETER

Psychological injury claims are increasing and are the most expensive type of workers’ compensation claim (Safe Work Australia, 2013). Surveillance systems that monitor workplace psychosocial risk factors inform national approaches towards worker injury prevention and intervention. The AWB project was developed to set national benchmarks, develop best practice standards in the area of worker psychological health and wellbeing and provide evidence for policy development, intervention targets and the provision of resources at national, state, territory and industry levels.

The AWB was developed and undertaken by Professor Maureen Dollard and colleagues from the Centre for Applied Psychological Research, University of South Australia. This work was supported by two ARC grants, SafeWork SA and Safe Work Australia. A population-based approach was used as organisational access is difficult and is not representative of the working population. The sampling approach was selected to maximise access to a representative sample of workers. A total of 5743 computer assisted telephone interviews were conducted

in six Australian states and territories (excluding Queensland and Victoria) to gain information from working Australians on their work and health conditions. A comparison of demographic data between the AWB and Australian Bureau of Statistics labour force statistics showed the AWB sample is representative of the national working population on factors like participation in industry, contract and work hour status, mean age by industry and other population characteristics.

Transport & storage, Accommodation, cafes & restaurants and Health & community services were identified as high risk industries across a number of states. Other at risk groups included workers aged between 25–34 years with the poorest psychological health. The youngest workers (18–24) exhibited the lowest levels of engagement. Urban workers reported higher psychological demands compared to rural workers. Rural workers reported more physical demands, more work-family conflict and were more at risk for poor mental and physical health outcomes. Working hours are a major issue in the workplace with over 40 percent of participants

working more than the national standard of 38 hours and 18 percent working longer than 48 hours per week.

One of the main findings was depression costs Australian employers approximately $8 billion per annum as a result of sickness absence and pre-senteeism and $693 million per annum of this is due to job strain and bullying1. The cost is mostly due to workers showing mild symptoms of depression as they take twice as many sick days as those who do not show any symptoms of depression.

1Safe Work Australia, 2012, The Australian Workplace Barometer: Report on psychosocial safety climate and worker health in Australia

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COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA

In 2012–13 Safe Work Australia published 13 statistical reports in addition to updating fact sheets and data tables on the website.

Safe Work Australia’s regular publications continue to provide high quality statistics and information on work health and safety and workers’ compensation matters to the Australian community. Examples of these regular publications include Work-related Traumatic Injury Fatalities 2010–11, the Compendium of Workers’ Compensation Statistics Australia 2010–11 and the Comparative Performance Monitoring report (14th edition).

In 2012–13 Safe Work Australia started work on a series of thematic reports on key work health and safety issues, groups of workers and high risk industries identified as priorities in the Australian Strategy. These reports have been well received by jurisdictions and present work health and safety information from a variety of sources. The reports include Work-related injuries and fatalities on Australian farms and Work-related injuries experienced by young workers in Australia 2009–10.

Together with the jurisdictions, Safe Work Australia has made considerable progress in improving the timeliness and accuracy of its fatality reporting. A fatality tally is featured prominently on the Safe Work Australia website and the monthly notifiable fatality reports provide a more accurate reflection of the number of traumatic injury fatalities than previously.

The Traumatic Injury Fatality collection and its associated report continues to supplement these data, providing an in depth analysis of patterns and trends in work-related fatalities.

Safe Work Australia’s statistical reports have attracted a range of media attention from newspaper articles to radio interviews throughout the year. This is an important way to communicate work health and safety matters to the general public.

The data in the key work health and safety collections have informed the development of targets under the Australian Strategy. The data will also be used to track progress against the targets.

Safe Work Australia also provides a statistical enquiry service to the general public and the media.

Safe Work Australia will continue to strive to improve data collections, data quality and data analysis to increase the understanding of emerging and existing work health and safety and workers’ compensation issues. There is a particular focus on ensuring that statistical reports deliver the information required by jurisdictions, industry, employers and workers and that the information and messages contained in these reports are easily accessible and understood.

The collection, analysis and publication of data is a function of Safe Work Australia under the Safe Work Australia Act and meets Strategic Outcome 4 of the strategic plan.

The provision of statistics and analysis achieves Strategy 1.2 – Develop and disseminate national publications on key strategic objective and work health and safety and workers’ compensation matters of the operational plan.

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AUSTRALIAN MESOTHELIOMA REGISTER

The AMR is managed for Safe Work Australia by the Cancer Institute NSW in collaboration with the Monash Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health. The AMR is financially supported by Comcare. The AMR collects information on all new cases of mesothelioma diagnosed since 2010 from the state and territory cancer registries to which notification of mesothelioma is mandatory. Information about asbestos exposure is collected from consenting patients through a postal questionnaire and telephone interview. The AMR published its first statistical report on mesothelioma diagnoses and asbestos exposure in August 2012. The report findings included jobs with the highest likelihood of exposure to asbestos were in construction and building trades followed by electrical and related trades. Home renovation and car maintenance were the most common non-occupational circumstances associated with asbestos exposure.

The second annual statistical report is expected to be published on the AMR website early in 2013–14.

Outlook for 2013-14

Multi-year research projects will continue in 2013-14 and include the areas below.

» Psychosocial factors and compliance with work health and safety regulation in small and medium workplaces. Interviews will commence early in 2013–14 with businesses and work health and safety inspectors in South Australia.

» Learning and skills project - A literature review to inform interviews with students about their work health and safety learning and skill use in workplaces is underway. Interviews will commence in 2013–14 with nursing and physiotherapy students.

» A second set of data on work health and safety perceptions and regulatory burden will be collected from businesses to examine changes over time.

» Data collection for a study to examine work related asthma will commence in 2013. This project is funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council with Safe Work Australia, University of Western Australia, Cancer Council Western Australia and Cancer Council Australia.Support for the Australian Mesothelioma

Register achieves Strategy 4.1 – Collect, analyse, monitor and report on data and research to inform national work health and safety and workers’ compensation policy development and evaluation of the operational plan.

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Community awareness and knowledge of work health and safety

NATIONAL SAFE WORK AUSTRALIA WEEK

National Safe Work Australia Week is held annually in October to focus attention on workplace safety issues and encourage all working Australians to get involved in safety in their workplace. Safe Work Australia promotes the week both internally and externally through a range of activities.

In its eighth year Safe Work Australia Week was held from 21–27 October 2012. The theme for 2012 was Safety starts with ‘S’ but begins with ‘You’.

Key national activities of the 2012 Safe Work Australia Week were the Safety Ambassador Program, the Safety Ambassador of the Year Award and the launch of the Australian Strategy.

Established in 2008 the Safety Ambassador Program encourages people to be safety leaders and promote the importance of safety in their workplace. In 2012 the Hon Bill Shorten MP, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations was Patron of the Safety Ambassador Program.

There was a record 699 Safety Ambassadors registered for Safe Work Australia Week, a 23 percent increase from the previous year. As well as being recognised as leaders in workplace safety, Safety Ambassadors are given a range of Safe Work Australia Week information resources to help them plan and promote activities in their workplace. They also have the opportunity to enter the Safety Ambassador of the Year Award.

The Safety Ambassador of the Year Award recognises an individual who leads by example to raise awareness of the importance of workplace safety. They also encourage others to get involved in work health and safety. There were 23 entries received for the Safety Ambassador of the Year Award in 2012.

Minister Shorten announced Jacinta Macaulay from Ron Finemore Transport as the 2012 Safety Ambassador of the Year. The initiatives Ms Macaulay implemented in her workplace included the development of the ‘Fifth Wheel Coupling Aid’ and retro fitting of chequer plating to truck access ladders. Ms Macaulay also introduced the ‘Air Hawk Truck Seat’ to minimise injuries for truck drivers and helped develop work health and safety training for new starters. In his speech Minister Shorten said:

Through her initiative, leadership and consultation with managers and staff at all levels, she made her workplace safer, committing herself to identifying and rectifying issues within her workplace. She’s undertaken an analysis of recurring injuries and identified areas for improvement at her workplace.

As well as the key activities driven by Safe Work Australia there were hundreds of activities held at a local level by states and territories during their own safety week or month. These included workshops, forums, free information sessions and state safety awards held during October to celebrate and promote safety in the workplace.

Safety Ambassador of the Year, Jacinta Macaulay, with Minister Shorten

This ongoing initiative meets Strategic Outcome 1 of the strategic plan.

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Feature story

ANNUAL SAFE WORK AUSTRALIA AWARDS

Excellence in work health and safety was recognised at a national level when the winners of the 8th annual Safe Work Australia Awards were announced at a ceremony held at Old Parliament House in Canberra on 29 April 2013. The Awards acknowledged excellence in work health and safety at a government, organisational and individual level.

Twenty-nine finalists from across Australia competed for this year’s awards. Finalists of each of the national award categories were winners of their respective category in their 2012 state, territory, Seacare or Comcare awards.

The five categories of the Annual Safe Work Australia Awards were:

Awards were presented to winners and certificates to highly commended finalists by Safe Work Australia Chair, Ann Sherry AO. An independent judging panel considered each finalist’s awards submission before deciding on the final winners.

The Awards ceremony was hosted by James O’Loghlin with 130 people attending. Guests included Safe Work Australia Members, work health and safety professionals and key industry, employer and government representatives.

Category 1

Best Workplace Health and Safety Management System

Category 2

Best Solution to an Identified Workplace Health and Safety Issue

Category 3

Best Workplace Health and Safety Practice/s in a Small Business

Category 4a

Best Individual Contribution to Workplace Health and Safety- by an employee

Category 4b

Best Individual Contribution to Workplace Health and Safety- by a Work Health and Safety Manager

Safe Work Australia Chair Ann Sherry with the winners and highly commended recipients at the 8th annual Safe Work Australia Awards.

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WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORTING IN ANNUAL REPORTS

Safe Work Australia continued its work to improve reporting of work health and safety information and performance in company annual reports. There is currently a lack of standardised work health and safety indicators which hinders consistent and comparable performance and due diligence reporting. To help address this Safe Work Australia is contributing to three projects to develop:

1. a practical understanding of the role accounting information plays in the due diligence and governance activities of company officers

2. lead indicators able to be used by business for benchmarking and predictive purposes, and

3. a set of work health and safety indicators and guidelines that can be used by companies for both internal and external work health and safety reporting.

The work health and safety reporting project follows a staged approach over the next three years:

» development of standardised work health and safety indicators

» testing of the indicators on a voluntary basis, and

» development of policy options for the consistent use of standardised indicators.

The expected outcomes for this project are to:

» improve and standardise work health and safety reporting by business and organisations, and

» assist duty holders to fulfil their due diligence obligations under the model WHS laws.



» move Safe Work Australia Week to Safe Work Australia Month in October 2013

» review the categories and criteria of the Safe Work Australia Awards

» review external communication activities and develop an external communications strategy for Safe Work Australia Members approval, and

» test the draft indicators for work health and safety reporting in annual reports.

This initiative contributes to achieving Strategy 1.1 – Work with stakeholders through a range of mechanisms to deliver a consistent national message on the importance of work health and safety of the operational plan.

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Promotion of consistent approaches to health and safety

NANOTECHNOLOGY

The Commonwealth Government’s National Enabling Technologies Strategy and the Nanotechnology Work Health and Safety Program commenced in 2007 and ended on 30 June 2013. Safe Work Australia published 13 research reports, 6 information sheets and 2 guidance documents in total.

Future work will focus on dissemination of information, provision of guidance and integration of nanotechnology issues into relevant hazardous substances work.

INTERNATIONAL

Safe Work Australia has continued its involvement with international organisations like the United Nations Sub-Committee of Experts on the Globally Harmonised System, International Organisation for Standardisation Nanotechnology Technical Committee, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Working Party for Manufactured Nanomaterials, World Health Organization (WHO) and International Labour Organization.

Safe Work Australia strengthened its role in the WHO Network for Collaborating Centres in Occupational Health through its involvement in the Priority 7, Hazardous Sectors of the network’s

Global Master Plan 2012–17. Safe Work Australia became secretary of the Knowledge Network in Occupational Health in Mining and will jointly lead the Knowledge Network in Hazardous Sectors that will incorporate transport, construction and e-waste sectors.

INTERNATIONAL TRIPS AND DELEGATIONS

Safe Work Australia hosted Mr Osea Cawaru, Deputy Secretary of Fiji’s Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment for a four day placement in August 2012. Mr Cawaru was in Australia as part of the Pacific Executive Program being run by the Australia and New Zealand School of Government. Mr Cawaru spent time with staff to learn more about the Australian work health and safety system and workers’ compensation to help him with several work health and safety and workers’ compensation projects back in Fiji.

Mr Rex Hoy gave a presentation about leadership and culture under the Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2012–22 at The Safety 2012: 11th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion. The conference was held in Wellington, New Zealand in October 2012.

International work by Safe Work Australia achieves Strategy 2.2 – Develop and maintain collaborative Australian and international partnerships on work health and safety of the operational plan.

Mr Osea Cawaru

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A number of international delegations met with Safe Work Australia during November 2012:

» A delegation of four people from South Korean environmental agencies visited to learn about remediation of asbestos mines.

» Sixteen people from a range of agencies connected to the Chinese State Administration of Work Safety visited Safe Work Australia to learn about work health and safety in Australian mines.

» Researchers for the Japanese Ministry of Manpower visited Safe Work Australia to learn about asbestos-related compensation systems in Australia. The Japanese government introduced the Asbestos-related Health Damage Relief Law in 2006 and it is now under review.

» Mr Rex Hoy and Ms Julie Hill travelled to Sydney to meet with the Singaporean Minister of State for Health and Manpower, Dr Amy Khor. Discussions were held on a range of work health and safety topics including the economic impact of work-related injury and illnesses.

Dr Howard Morris headed the Australian delegation at the International Organization for Standardization’s Nanotechnologies Technical Committee General Meeting in Queretaro, Mexico in March 2013. The meeting was hosted by the Mexican Institute for Standardization and Certification. Dr Morris also participated in meetings for a number of ongoing working groups.

Ms Julia Collins travelled to Wellington, New Zealand in June 2013 to advise New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment about Australia’s model WHS laws. Recommendations from New Zealand’s Independent Taskforce on Workplace Health and Safety included adopting Australia’s model WHS laws.

Mr Drew Wagner travelled to Geneva in June 2013 to attend meetings of the UN sub-committee of Experts on the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals and UN Sub-Committee for the Transport of Dangerous Goods.



» continue to work with international organisations on work health and safety and workers’ compensation improvements

» consider applying for redesignation as a WHO collaborating centre

» monitoring the nanotechnology work in Australia and internationally, and

» attend relevant international forums to share the experiences of Safe Work Australia and learn from overseas experiences.

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SHARING WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY COST ESTIMATE METHODOLOGY EXPERTISE WITH SINGAPORE

In January 2013 Safe Work Australia’s economist and data analyst, Mr Richard Webster, was invited to visit Singapore’s Work Safety and Health (WSH) Institute. Mr Webster shared his expertise in the development of a model to estimate the cost of work-related injury and disease. Mr Webster met and held discussions with relevant staff, data providers and senior executives over a three day period to assist the WSH Institute to implement the cost estimate methodology. He gave a presentation to the WSH Institute, WSH Council and Ministry of Manpower on the background behind the development of the Australian model, the types of data used in the estimation and some of the challenges and compromises that occurred in the development of the model and its implementation. Mr Webster also presented at a forum entitled “Maximising Returns through WSH Innovations” attended by business leaders,

WSH professionals and policy makers. This invitation was due to the high international regard of Safe Work Australia’s study and report on the costs of work-related injury and illness to the Australian economy published in March 2012. The study found in 2008–09 the total economic

cost of work-related injury and illness to the Australian economy was $60.6 billion or 4.8 percent of Gross Domestic Product.

Mr Richard Webster and WSH Commissioner, Mr Ho Siong Hin

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Workers’ compensation

The National Workers’ Compensation Action Plan 2010–13 (the action plan) came to an end on 30 June 2013. Work was completed or is underway on a number of projects under the action plan including the projects listed below. The action plan was evaluated early in 2013. This resulted in the decision to focus on a small number of projects each year to be completed as far as possible within the reporting year. Projects will be chosen in areas identified for improved responses to and management of work-related injuries and illnesses. Early intervention, rehabilitation and return to work after injury remain a key focus of national efforts in workers’ compensation.

In 2012–13 Safe Work Australia developed policy proposals in several key areas aimed at improving workers’ compensation arrangements in Australia. Key achievements include:

» the development of a National Guide to the Assessment of Permanent Impairment to create nationally consistent arrangements for the assessment of permanent impairment

» an investigation of nationally consistent approaches to the management of dust disease compensation claims, and

» a review of the application of workers’ compensation legislation to older workers including recommendations to address the increase in the age pension qualifying age from 65 to 67 between 2017 and 2023 and ensure older workers are not disadvantaged.

The first National Return to Work Survey was undertaken in May 2013. The survey was jointly funded by Safe Work Australia and Australian and New Zealand workers’ compensation authorities. It collected information from over 4000 employees of both premium payers and self-insurers. Information from the survey will be used by Safe Work Australia and participating jurisdictions to develop policies and programs aimed at improving the return to work experience and outcomes of injured workers.

Safe Work Australia continued its work to identify key issues of concern for employers with workers in more than one jurisdiction, with a series of interviews conducted with large multi-state employers in February 2013. Safe Work Australia is working with workers’ compensation authorities to address some of the main issues raised by multi-state employers.

In March 2013 the Hon Bill Shorten MP, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations referred work to Safe Work Australia to develop minimum benchmarks for the lifetime care and support of people catastrophically injured at work as part of the National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIIS). Safe Work Australia agreed to the scope of the project in June 2013 and work has commenced to develop the minimum benchmarks by early 2014.

In June 2013 the Comparison of Workers’ Compensation Arrangements in Australia and New Zealand was updated. This is the second edition of the Comparison Report since it was substantially revised in 2011–12 to better reflect the needs of its audience.

The finalisation of activities under the Action Plan achieves Strategic Outcome 5 of the strategic plan.

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» develop a list of scheduled diseases

» develop minimum benchmarks for lifetime care and support for people catastrophically injured in workplace incidents as part of the NIIS

» undertake the second round of the National Return to Work Survey, and

» publish a series of case studies on organisations with exemplary injury management and return to work practices.

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PART 3 MANAGEMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY

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Government and Parliament

Under the Safe Work Australia Act the Chief Executive Officer is responsible for keeping the Minister informed of Safe Work Australia’s progress in performing its functions.

The Hon Bill Shorten MP, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations was the Minister responsible for Safe Work Australia during this reporting period.

Throughout 2012–13 the Minister was regularly advised of progress on key matters. This included monthly reports on Safe Work Australia’s key activities and advice each time Safe Work Australia became aware of a work-related fatality.

Safe Work Australia

Safe Work Australia comprises 15 Members including an independent Chair, nine members representing the Commonwealth and each state and territory, two members representing the interests of workers, two representing the interests of employers and the Chief Executive Officer of Safe Work Australia. Members are supported by the staff of the agency and various committees and groups for both technical and policy matters.

Safe Work Australia is required to convene at least three meetings each financial year. Safe Work Australia met three times in 2012–13.

In February 2013 Ms Ann Sherry AO was appointed Chair of Safe Work Australia replacing outgoing Chair Mr Tom Phillips AM.

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SAFE WORK AUSTRALIA CHAIR, MS ANN SHERRY AO

Ms Sherry is the Chief Executive Officer of Carnival Australia and holds a number of non-executive roles with ING Direct (Australia), the Myer Family Company Holdings Pty Ltd, Australian Rugby Union, Jawun - Indigenous Corporate Partnerships and Chairman, Australian Indigenous Education Foundation. Ms Sherry is also Deputy Chair of the Tourism and Transport Forum. In 2013 Ms Sherry was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters by Macquarie University in recognition of her contribution to Australian business and civic life.

MR JOHN WATSON NSW

Mr Watson is the General Manager, Occupational Health and Safety Division, WorkCover Authority NSW. Mr Watson is the current Chair of the Heads of Workplace Safety Authorities (HWSA) and Safe Work Australia’s Strategic Issues Group on Work Health and Safety (SIG-WHS). Mr Watson has over 25 years’ experience working on work health and safety matters in Australia.

MS DENISE COSGROVE VIC

Ms Cosgrove joined WorkSafe Victoria as Chief Executive in November 2012. Prior to joining WorkSafe, Ms Cosgrove worked for New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC). Ms Cosgrove is the current Chair of the Heads of Workers’ Compensation Authorities (HWCA).

DR SIMON BLACKWOOD QLD

Dr Blackwood is currently the Acting Deputy Director-General, Office of Fair and Safe Work Queensland, which is responsible for overseeing the Divisions of Private Sector Industrial Relations, Electrical Safety and Workplace Health and Safety Queensland. Prior to this Dr Blackwood was the Executive Director of Workplace Health and Safety Queensland and General Manager of Private Sector Industrial Relations. Dr Blackwood is also a member of SIG-WHS.

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MR BRYAN RUSSELL SA

Mr Russell is the Executive Director of SafeWork SA, a business unit of the Department of Premier and Cabinet. Mr Russell represents SafeWork SA on a number of national forums including Safe Work Australia, the SIG-WHS and the National Mine Safety Forum Steering Group. Mr Russell is the Chair of Safe Work Australia’s Strategic Issues Group on Explosives (SIG-Explosives).

MR BRIAN BRADLEY WA

Mr Bradley is the Director General of the Department of Commerce. Mr Bradley holds the position of Deputy Chair of the Western Australian Commission for Occupational Safety and Health. Mr Bradley is a member of the WorkCover Western Australia Authority’s Board and a member of the Legal Aid Commission. Mr Bradley has been working on safety and health matters since 1983.

MS HEIDI ROBINSON ACT2

Ms Robinson is the acting Director of the Office of Industrial Relations in the ACT Government, with responsibility for private sector industrial relations and work safety including dangerous substances and asbestos regulation. Ms Robinson’s substantive position is practice group manager of the ACT Government Solicitor’s employment and industrial relations team. Ms Robinson is also a member of SIG-WHS.

MR ROY ORMEROD TAS

Mr Ormerod is the General Manager of Workplace Standards Tasmania with responsibility for industry, gas and electrical safety. Mr Ormerod was previously the Director of Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading with responsibility for occupational licensing laws.

2Fiona Barbaro is the appointed Member for the ACT. Heidi Robinson has been appointed the member’s substitute while Fiona is on extended leave as per section 36 of the Safe Work Australia Act 2008.

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MR DOUG PHILLIPS NT

Mr Phillips has worked in senior management positions in the private sector, accounting, motor industry and a group of companies having interests in real estate, motor dealerships, tourism, hospitality and airport ground transport. Mr Phillips joined the Northern Territory Government in 1999 and has since held senior executive positions. In 2013 Mr Phillips was appointed Deputy Chief Executive of NT Work Health Authority for the Department of Business. Mr Phillips is also a member of SIG-WHS.

MS KYLIE EMERY COMMONWEALTH

Ms Emery is the Group Manager of the Workplace Relations Implementation and Safety Group at the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). Ms Emery has held a range of senior positions within DEEWR in the schools and corporate areas of the department. Ms Emery is also a member of SIG-WHS, Safe Work Australia’s Strategic Issues Group for Workers’ Compensation (SIG-Workers’ Compensation) and the SIG-Explosives.

MR MICHAEL BOROWICK ACTU

Mr Borowick is an Assistant Secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) and oversees the work of the Communications, Campaigns, Occupational Health and Safety and Workers’ Compensation teams. Mr Borowick represents the ACTU on the National Workplace Relations Consultative Council, Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission (SRCC) and the Defence Industry Innovation Council.

MR MARK GOODSELL AI GROUP

Mr Goodsell is Director of the NSW branch of the Ai Group. Previously Mr Goodsell was an industrial relations adviser to industry. Mr Goodsell is currently the Chair of SIG-Workers’ Compensation and is a member of the NSW OHS and Workers’ Compensation Council.

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MS CAROLYN DAVIS ACCI

Ms Davis is Manager of Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation in the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) Workplace Policy Unit. Ms Davis has more than 20 years’ experience in work health and safety and workers’ compensation management, policy, advocacy and implementation. Ms Davis has held senior roles in major Australian companies and in academia as well as running her own consultancy for many years. Her early qualifications and background were in industrial chemistry and occupational hygiene. Ms Davis is also a member of SIG-WHS.

MR ANDREW DETTMER ACTU

Mr Dettmer was State Secretary of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union - Queensland/NT Branch and is now the National President of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union. Prior to his election as State Secretary, Mr Dettmer was Assistant State Secretary, responsible for members in the Technical, Supervisory and Administrative division of the branch.

MR REX HOY SAFE WORK AUSTRALIA

Mr Hoy is the Chief Executive Officer of Safe Work Australia. His biography is on page 61.

Members Meeting 13, Sydney: From left to right: Ms Denise Cosgrove, Mr Andrew Dettmer, Ms Kylie Emery, Mr Mark Goodsell, Ms Ann Sherry AO, Dr Simon Blackwood, Mr Brian Bradley, Mr Rex Hoy, Mr John Watson, Mr Doug Phillips, Ms Carolyn Davis, Mr Michael Borowick and Mr Bryan Russell.

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The following table outlines attendance of Members at Safe Work Australia meetings held in 2012–13.

Member 21 Nov 2012 14 March 2013 31 May 2013

Tom Phillips Chair

Ann Sherry Chair

Rex Hoy CEO

Kylie Emery C’TH

John Watson NSW 1

Denise Cosgrove VIC 2

Simon Blackwood

QLD

Brian Bradley WA 3

Bryan Russell SA 4

Roy Ormerod TAS 5

Doug Phillips NT

Laurene Hull NT

Fiona Barbaro ACT

Heidi Robinson ACT

Andrew Dettmer ACTU

Michael Borowick ACTU 6

Carolyn Davis ACCI

Mark Goodsell Ai Group

Members substitues

1. Peter Dunphy

2. Linda Timothy

3. Lex McCulloch

4. Juanita Lovatt

5. Wendy Clarkson

6. Cathy Butcher

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SAFE WORK AUSTRALIA STRATEGIC ISSUES GROUPS

Safe Work Australia has established strategic issues groups to progress work health and safety, workers’ compensation and explosives matters. These groups provide policy advice and recommendations and assist Safe Work Australia:

» oversee the development and implementation of the harmonised WHS laws

» guide and advise on policy development for workers’ compensation arrangements

» progress development of nationally consistent explosives legislation

» identify and obtain input from relevant parties.

» establish temporary advisory groups, and

» approve the release of Safe Work Australia publications.

SIG -WHSThe SIG-WHS is tripartite and is constituted by Safe Work Australia Members and their nominees. SIG-WHS met four times during 2012–13.

SIG-WHS members as at 30 June 2013

Mr John Watson Chair

Ms Kylie Emery Commonwealth

Ms Jodie Deakes New South Wales

Ms Linda Timothy Victoria

Dr Simon Blackwood Queensland

Mr Ian Munns Western Australia

Mr Bryan Russell South Australia

Ms Wendy Clarkson Tasmania

Mr Doug Phillips Northern Territory

Ms Heidi Robinson Australian Capital Territory

Ms Cathy Butcher Australian Council of Trade Unions

Mr Jarrod Moran Australian Council of Trade Unions

Ms Carolyn Davis Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Ms Tracey Browne Ai Group

Mr Rex Hoy Safe Work Australia

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SIG-Workers’ Compensation SIG-Workers’ Compensation oversees work on the improvement of workers’ compensation arrangements throughout Australia and other workers’ compensation matters as required.

SIG-Workers’ Compensation is tripartite and is constituted by Safe Work Australia Members and their nominees. SIG-Workers’ Compensation met four times during 2012–13.

SIG-Workers’ Compensation members as at 30 June 2013

Mr Mark Goodsell Chair


Ms Geniere Aplin New South Wales

Mr Len Boehm Victoria

Mr Paul Goldsbrough Queensland

Ms Michelle Reynolds Western Australia

Mr Greg McCarthy South Australia

Mr Rod Lethborg Tasmania

Mr Bevan Pratt Northern Territory

Ms Meg Brighton Australian Capital Territory


Mr Dave Henry Australian Council of Trade Unions

Mr Greg Pattison Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry



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SIG-ExplosivesSIG-Explosives was established by Safe Work Australia Members at their meeting of 21 November 2012 to progress nationally consistent explosives legislation. SIG-Explosives did not meet during 2012–13.

SIG-Explosives members as at 30 June 2013

Mr Bryan Russell Chair


Mr Tony Robinson New South Wales

Mr Geoff Downs Queensland

Mr Philip Hine Western Australia

Ms Juanita Lovatt South Australia

Ms Wendy Clarkson Tasmania

Ms Melissa Garde Northern Territory

Mr John Rees Australian Capital Territory

Mr Keith Shaw Australian Council of Trade Unions


Mr Paul Harrison Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry



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SAFE WORK AUSTRALIA ADVISORY GROUPS

Safe Work Australia established advisory groups in 2009–10 to ensure continued consultation on specific issues and information sharing between jurisdictions, industry and unions.

These groups are the Communications Advisory Group and the Research, Evaluation and Data Advisory Group.

At its meeting in March 2013 Safe Work Australia Members reconsidered the groups previously established and both these advisory groups were replaced by reference groups.

The work of these groups is now being overseen by three reference groups:

» Communications Reference Group

» Research and Evaluation Reference Group, and

» Data Reference Group.

Communications Reference GroupThis group shares information on communications activities campaigns and market research.

Research and Evaluation Reference GroupThis group shares information on research projects and discusses opportunities for collaboration.

Data Reference GroupThis group discusses feasibility of developing national data sets of information collected by jurisdictions.

Each group will report back to Safe Work Australia Members under a standing agenda item at each meeting.

SAFETY REHABILITATION AND COMPENSATION COMMISSION

The SRCC is a statutory body with regulatory functions relating to Comcare and other authorities which determine workers’ compensation claims under the Commonwealth scheme.

Mr Rex Hoy as the Chief Executive Officer of Safe Work Australia is a Commissioner on the SRCC.

HEADS OF WORKPLACE SAFETY AUTHORITIES

HWSA is a group comprising representatives of the jurisdictional bodies responsible for the regulation and administration of workplace health and safety in Australia and New Zealand.

HWSA mounts national compliance campaigns targeted at specific industries across all jurisdictions. These campaign initiatives facilitate the development of consistent approaches to nationally recognised priorities.

The Chief Executive Officer of Safe Work Australia is invited to attend HWSA meetings as an observer.

HEADS OF WORKERS’ COMPENSATION AUTHORITIES

HWCA is a group comprising representatives of the jurisdictional bodies responsible for the regulation and administration of workers’ compensation in Australia and New Zealand.

HWCA promotes and implements best practice in workers’ compensation arrangements in the areas of policy and legislative matters, regulation and scheme administration.

The Chief Executive Officer of Safe Work Australia is invited to attend HWCA meetings as an observer.

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Corporate governance

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK

The Chief Executive Officer is accountable for ensuring Safe Work Australia has an appropriate corporate governance framework. The framework is reviewed annually to ensure new whole-of-government requirements are incorporated and reflect any changes to governance arrangements within Safe Work Australia.

During 2012–13 Safe Work Australia implemented an Integrated Planning Framework (IPF) which has significantly increased the effectiveness of planning and reporting internally and externally. The IPF has brought together the agency’s financial, business and human resources planning into one process. The planning is strategically aligned to Safe Work Australia’s risk management framework to identify potential risks and controls during the business planning process.

Legislative frameworkSafe Work Australia ensures compliance with statutory requirements through the corporate governance framework. This framework ensures all Safe Work Australia’s statutory requirements are met including the requirements of the FMA Act and the Public Service Act 1999.

Leadership, ethics and cultureSafe Work Australia recognises leadership, culture and ethical behaviour are critical to implementing a strong corporate governance framework. These elements enable staff to:

» understand their roles and responsibilities

» continuously improve performance and minimise risks

» enhance stakeholder and public confidence in Safe Work Australia, and

» meet legal, ethical and public service obligations.

Risk management frameworkSafe Work Australia has maintained the risk management framework developed in 2010. This framework helps foster and promote a culture of identifying and mitigating risks at all levels within the organisation. The framework includes:

» Risk Management Plan

» Risk Management Toolkit including guidance and templates

» Strategic Risk Assessment

» Fraud Control Plan

» Fraud Risk Assessment, and

» Business Continuity Management Framework.

The Risk Management Framework is reviewed annually and provided to Safe Work Australia’s Audit Committee for approval. Throughout 2012–13 the Risk Management Framework was updated and assessed by the Audit Committee as sound and robust.

Safe Work Australia participates in Comcover’s Risk Management Benchmarking Survey each year. The feedback received from the survey assists us to improve and strengthen our risk management processes.

FRAUD CONTROL

Safe Work Australia complies with the Commonwealth Fraud Control Guidelines 2011 to minimise the incidence of fraud through the development, implementation and regular review of the Fraud Control Plan and fraud risks.

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Safe Work Australia conducted fraud awareness training to all staff during 2012–13. Staff are regularly reminded of their responsibility for the prevention and detection of fraud against the Commonwealth.

No incidences of fraud were reported during 2012–13.

CERTIFICATION OF FRAUD CONTROL MEASURES

In accordance with the Commonwealth Fraud Control Guidelines 2011, I certify that Safe Work Australia has prepared a fraud risk assessment and fraud control plan and has in place appropriate fraud prevention, detection, investigation, reporting and data collection procedures. Safe Work Australia has taken all reasonable measures to minimise the incidence of fraud and to investigate and recover the proceeds of fraud.

Rex Hoy, Chief Executive Officer

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

Agencies subject to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act) are required to publish information as part of the Information Publication Scheme (IPS). This requirement is in Part II of the FOI Act and has replaced the former requirement to publish a section 8 statement in an annual report. Each agency must display a plan showing what information it publishes in accordance with the IPS requirements on its website.

Safe Work Australia received nine freedom of information requests from 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2013.

Safe Work Australia’s IPS Agency Plan (the IPS Plan) can be found on our website. The IPS Plan has been available since 1 May 2011 and is in the process of being reviewed.

External accountability

Clear and consistent external reporting enables Safe Work Australia to directly address interests and concerns from other organisations. External conformance and accountability is acquitted through annual reports, Portfolio Budget Statements, Portfolio Additional Estimates Statements and Senate Estimates.

Safe Work Australia is accountable to:

» Parliament and the Ministerial Council

» the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO)

» the Department of Finance and Deregulation

» The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.

» the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, and

» the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC).

EXTERNAL AUDIT

The ANAO provides external audit services for Safe Work Australia. The outcome of the 2012–13 financial statements audit is in Part 5 of this report. Safe Work Australia was not subject to any other ANAO audits during 2012–13.

JUDICIAL DECISIONS AND DECISIONS OF ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNALS

No judicial decisions were made by courts or administrative tribunals that affected the operations of Safe Work Australia in 2012–13.

PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEES ETC

No adverse reports of Safe Work Australia’s operations were made in 2012–13 by the Auditor-General, a Parliamentary Committee or the Commonwealth Ombudsman.

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Internal accountability

Safe Work Australia has in place Chief Executive Instructions and various supporting policies and human resources delegations, procedures and guidelines to ensure internal conformance and accountability.

AUDIT COMMITTEE

The Safe Work Australia Audit Committee was established in accordance with section 46 of the FMA Act to provide independent assurance and assistance to the Chief Executive Officer on the integrity of Safe Work Australia’s:

» financial data and processes

» risks, controls and compliance framework, and

» external accountability responsibilities.

The Audit Committee comprises three members – a representative from Safe Work Australia and two independent members. The members as of 30 June 2013 were:

» Mr Drew Wagner – Chair

» Mr Alfred Bongi, and

» Mr Dermot Walsh.

The Audit Committee met four times during 2012–13. A number of observers including Safe Work Australia’s Chief Financial Officer, representatives from the internal audit provider Oakton Services Pty Ltd and the ANAO regularly attend these meetings.

INTERNAL AUDIT

The internal audit function was contracted to Oakton Services Pty Ltd in November 2010 for a period of three years. The internal audit program is a key element of the Agency’s corporate governance framework. The internal

audit program provides assurance to the Audit Committee and the Chief Executive Officer and helps to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the policies and procedures of Safe Work Australia.

Safe Work Australia’s three year Internal Audit Program expired in June 2013 with the new program currently being developed. During the 2012–13 year the following audits were conducted:

» records management

» business planning

» accounts payable and receivable

» workforce planning and learning and development

» security, and

» business continuity.

These audits identified opportunities to enhance internal operations and systems including:

» developing an IPF to align with the risk management process

» developing and implementing a program to review and dispose of paper records under appropriate authorities to transition to a digital environment

» updating the Safe Work Australia Business Continuity Management Plan

» developing personal security policies and procedures, and

» transitioning to a more electronic-based processing system to improving efficiency with financial transactions.

The current arrangements for the internal audit services provider expire in December 2013. A procurement process for an internal audit service provider is expected to commence in early 2013–14.

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PART 4 OUR ORGANISATION


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Organisation chart

Chief Executive Officer Rex Hoy

Policy and Services

Amanda Grey

Branch Manager

WHS and Corporate Governance

Julia Collins

Branch Manager (A/g)

Strategy and Engagement

Wayne Creaser

Branch Manager

Codes and Guidance

Drew Wagner

Branch Manager

Office of the CEO

Data and Analysis

Legal Australian Strategy

Codes and Coordination

Strategic Services

Research and Evaluation

Implementation and Review

Technical Review and Assessment

Work Health Communications and

Publishing

Policy Secretariat and Governance

Plant and Structures

Finance and Business Services

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Executive profiles

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, MR REX HOY

As the first CEO of Safe Work Australia Rex has found building an agency from the ground up is a rare and rewarding experience. In his 45 year career in the Australian Public Service Rex understands great work depends on the people you employ to get the job done. Keeping an organisation’s people safe at work should be a fundamental responsibility of all employers.

Rex’s recent highlights include leading the development of model work health and safety laws, and the Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2012-2022 which provides a ten year framework aiming to reduce the human and financial cost of work-related injuries and illness.

Before joining Safe Work Australia in 2009 Rex worked in Papua New Guinea (PNG) as Deputy Secretary in the PNG Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council under the Australia-PNG Enhanced Cooperation Program. Living and working for four years in PNG gave Rex an insight into the country’s work health and safety standards and an appreciation of the difficulties building the capacity of public servants in a developing country.

Rex has a degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of New England and is also a member of the SRCC.

MR WAYNE CREASER

Mr Creaser is the Branch Manager of the Strategy and Engagement Branch. He has worked closely on the development of the model WHS (Mines) Regulations and now leads the work on developing nationally consistent Explosives legislation. He has also been managing the implementation of the Australian Strategy.

Mr Creaser has spent over 25 years working to improve work health and safety arrangements in Australia, initially working as an occupational hygienist and mines inspector in the Northern Territory. He had considerable involvement in the development of consolidated Occupational Health Safety regulations in the Northern Territory and the dangerous substances legislation in the Australian Capital Territory.

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MS AMANDA GREY

Ms Grey is the Branch Manager of the Policy and Services Branch. Ms Grey oversees Safe Work Australia’s research and data program and the development of national workers’ compensation policy. Ms Grey is responsible for managing the agency’s financial management, strategic, operational and business planning and business services.

Ms Grey has extensive experience in industry policy and workplace relations.

MR DREW WAGNER

Mr Wagner is the Branch Manager of the Codes and Guidance Branch. Mr Wagner has been involved throughout the development of the model WHS legislation and continues to oversee the development of many of the model Codes of Practice and Guides. Mr Wagner has postgraduate scientific qualifications and worked for several years in medical research before moving into public health policy.

Mr Wagner has worked in the Australian Public Service for over 20 years including working in Safe Work Australia’s predecessor organisations the Office of the ASCC and NOHSC. Mr Wagner also worked for two years as the Principal Administrator in the Environment, Health and Safety Division of the OECD in Paris.

MS JULIA COLLINS

Ms Collins is acting Branch Manager of the WHS and Corporate Governance Branch. She has been closely involved in the harmonisation process including assisting the panel who undertook the National Review into Model Occupational Health and Safety Laws. Ms Collins subsequently worked on developing the model WHS Act, Regulations and Codes of Practice.

Prior to working at Safe Work Australia and its predecessors the Office of the ASCC and NOHSC, Ms Collins worked in the regulatory field. She managed the OHS inspectorate and the education unit at ACT WorkCover where she developed various initiatives to raise awareness of OHS including the ACT’s “Ten Steps to Safety” program for Small Business.

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Our staff

As at 30 June 2013 Safe Work Australia had 110 staff members. Of these 103 were ongoing,

seven were on non-ongoing contracts with nine of the ongoing staff members on long term leave.

All Safe Work Australia staff are located in Canberra.

Substantive Classification Full time Part time Total

Male Female Male Female

APS 4 0 3 0 2 5

APS 5 3 12 0 3 18

APS 6 5 13 1 6 25

EL 1 14 20 4 3 41

Senior Government Lawyer 0 1 0 0 1

Public Affairs Officer 0 1 0 0 1

EL 2 3 9 0 0 12

Principle Government Lawyer 0 2 0 0 2

SES 1 2 1 0 0 3

Chair 0 0 0 1 1

Chief Executive Officer 1 0 0 0 1

Total 28 62 5 15 110

Salary ranges as at 30 June 2013 were:

Classification Salary Range $

APS 4 62 470 to 67 210

APS 5 68 995 to 73 640

APS 6 77 500 to 85 385

EL 1 95 265 to 105 930

Public Affairs Officer 108 550

Senior Government Lawyer 95 260 to 117 500

EL 2 111 260 to 134 565

Principal Government Lawyer 128 030 to 138 090

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Terms and conditions of employment and remuneration

NON–SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE REMUNERATION

As at 30 June 2013 all Safe Work Australia non–SES staff were covered by the terms and conditions of the Safe Work Australia Enterprise Agreement 2011–14 (Enterprise Agreement). This agreement has a nominal expiry date of 30 June 2014.

SENIOR EXECUTIVE REMUNERATION

SES staff are covered by the Safe Work Australia Agency Determination 2012–01 (determination). This determination was signed and came into effect on 25 January 2012.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND CHAIR OF SAFE WORK AUSTRALIA

The remuneration for the Chief Executive Officer and the Chair of Safe Work Australia is set by determinations made in accordance with the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973.

There were two determinations made in 2012–13 for the Chief Executive Officer. The first came into effect on 1 July 2012 and the second came into effect on 1 January 2013.

There was one determination for the Chair of Safe Work Australia made in 2012–13. This came into effect on 1 July 2012.

PERFORMANCE PAY

Safe Work Australia staff do not receive performance bonuses or performance pay. For non–SES staff annual performance ratings determine the increase in their annual remuneration within the Enterprise Agreement pay point increments with the exception of staff members already at the top of their salary band.

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

The Safe Work Australia Non–SES Performance and Development Agreement Guideline and SES Performance Management Policy provide a framework to:

» enhance productivity, accountability, leadership and learning and development through a culture of high performance

» ensure all employees are aware of the expectations placed on them relevant to their role and classification including how these align with the outcomes of Safe Work Australia

» ensure there is ongoing, regular, honest and constructive two-way performance feedback

» establish a culture based on how outcomes are achieved is as important as the outcomes themselves

» recognise career development is a responsibility of both the employee and their supervisor, and

» provide a fair, equitable and objective framework for performance management and assessment.

Performance management allows managers and employees to establish individual performance expectations that align with Safe Work Australia’s corporate goals. All ongoing and non–ongoing employees prepare a Performance Development Agreement (PDA) at the beginning of each financial year. A dual performance rating model measures performance against the key deliverables and observables work behaviours outlined in an employee’s PDA. In addition to ongoing discussions between employees and managers, two formal points of review are conducted – the mid cycle review and the end cycle review.

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LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

Safe Work Australia’s Capability Development Program (CDP) outlines the learning and development framework. The CDP focuses on developing professional capability and addresses the skills and attributes needed by individuals to achieve:

» organisational needs, and

» the individual’s own need for further development and advancement.

The CDP covers a range of training and development activities delivered both externally and through in-house training options. Other options for capability development may be determined through the PDA process.

During 2012–13, the following courses were run as in-house training programs as part of the CDP:

» Work Health and Safety Act 2011 Responsibilities of Safe Work Australia and its workers – 67 attendees

» Work Health and Safety Act 2011 Responsibilities of Safe Work Australia officers – 5 attendees

» Performance management - Having difficult conversations – 49 attendees

» Contract Management and Procurement – 36 attendees

In addition to the CDP, Safe Work Australia recognises staff should also have the opportunity to develop their skills. This is achieved through job rotation, attendance at seminars, conferences and workshops being run internally or through specialised facilitators and courses.

Safe Work Australia encourages relevant tertiary study that balances strategic direction with the personal and career development of its staff. Assistance is available to all staff including the

opportunity to apply for approved study leave as well as leave for undertaking examinations and financial support.

WORKPLACE CONSULTATIVE FORUM

The Workplace Consultative Forum (WCF) is a mechanism for staff consultation and is provided for in the Enterprise Agreement. It encourages open discussion between management and employees about workplace matters affecting Safe Work Australia and its staff.

The WCF has a minimum of 12 members comprising:

» the Chief Executive Officer or nominee

» two management representatives appointed by the Chief Executive Officer

» a representative from Strategic Services

» a representative from Finance and Business Services

» the Health and Safety Representative (HSR)

» two elected employee representatives from each Branch in the agency

» an agency employee nominated by the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) and supplementary representation when requested by a majority of the WCF or by the Chief Executive Officer.

The forum meets with the following roles and objectives:

» the implementation of the Enterprise Agreement

» guidelines, policies and manuals

» staffing and mobility arrangements

» change management including information technology and training

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» effective use of resources

» work health and safety issues affecting employees

» information and records management

» accommodation issues involving construction, building alteration or significant refurbishment

» internal communication issues

» social activities

» any matter referred to it by the Chief Executive Officer, and

» workplace matters generally but usually not matters involving individual or collective industrial disputes being dealt with by way of the dispute resolution provisions under the Enterprise Agreement or matters relating to the particular conduct of individual employees.

The WCF meets at least six times each calendar year. It met six times in 2012–13.

The following policies, guidelines and templates were developed and approved in 2012–13 following comments and input from the WCF members:

» Leave Policy

» Expression of Interest Recruitment Guide

» Workplace Responsibility Allowance Policy

» Flextime Guide, and

» procurement templates.

Safe Work Australia developed its first Agency Multicultural Plan in 2012–13. This Plan was approved by the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs. WCF members will assist in its implementation during 2013–14.

COMMUNICATIONS AND CONSULTATION

Safe Work Australia is committed to effective communication with staff enabling it to meet its business needs while maintaining a safe and productive workplace where all staff members are valued.

In 2012–13 staff participated in two surveys—the APSC annual staff census and an internal client satisfaction survey. The surveys are used to assess staff satisfaction of our workplace and services. The response rates for the surveys were 80 percent and 74 percent respectively.

The responses allowed the Chief Executive Officer and SES officers to see areas where the agency was doing well and where improvements could be made. The agency plans to continue participating in annual staff surveys. These surveys will either be run by the APSC, internal surveys or engaging external consultants.

Work health and safety

Within Safe Work Australia there is a high importance on workplace health and safety and the creation of a safe work environment and increased staff wellbeing.

Safe Work Australia provides and maintains a safe and healthy workplace for all of its staff, contractors and visitors consistent with its duties under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.

The development of its first Work Health and Safety Policy replaces the Health and Safety Management Arrangements that existed under the previous OHS legislation. The Work Health and Safety Policy recognises and promotes effective and open communication and

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cooperation between the agency and its workers to achieve an environment that is safe, healthy and free from bullying and harassment for workers and visitors at all times.

The Work Health and Safety Officer is responsible for ensuring the agency is compliant against the Work Health and Safety Act 2011. This includes developing and implementing relevant policies, managing any hazard or incident reports and coordinating activities to ensure the health and safety of workers.

A number of other functions including advice and support on performance management, case management, return to work and breaches of the APS Code of Conduct are covered by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with DEEWR.

WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE AND HEALTH AND SAFETY REPRESENTATIVE

The Work Health and Safety Committee (WHSC) has been established to ensure effective consultation between management and workers in relation to health and safety.

Membership comprises of a nominee of the Chief Executive Officer, the HSR, a Harassment Contact Officer representative, a CPSU staff representative, a staff representative from each branch, and two management representatives

The WHSC meets at least every three months. It met four times in 2012–13. Key achievements of the WHSC include:

» developing the agency’s Work Health and Safety Policy

» reviewing the incident and hazard notification system

» developing procedures for the work health and safety induction of contractors entering our workplace, and

» promoting and supporting health and wellbeing activities within the agency.

The HSR and a Deputy HSR represent the health and safety interests of workers. The HSR and Deputy HSR carried out a work health and safety inspection of our premises to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all workers. The HSR works with the Work Health and Safety Officer and Property Officer to have all issues identified in the inspection resolved as soon as possible.

DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT PLAN

In February 2012 Safe Work Australia finalised a Disability Employment Plan to facilitate the employment of people with disability in our workplace through the removal of barriers and provision of improved support for people with disability.

The agency has been implementing this plan throughout 2012–13 with the WHSC undertaking the role of the Disability Employment Committee. To provide additional support an accessibility forum was established for staff with a disability (or interested in disability matters) to discuss relevant issues related to employment at Safe Work Australia. The forum meets on a quarterly basis. A representative of the WHSC attends to ensure any concerns or ideas raised are reported back to the WHSC for consideration and appropriate action.

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HEALTH AND WELLBEING ACTIVITIES

Activities undertaken in 2012–13 include:

» introduction of a health and wellbeing noticeboard to provide updates and information on health and wellbeing initiatives

» introduction of regular email updates to all staff about work health and safety

» workstation assessments

» voluntary influenza vaccinations

» voluntary involvement in the Health Futures program. This program attracted a 71 percent participation rate of staff and involved staff undertaking a blood test and health assessment with a health report being provided to them, and

» voluntary involvement in the Global Corporate Challenge.

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CLAIMS

In 2012–13 Safe Work Australia had two new claims lodged with Comcare.

WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY STATISTICS

Under section 35 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 Safe Work Australia is required to notify Comcare of any incidents arising out of the conduct of business or undertaking and results in the death, serious injury or serious illness of a person or involves a dangerous incident. No incidents were reported in 2012–13.

Rewards and recognition

AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS

Safe Work Australia celebrated the agency’s hard work over the past 12 months by rewarding outstanding achievers with Australia Day Medallions. Australia Day Medallions are reserved for the highest level of recognition and acknowledge high achievement in day to day work or on a special project.

Two awards were presented at a morning tea on 29 January 2013 as part of the Agency’s Reward and Recognition Program.

Ingrid Kimber, Assistant Director, Communications and Publishing, and the Data and Analysis Section, Policy and Services Branch were recognised for their outstanding work performance, commitment to assisting others and their ability to provide accurate and timely advice to the Chief Executive Officer, senior managers and the Minister’s Office.

Australia Day Award recipients: From left to right: Ms Sophie Lindquist, Ms Ursula Conan-Davies, Mr Rex Hoy, Ms Ingrid Kimber, Mr Richard Webster, Mr Keith Mallett, Ms Fleur de Crespigny, Ms Alison Yardley and Ms Janet Markey. Absent: Ms Sue Barker, Ms Julie Hill and Mr Majid Hmeidan.

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Team members of the Data and Analysis Section were the proud recipients of an Australia Day Award in January 2013. The section was noted for providing fast and accurate advice and information on work health and safety and workers’ compensation issues. The team’s service to the Chief Executive Officer, the Minister’s Office, Safe Work Australia Members and agency staff is excellent, particularly when information is needed at very short notice.

The Data and Analysis Section responds to a significant number of general enquiries and questions from the media.

The team’s main responsibilities include compiling national workers’ compensation data, work-related fatalities data and information on workers’ compensation schemes and their performance. A wide range of statistical reports are published each year by the section. These reports are widely used and commended by Safe Work Australia Members and the general public.

The Data and Analysis Section is always noted for its team work including the team’s ability to work seamlessly when team members are on leave.

Congratulations and thanks for the consistent hard work and dedication to producing high quality work health and safety data go to Julie Hill, Fleur de Crespigny, Alison Yardley, Majid Hmeidan, Keith Mallett, Sue Barker, Richard Webster, Janet Markey, Sophie Lindquist and Ursula Conan-Davies.

In December 2012 the Data and Analysis Section published the report Work-related traumatic injury fatalities 2010-11. The report is the seventh in a series that estimates the number of workers and bystanders killed each year due to work-related injury.

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PART 5 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

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Financial overview

Safe Work Australia does not have any administered funding and there were no new measures sought or provided in the 2012–13 financial year. The agency had a full year operating surplus for 2012–13 which added to the previous surplus from 2009–10. After extensive consultation and planning there are steps in place to fully expend the remaining surplus in 2013–14 while being very mindful of any impact on the out-year budgets, particularly in terms of staffing levels.

ASSETS MANAGEMENT

Safe Work Australia’s major assets are its information technology software and hardware. These assets are presented in the financial information provided in the financial statements. Software assets are recognised at cost value in accordance with the FMA Act. Purchases of property, plant and equipment are recognised initially at cost value in the statement of financial position, except for purchases costing less than $2000 which are expensed in the year of acquisition.

EXEMPT CONTRACTS

There were no contracts in excess of $10 000 (inclusive of GST) or standing offers exempt from the requirement to publish on AusTender during 2012–13.

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL AUDIT OFFICE ACCESS CLAUSE

All contracts over $100 000 entered into during the reporting period contained an ANAO access to premises clause.

PURCHASING

When undertaking procurement activities, Safe Work Australia adheres to the principles of:

» value for money

» encouraging competition among actual or potential suppliers

» efficient, effective and ethical use of resources, and

» accountability and transparency.

Safe Work Australia uses a decentralised procurement model to ensure performance against core purchasing policies and principles. This model includes providing information about procurement policies and procedures to all staff and maintaining a single point of contact for staff to seek advice on complying with the Commonwealth Procurement Rules.

ADVERTISING AND MARKET RESEARCH

During 2012–13 Safe Work Australia spent the following amount on advertising and market research.

Advertising cost Provider Reason for placement

$1 191.00 Australian Public Service Commission

2012–13 subscription to APS Jobs

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MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

Safe Work Australia had four MOU arrangements in place throughout 2012–13.

Safe Work Australia had two MOUs in place with DEEWR during 2012–13 which covered:

» information technology services including records management and mailing services, and

» enabling services including parliamentary, payroll, library and legal services and access to DEEWR’s finance and human resources management systems.

Safe Work Australia had a MOU with the APSC for the provision of learning and development opportunities. No services were sought from the APSC under this arrangement during 2012–13.

Safe Work Australia had a MOU with Comcare for the reimbursement of costs associated with the management of the AMR.

GRANTS AND SPONSORSHIPS

Information on grants awarded by Safe Work Australia during the period 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2013 is available on our website.

LEGAL COSTS

Information required by the Legal Services Direction 2005 on the agency’s legal services purchasing for 2012–13 is available on our website.

CONSULTANCY CONTRACTS

Information on the value of specific contracts and consultancies is available on the AusTender website. During 2012–13, 33 new consultancy contracts were entered into involving total actual expenditure of $2 428 493. In addition, 27 ongoing consultancy contracts were active during the 2012–13 year involving a total actual expenditure of $598 061.

Safe Work Australia engages consultants when certain specialist expertise or independent research, review or assessment is required. Consultants are typically engaged to investigate or diagnose a defined issue or problem; carry out defined reviews, evaluations or data collection for research; or provide independent advice, information or creative solutions to assist in Safe Work Australia’s decision making. Prior to engaging consultants Safe Work Australia takes into account the skills and resources required for the task, the skills available internally and the cost-effectiveness of engaging external expertise. The decision to engage a consultant is guided by the requirements in the FMA Act and Regulations, the Commonwealth Procurement Rules and associated Financial Management Guidance Notes.

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Safe Work Australia Resource Statement 2012-13Actual available appropriation for 2012-13 $’000 (a)

Payments made 2012-13 $’000 (b)

Balance remaining 2012-13 $’000 (a)-(b)

Ordinary annual services (1)

Departmental appropriation 9,293 9,283

Total 9,293 9,283

Total available annual appropriations 9,293 9,283

Total appropriations excluding special accounts 9,293 9,283

Special accounts

Opening balance 6,422 8,126

Appropriation receipts 9,293 9,283

Non-appropriation receipts to special account 9,617 10,030

Total special account 10,290

Total resourcing 34,625 36,722

Less appropriations drawn from annual appropriations above and credited to special accounts

9,293

9,283

Total net resourcing for Safe Work Australia 25,332 27,439

1. Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2012-13

Reader note: All figures are GST exclusive.

Expenses and Resources for Outcome 1

Outcome 1: Safer and more productive Australian workplaces through harmonising national occupational health and safety and workers’ compensation arrangements

Budget 2012-13

$’000 (a)

Actual 2012-13

$’000 (b)

Variation 2012-13

$’000 (a)-(b)

Departmental expenses

Ordinary annual services (Appropriation Bill No. 1) 9,242 9,241 1

Special accounts 9,617 8,880 737

Expenses not requiring appropriation in the budget year

492

513

-21

Total for Outcome 1 19,351 18,634 717

2011-12 2012-13

Average staffing level (number) 108 102

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STATEMENT BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

In our opinion, the attached financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2013 are based on properly maintained financial records and give a true and fair view of the matters required by the Finance Minister’s Orders made under the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997, as amended.

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Statement of Comprehensive Income for Safe Work Australia for the period ended 30 June 2013

2013 2012

Notes $ $

EXPENSES

Employee benefits 3A 12,007,250 13,358,721

Supplier 3B 6,159,779 6,199,250

Depreciation and amortisation 3C 466,623 517,186

Write-down and impairment of assets 3D - 3,205

Total expenses 18,633,652 20,078,362

LESS:

OWN-SOURCE INCOME

Own-source revenue

Sale of goods and rendering of services 4A 10,081,983 9,977,386

Total own-source revenue 10,081,983 9,977,386

Gains

Other gains 4B 46,000 46,000

Total gains 46,000 46,000

Total own-source income 10,127,983 10,023,386

Net cost of (contribution by) services (8,505,669) (10,054,976)

Revenue from Government 4C 9,241,000 8,932,000

Surplus (Deficit) attributable to the Australian Government

735,331 (1,122,976)

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Items not subject to subsequent reclassification to profit or loss

Changes in asset revaluation surplus 441,961 (218,439)

Total comprehensive income attributable to the Australian Government

1,177,292 (1,341,415)

The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

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Balance Sheet for Safe Work Australia as at 30 June 2013

2013 2012

Notes $ $

ASSETS

Financial Assets

Cash and cash equivalents 5A 355,124 297,794

Trade and other receivables 5B 10,118,548 7,932,348

Accrued revenue 5C 199,554 236,319

Total financial assets 10,673,226 8,466,461

Non-Financial Assets

Land and buildings 6A 1,156,200 1,025,000

Property, plant and equipment 6B,C 70,560 126,833

Intangibles 6D,E 155,639 245,723

Other non-financial assets 6F 135,022 55,503

Total non-financial assets 1,517,421 1,453,059

Total assets 12,190,647 9,919,520

LIABILITIES

Payables

Suppliers 7A 1,903,307 865,075

Other payables 7B 374,434 425,371

Total payables 2,277,741 1,290,446

Provisions

Employee provisions 8A 3,359,121 3,303,581

Total provisions 3,359,121 3,303,581

Total liabilities 5,636,862 4,594,027

Net assets 6,553,785 5,325,493

EQUITY

Parent Entity Interest

Contributed equity 3,899,602 3,848,602

Reserves 859,917 417,956

Retained surplus (accumulated deficit) 1,794,266 1,058,935

Total parent entity interest 6,553,785 5,325,493

Total equity 6,553,785 5,325,493


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Cash Flow Statement for Safe Work Australia for the period ended 30 June 2013

2013 2012

Notes $ $

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Cash received

Appropriations 9,241,000 8,932,000

Sales of goods and rendering of services 10,850,785 10,843,689

Cash from the OPA - 387,729

Total cash received 20,091,785 20,163,418

Cash used

Employees 11,943,927 12,861,138

Suppliers 5,515,784 6,788,974

Net GST Paid 604,523 339,218

Cash to the OPA 2,002,716 -

Total cash used (20,066,950) (19,989,330)

Net cash from (used by) operating activities 9 24,835 174,088

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Cash used

Purchase of property, plant and equipment 9,505 45,756

Purchase of Intangibles - 121,167

Total cash used (9,505) (166,923)

Net cash from (used by) investing activities (9,505) (166,923)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Net cash from (used by) financing activities 42,000 -

Net increase (decrease) in cash held 57,330 7,165

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period

297,794 290,629

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period

5A 355,124 297,794


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Schedule of Commitments as at 30 June 2013

2013 2012

BY TYPE $ $

Commitments receivable

State and territory contributions (10,726,100) (21,284,344)

Other commitments - (242,416)

Total commitments receivable (10,726,100) (21,526,760)

Commitments payable

Capital commitments

Intangibles - 37,990

Total capital commitments - 37,990

Other commitments

Operating leases1 2,434,959 3,460,163

Project commitments2 2,498,269 987,313

Net GST payable to ATO 494,073 1,484,877

Other3 649,192 790,168

Total other commitments 6,076,493 6,722,521

Net commitments by type (4,649,607) (14,766,249)

BY MATURITY

Commitments receivable

Other commitments receivable

One year or less (10,726,100) (10,821,116)

From one to five years - (10,705,644)

Total other commitments receivable (10,726,100) (21,526,760)

Commitments payable

Capital commitments

One year or less - 37,990

Total capital commitments - 37,990

Operating lease commitments

One year or less 1,060,741 1,025,205

From one to five years 1,374,218 2,434,958

Total operating lease commitments 2,434,959 3,460,163

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Schedule of Commitments as at 30 June 2013

Other net GST payable to ATO

One year or less 175,363 879,762

From one to five years 318,710 605,115

Total other GST commitments 494,073 1,484,877

Other Commitments

One year or less 1,119,887 1,663,616

From one to five years 2,027,574 113,865

Total other commitments 3,147,461 1,777,481

Net commitments by maturity (4,649,607) (14,766,249)

Note: 1. Operating leasefor office accommodation - effectively non-cancellable and subject to fixed annual increases. Safe Work Australia may excercise options in acordance with the terms of the lease. 2. Contracts related to specific projects such as research and data analysis. 3. Contracts related to general operating activities.

Note: Commitments are GST inclusive where relevant.

Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

1.1 Objectives of Safe Work Australia

Safe Work Australia is an Australian Government controlled entity. It is a not-for-profit entity. The objective of Safe Work Australia is to improve work health and safety and workers’ compensation arrangements across Australia. Safe Work Australia was established as an Executive Agency on 1 July 2009 and as a Statutory Agency from 1 November 2009.

Safe Work Australia’s functions under the Safe Work Australia Act 2008 include to:

» develop national policy relating to OHS and workers’ compensation, and

» prepare a model Act and model regulations relating to OHS and, if necessary, revise them:

(i) for approval by the Ministerial Council, and

(ii) for adoption as laws of the Commonwealth, each of the states and each of the territories.

Safe Work Australia has a single outcome as follows:

Outcome 1: Safer and more productive Australian workplaces through harmonising national occupational health and safety and workers’ compensation arrangements.

The continued existence of the Agency in its present form is dependent on Government policy and on continuing appropriations by Parliament and contributions from State and Territory Governments for the Agency’s administration and program.

The Agency’s activities contribute toward the stated outcome and are classified as departmental. Departmental activities involve the use of assets, liabilities, income and expenses controlled or incurred by the Agency in its own right.

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1.2 Basis of Preparation of the Financial Statements

The financial statements are required by section 49 of the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 and are general purpose financial statements.

The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with:

» Finance Minister’s Orders for reporting periods ending on or after 1 July 2011, and

» Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board that apply for the reporting period.

The financial statements have been prepared on an accrual basis and in accordance with the historical cost convention, except for certain assets and liabilities at fair value. Except where stated, no allowance is made for the effect of changing prices on the results or the financial position.

The financial statements are presented in Australian dollars and values are rounded to the nearest dollar unless otherwise specified.

Unless an alternative treatment is specifically required by an accounting standard or the Finance Minister’s Orders, assets and liabilities are recognised in the balance sheet when and only when it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the entity or a future sacrifice of economic benefits will be required and the amounts of the assets or liabilities can be reliably measured. However, assets and liabilities arising under agreements equally proportionately unperformed are not recognised unless required by an accounting standard. Liabilities and assets that are unrecognised are reported in the schedule of commitments or the schedule of contingencies.

Unless alternative treatment is specifically required by an accounting standard, income and expenses are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income when and only when the flow, consumption or loss of economic benefits has occurred and can be reliably measured.

1.3 Significant Accounting Judgements and Estimates

No accounting assumptions or estimates have been identified that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next accounting period.

1.4 New Australian Accounting Standards

Adoption of New Australian Accounting Standard RequirementsNo accounting standard has been adopted earlier than the application date as stated in the standard.

None of the new standards, revised standards, amending standards or Interpretations that were issued prior to the signing of the statement by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and are applicable to the current reporting period have had a financial impact, and are not expected to have a future financial impact on the entity.

Future Australian Accounting Standard RequirementsNone of the new standards, revised standards, amending standards or Interpretations that were issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board prior to the signing of the statement by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, are expected to have a future financial impact on the entity.

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1.5 Revenue

Revenue from GovernmentAmounts appropriated for departmental outputs for the year (adjusted for any formal additions and reductions) are recognised as revenue when the Agency gains control of the appropriation, except for certain amounts that relate to activities that are reciprocal in nature, in which case revenue is recognised only when it has been earned. Appropriations receivable are recognised at their nominal amounts.

Revenue from States and TerritoriesState and Territory contributions are recognised in equal monthly amounts over the course of the year as work is completed. All contributions are deemed as being earned at the reporting date. Contribution amounts are derived by reference to the Inter-Governmental Agreement for Regulatory and Operational Reform in Occupational Health and Safety.

Other Types of RevenueRevenue from rendering of services is recognised by reference to the stage of completion of contracts at the reporting date. The revenue is recognised when:

» the amount of revenue, stage of completion and transaction costs incurred can be reliably measured, and

» the probable economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the entity.

The stage of completion of contracts at the reporting date is determined by reference to the proportion that costs incurred to date bear to the estimated total costs of the transaction.

Receivables for goods and services, which have 30 day terms, are recognised at the nominal amounts due less any impairment allowance account. Collectability of debts is reviewed at balance date. Allowances are made when collectability of the debt is no longer probable.

1.6 Gains

Resources Received Free of ChargeResources received free of charge are recognised as gains when, and only when, a fair value can be reliably determined and the services would have been purchased if they had not been donated. Use of those resources is recognised as an expense.

Resources received free of charge are recorded as either revenue or gains depending on their nature.

Contributions of assets at no cost of acquisition or for nominal consideration are recognised as gains at their fair value when the asset qualifies for recognition, unless received from another Government agency or authority as a consequence of a restructuring of administrative arrangements (Refer to Note 1.7).

Sale of AssetsGains from disposal of assets are recognised when control of the asset has passed to the buyer.

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1.7 Transactions with the Government as Owner

Equity InjectionsAmounts appropriated which are designated as ‘equity injections’ for a year (less any formal reductions) and Departmental Capital Budgets (DCBs) are recognised directly in contributed equity in that year.

Restructuring of Administrative ArrangementsNet assets received from or relinquished to another Australian Government agency or authority under a restructuring of administrative arrangements are adjusted at their book value directly against contributed equity.

1.8 Employee Benefits

Liabilities for ‘short-term employee benefits’ (as defined in AASB 119 Employee Benefits) and termination benefits due within twelve months of end of reporting period are measured at their nominal amounts.

The nominal amount is calculated with regard to the rates expected to be paid on settlement of the liability.

Other long-term employee benefits are measured as net total of the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the end of the reporting period minus the fair value at the end of the reporting period of plan assets (if any) out of which the obligations are to be settled directly.

LeaveThe liability for employee benefits includes provision for annual leave and long service leave. No provision has been made for sick leave as all sick leave is non-vesting and the average sick leave taken in future years by employees of the Agency is estimated to be less than the annual entitlement for sick leave.

The leave liabilities are calculated on the basis of employees’ remuneration at the estimated salary rates that will apply at the time the leave is taken, including the Agency’s employer superannuation contribution rates to the extent that the leave is likely to be taken during service rather than paid out on termination.

The liability for long service leave has been determined by reference to the Finance Minister’s Orders issued by the Department of Finance and Deregulation. The estimate of the present value of the liability takes into account attrition rates and pay increases through promotion and inflation.

Separation and RedundancyProvision is made for separation and redundancy benefit payments. The entity recognises a provision for termination when it has developed a detailed formal plan for the terminations and has informed those employees affected that it will carry out the terminations.

SuperannuationStaff of the Agency are members of the Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme (CSS), the Public Sector Superannuation Scheme (PSS), the PSS accumulation plan (PSSap) or other non-government superannuation funds.

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The CSS and PSS are defined benefit schemes for the Australian Government. The PSSap and other non-government funds are defined contribution schemes.

The liability for defined benefits is recognised in the financial statements of the Australian Government and is settled by the Australian Government in due course. This liability is reported by the Department of Finance and Deregulation as an administered item.

The Agency makes employer contributions to the employee superannuation scheme at rates determined by an actuary to be sufficient to meet the current cost to the Government of the superannuation entitlements of the Agency’s employees. The Agency accounts for the contributions as if they were contributions to defined contribution schemes.

The liability for superannuation recognised as at 30 June 2013 represents outstanding contributions for the final fortnight of the year.

1.9 Leases

A distinction is made between finance leases and operating leases. Finance leases effectively transfer from the lessor to the lessee substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of leased assets. An operating lease is a lease that is not a finance lease. In operating leases, the lessor effectively retains substantially all such risks and benefits.

Where an asset is acquired by means of a finance lease, the asset is capitalised at either the fair value of the lease property or, if lower, the present value of minimum lease payments at the inception of the contract and a liability is recognised at the same time and for the same amount.

The discount rate used is the interest rate implicit in the lease. Leased assets are amortised over the period of the lease. Lease payments are allocated between the principal component and the interest expense.

Operating lease payments are expensed on a basis which is representative of the pattern of benefits derived from the leased assets.

1.10 Cash

Cash and cash equivalents include demand deposits in bank accounts that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and subject to insignificant risk of changes in value. Cash is recognised at its nominal value.

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1.11 Financial Assets

The Agency classifies its financial assets as loans and receivables.

Financial assets are recognised and derecognised upon trade date.

Effective Interest MethodThe effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial asset and of allocating interest income over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial asset, or, where appropriate, a shorter period.

Income is recognised on an effective interest rate basis except for financial assets that are recognised at fair value through profit or loss.

Loans and ReceivablesTrade receivables, loans and other receivables that have fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market are classified as ‘loans and receivables’. Loans and receivables are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method less impairment. Interest is recognised by applying the effective interest rate.

Impairment of Financial AssetsFinancial assets are assessed for impairment at the end of each reporting period.

Financial assets held at amortised cost - if there is objective evidence that an impairment loss has been incurred for loans and receivables, the amount of the loss is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. The carrying amount is reduced by way of an allowance account. The loss is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income.

1.12 Financial Liabilities

Financial liabilities are classified as other financial liabilities.

Financial liabilities are recognised and derecognised upon ‘trade date’.

Other Financial LiabilitiesOther financial liabilities are initially measured at fair value, net of transaction costs. These liabilities are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, with interest expense recognised on an effective yield basis.

The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial liability and of allocating interest expense over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments through the expected life of the financial liability, or, where appropriate, a shorter period.

Supplier and other payables are recognised at amortised cost. Liabilities are recognised to the extent that the goods or services have been received and irrespective of having been invoiced.

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1.13 Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets

Contingent liabilities and contingent assets are not recognised in the balance sheet but are reported in the relevant notes. They may arise from uncertainty as to the existence of a liability or asset or represent an asset or liability in respect of which the amount cannot be reliably measured. Contingent assets are disclosed when settlement is probable but not virtually certain and contingent liabilities are disclosed when settlement is greater than remote.

Safe Work Australia has no contingent liabilities or assets for the reporting period. The Agency is unaware of any quantifiable, unquantifiable or significant remote contingencies for the reporting period.

1.14 Acquisition of Assets

Assets are recorded at cost on acquisition except as stated below. The cost of acquisition includes the fair value of assets transferred in exchange and liabilities undertaken. Financial assets are initially measured at their fair value plus transaction costs where appropriate.

Assets acquired at no cost, or for nominal consideration, are initially recognised as assets and income at their fair value at the date of acquisition, unless acquired as a consequence of restructuring of administrative arrangements. In the latter case, assets are initially recognised as contributions by owners at the amounts at which they were recognised in the transferor agency’s accounts immediately prior to the restructuring.

Asset Recognition ThresholdPurchases of leasehold improvements, plant and equipment are recognised initially at cost in the balance sheet, except for purchases costing less than the thresholds listed below for each class of asset, which are expensed in the year of acquisition (other than where they form part of a group of similar items which are significant in total).

Asset class Recognition threshold

Leasehold Improvements $20,000

Plant and Equipment $2,000

Purchased Software $2,000

Internally Developed Software $50,000

The initial cost of an asset includes an estimate of the cost of dismantling and removing the item and restoring the site on which it is located. This is particularly relevant to restoration provisions in property leases taken up by the Agency where there exists an obligation to restore the property to its original condition. These costs are included in the value of the Agency’s leasehold improvements with a corresponding provision for the restoration recognised.

1.15 Buildings, Plant and Equipment

RevaluationsFair values for each class of asset are determined as shown below:

Asset class Fair value measured at

Leasehold Improvements Depreciated replacement cost

Plant and Equipment Market selling price

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Following initial recognition at cost, leasehold improvements, plant and equipment are carried at fair value less subsequent accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Valuations are conducted with sufficient frequency to ensure that the carrying amounts of assets do not differ materially from the assets’ fair values as at the reporting date. The regularity of independent valuations depends upon the volatility of movements in market values for the relevant assets.

Revaluation adjustments are made on a class basis. Any revaluation increment is credited to equity under the heading of asset revaluation reserve except to the extent that it reverses a previous revaluation decrement of the same asset class that was previously recognised in the surplus/deficit. Revaluation decrements for a class of assets are recognised directly in the surplus/deficit except to the extent that they reverse a previous revaluation increment for that class.

Any accumulated depreciation as at the revaluation date is eliminated against the gross carrying amount of the asset and the asset restated to the revalued amount.

DepreciationDepreciable leasehold improvements, plant and equipment assets are written-off to their estimated residual values over their estimated useful lives to the Agency using, in all cases, the straight-line method of depreciation.

Depreciation rates (useful lives), residual values and methods are reviewed at each reporting date and necessary adjustments are recognised in the current, or current and future reporting periods, as appropriate.

Depreciation rates applying to each class of depreciable asset are based on the following useful lives:

Asset class 2012-13 2011-12

Leasehold Improvements Lease term Lease term

Plant and Equipment 3 to 15 years 3 to 15 years

Impairment All assets were assessed for impairment at 30 June 2013. Where indications of impairment exist, the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated and an impairment adjustment made if the asset’s recoverable amount is less than its carrying amount.

The recoverable amount of an asset is the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. Value in use is the present value of the future cash flows expected to be derived from the asset. Where the future economic benefit of an asset is not primarily dependent on the asset’s ability to generate future cash flows, and the asset would be replaced if the Agency were deprived of the asset, its value in use is taken to be its depreciated replacement cost.

DerecognitionAn item of property, plant and equipment is derecognised upon disposal or when no further future economic benefits are expected from its use or disposal.

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1.16 Intangibles

The Agency’s intangibles comprise internally developed software and purchased software for internal use. These assets are carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Purchases costing less than $2,000 are expensed in the year of acquisition, other than when they form part of a group of similar items which are significant in total.

Software is amortised on a straight-line basis over its anticipated useful life, as shown below for each class:

Asset class 2012-13 2011-12

Purchased Software 2 to 5 years 2 to 5 years

Internally Developed Software 2 to 5 years 2 to 5 years

All software assets were assessed for indications of impairment as at 30 June 2013.

1.17 Taxation

The Agency is exempt from all forms of taxation except Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) and the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of GST except:

» where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office; and

» for receivables and payables.

1.18 Insurance

The risks associated with the business of the Agency are covered by arrangements with Comcover. Arrangements are in place with Comcare to protect the health, safety and welfare of the Agency’s employees.

1.19 Commonwealth Expenditure

The Australian Government continues to have regard to developments in case law, including the High Court’s most recent decision on Commonwealth expenditure in Williams v Commonwealth (2012) 288 ALR 410, as they contribute to the larger body of law relevant to the development of Commonwealth programs. In accordance with its general practice, the Government will continue to monitor and assess risk and decide on any appropriate actions to respond to risks of expenditure not being consistent with constitutional or other legal requirements.

Note 2: Events After the Reporting Period

Departmental

There were no significant events that occurred after 30 June 2013 but prior to the signing of the financial statements.

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Note 3: Expenses2013 2012

$ $

Note 3A: Employee Benefits

Wages and salaries 8,299,368 9,215,875

Superannuation:

Defined contribution plans 522,165 567,135

Defined benefit plans 1,309,126 1,187,883

Leave and other entitlements 1,824,515 2,013,280

Separation and redundancies 52,076 374,548

Total employee benefits 12,007,250 13,358,721

Note 3B: Supplier

Goods and services

Advertising & Promotion 38,928 111,368

Consultants 2,947,926 2,162,152

Contractors 6,280 89,543

IT Related Costs 99,231 248,304

Corporate and IT Service Fees 1,082,458 1,112,807

Printing & Office Suppliers 103,323 169,430

Property Costs 128,917 106,720

Recruitment & Training Costs 116,990 163,830

Sponsorships 27,045 70,000

Subscriptions & Publications 127,337 109,209

Travel Costs 210,973 419,784

Venue Hire & Guest Speakers 19,606 174,696

Other 235,528 273,099

Total goods and services 5,144,542 5,210,941

Goods and services are made up of:

Provision of goods – related entities 4,920 9,851

Provision of goods – external parties 239,512 336,985

Rendering of services – related entities 1,410,071 1,622,552

Rendering of services – external parties 3,490,039 3,241,553

Total goods and services 5,144,542 5,210,941

Other supplier expenses

Operating lease rentals – external parties:

Minimum lease payments 933,044 904,356

Workers compensation expenses 82,193 83,953

Total other supplier expense 1,015,237 988,309

Total supplier expenses 6,159,779 6,199,250

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Note 3 (Cont’d): ExpensesNote 3C: Depreciation and Amortisation

Depreciation:

Property, plant and equipment 59,295 64,590

Buildings 317,245 382,508

Total depreciation 376,540 447,098

Amortisation:

Intangibles:

Internally developed software 86,096 65,093

Purchased software 3,987 4,995

Total amortisation 90,083 70,088

Total depreciation and amortisation 466,623 517,186

Note 3D: Write-Down and Impairment of Assets

Asset write-downs and impairments from:

Write-down of assets - plant and equipment - 3,205

Total write-down and impairment of assets - 3,205

Note 4: Income2013 2012

OWN-SOURCE REVENUE $ $

Note 4A: Sale of Goods and Rendering of Services

Rendering of services - related entities 368,542 659,841

Rendering of services - external parties 9,713,441 9,317,545

Total sale of goods and rendering of services 10,081,983 9,977,386

GAINS

Note 4B: Other Gains

Resources received free of charge - ANAO 46,000 46,000

Total other gains 46,000 46,000

REVENUE FROM GOVERNMENT

Note 4C: Revenue from Government

Appropriations:

Departmental appropriations 9,241,000 8,932,000

Total revenue from Government 9,241,000 8,932,000

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Note 5: Financial Assets2013 2012

$ $

Note 5A: Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash on hand or on deposit 355,124 297,794

Total cash and cash equivalents 355,124 297,794

Note 5B: Trade and Other Receivables

Goods and Services:

Goods and services - related entities 7,081 45,000

Goods and services - external parties 827 55

Total receivables for goods and services 7,908 45,055

Other receivables:

GST receivable from the Australian Taxation Office 166,576 58,523

Safe Work Australia Special Account 9,944,064 7,828,770

Total other receivables 10,110,640 7,887,293

Total trade and other receivables (gross) 10,118,548 7,932,348

Receivables are expected to be recovered in:

No more than 12 months 10,118,548 7,932,348

More than 12 months - -

Total trade and other receivables (net) 10,118,548 7,932,348

Receivables are aged as follows:

Not overdue 10,117,721 7,932,293

Overdue by:

0 to 30 days 827 -

31 to 60 days - 55

61 to 90 days - -

More than 90 days - -

Total receivables (net) 10,118,548 7,932,348

No indicators of impairment were found for trade and other receivables.

Note 5C: Accrued Revenue

Goods and services 199,554 236,319

Total accrued revenue 199,554 236,319

Total accrued revenue is expected to be recovered in:

No more than 12 months 199,554 236,319


Total accrued revenue 199,554 236,319

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Note 6: Non-Financial Assets2013 2012

$ $

Note 6A: Land and Buildings

Leasehold improvements:

Fair value 1,156,200 1,025,000

Accumulated depreciation - -

Accumulated impairment losses - -

Total leasehold improvements 1,156,200 1,025,000

Total land and buildings 1,156,200 1,025,000

No indicators of impairment were found for land and buildings.

No land or buildings were expected to be sold or disposed of within the next 12 months.

Note 6B: Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment:

Fair value 70,560 187,059

Accumulated depreciation - (60,225)


Total other property, plant and equipment 70,560 126,833

Total property, plant and equipment 70,560 126,833

No indicators of impairment were found for property, plant and equipment.

No property, plant or equipment is expected to be sold or disposed of within the next 12 months.

Revaluations of non-financial assetsAll revaluations were conducted in accordance with the revaluation policy stated at Note 1. An independent valuer conducted a revaluation of the leasehold improvements and property, plant and equipment as at 30 June 2013.

A revaluation increment of $438,939 for leasehold improvements (2012: decrement of $218,439) and $3,022 for plant and equipment (2012: no revaluation ) were credited to the asset revaluation surplus by asset class and included in the equity section of the balance sheet. No decrements were expensed (2012: nil).

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Note 6 (Cont’d): Non-Financial AssetsNote 6C: Reconciliation of the Opening and Closing Balances of Property, Plant and Equipment 2013

Buildings Plant & equipment

Total

$ $ $

As at 1 July 2012

Gross book value 1,025,000 187,059 1,212,059

Accumulated depreciation and impairment - (60,225) (60,225)

Net book value 1 July 2012 1,025,000 126,833 1,151,834

Additions:

By purchase 9,505 - 9,505

Revaluations and impairments recognised in other comprehensive income

438,939 3,022 441,961

Depreciation expense (317,245) (59,295) (376,540)

Disposals:

Other - - -

Net book value 30 June 2013 1,156,200 70,560 1,226,760

Net book value as of 30 June 2013 represented by:

Gross book value 1,156,200 70,560 1,226,760

Accumulated depreciation and impairment - - -


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Note 6 (Cont’d): Non-Financial AssetsNote 6C (Cont’d): Reconciliation of the Opening and Closing Balances of Property, Plant and Equipment 2012

Buildings Plant & equipment

Total

$ $ $

As at 1 July 2011

Gross book value 1,612,500 163,850 1,776,350


Net book value 1 July 2011 1,612,500 162,319 1,774,819

Additions:

By purchase 13,447 32,309 45,756

Revaluations and impairments recognised in other comprehensive income

(218,439) - (218,439)

Impairments recognised in the operating result - - -

Reversal of impairments recognised in the operating result

- - -

Depreciation expense (382,508) (64,590) (447,098)

Disposals:

Write-down of obsolete assets - (3,205) (3,205)



Gross book value 1,025,000 187,059 1,212,059



2013 2012

$ $

Note 6D: Intangibles

Computer software:

Internally developed – in progress 24,487 121,167

Internally developed – in use 287,987 191,307

Purchased 14,986 14,986

Accumulated amortisation (171,821) (81,737)


Total computer software 155,639 245,723

Total intangibles 155,639 245,723

No indicators of impairment were found for intangible assets.

No intangibles are expected to be sold or disposed of within the next 12 months.

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Note 6 (Cont’d): Non-Financial AssetsNote 6E: Reconciliation of the Opening and Closing Balances of Intangibles 2013

Computer software

internally developed

Computer software

purchased

Total

$ $ $

As at 1 July 2012

Gross book value 312,474 14,986 327,460

Accumulated amortisation and impairment (70,899) (10,838) (81,737)

Net book value 1 July 2012 241,575 4,148 245,723

Additions:

By purchase - - -

Internally developed - in progress (96,680) - (96,680)

Internally developed - in use 96,680 - 96,680

Amortisation expense (86,096) (3,988) (90,084)

Net book value 30 June 2013 155,479 160 155,639


Gross book value 312,474 14,986 327,460


Net book value 30 June 2013 155,479 160 155,639

Note 6E (Cont’d): Reconciliation of the Opening and Closing Balances of Intangibles 2012

Computer software

internally developed

Computer software

purchased

Total

$ $ $

As at 1 July 2011

Gross book value 191,307 14,986 206,293


Net book value 1 July 2011 185,501 9,143 194,644

Additions:

By purchase - - -

Internally developed 121,167 - 121,167

Revaluations and impairments recognised in the operating result

- - -

Amortisation (65,093) (4,995) (70,088)

Net book value 30 June 2012 241,575 4,148 245,723

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Note 6 (Cont’d): Non-Financial Assets

Note 6E (Cont’d): Reconciliation of the Opening and Closing Balances of Intangibles 2012


Gross book value 312,474 14,986 327,460


Net book value 30 June 2012 241,575 4,148 245,723

Note 6F: Other Non-Financial Assets

2013 2012

$ $

Prepayments 135,022 55,503

Total other non-financial assets 135,022 55,503

Total other non-financial assets - are expected to be recovered in:



Total other non-financial assets 135,022 55,503

No indicators of impairment were found for other non-financial assets.

Note 7: Payables

Note 7A: Suppliers

2013 2012

$ $

Trade creditors and accruals 1,903,307 865,075

Total suppliers payables 1,903,307 865,075

Suppliers payables expected to be settled within 12 months:

Related entities 610,112 269,396

External parties 1,293,195 595,679

Total 1,903,307 865,075

Settlement was usually made within 30 days.

Note 7B: Other Payables

Wages and salaries 300,905 308,022

Superannuation 50,802 45,119

Unearned income (Commonwealth-funded projects)

22,727 72,230

Total other payables 374,434 425,371

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Note 7 (Cont’d): Payables

Total other payables are expected to be settled in:



Total other payables 374,434 425,371

Note 8: Provisions

2013 2012

$ $

Note 8A: Employee Provisions

Leave 3,359,121 3,303,581

Total employee provisions 3,359,121 3,303,581

Employee provisions are expected to be settled in:

No more than 12 months 1,172,793 1,068,155

More than 12 months 2,186,328 2,235,426

Total employee provisions 3,359,121 3,303,581

Note 9: Cash Flow Reconciliation

2013 2012

$ $

Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents as per Balance Sheet to Cash Flow Statement

Cash and cash equivalents as per:

Cash flow statement 355,124 297,794

Balance sheet 355,124 297,794

Difference - -

Reconciliation of net cost of services to net cash from operating activities:

Net cost of services (8,505,669) (10,054,976)

Add revenue from Government 9,241,000 8,932,000

Cash from (to) the OPA (2,002,716) 387,729

Adjustments for non-cash items

Depreciation / amortisation 466,623 517,186

Net write down of assets - 3,205

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Note 9 (Cont’d): Cash Flow Reconciliation

Changes in assets / liabilities

(Increase) / decrease in net receivables (29,665) (69,936)

(Increase) / decrease in prepayments (79,519) 30,727

Increase / (decrease) in GST receivables (108,054) 25,543

Increase / (decrease) in employee provisions 55,540 461,294

Increase / (decrease) in supplier payables 1,037,310 (64,105)

Increase / (decrease) in other payable (50,015) 5,421

Net cash from (used by) operating activities 24,835 174,089

Note 10: Senior Executive Remuneration

Note 10A: Senior Executive Remuneration Expenses for the Reporting Period

2013 2012

$ $

Short-term employee benefits:

Salary 870,260 824,939

Annual leave accrued 75,696 76,663

Other 101,698 136,867

Total short-term employee benefits 1,047,654 1,038,469

Post-employment benefits:

Superannuation 163,287 164,656

Total post-employment benefits 163,287 164,656

Other long-term employee benefits:

Long-service leave 57,207 58,781

Total other long-term employee benefits 57,207 58,781

Termination benefits:

Total termination benefits - -

Total senior executive remuneration expenses 1,268,148 1,261,906

1. Note 10A is prepared on an accrual basis (therefore the performance bonus expenses disclosed above may differ from the cash ‘Bonus paid’ in Note 10B).

2. Note 10A excludes acting arrangements and part-year service where total remuneration expensed for a senior executive was less than $180,000.

3. “Other” includes reportable fringe benefits, motor vehicle allowances and other allowances.

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,139

-

-83

,618

$210

,000

to $

239,

999

2 19

1,83

1 34

,680

-

-22

6,51

1

$240

,000

to $

269,

999

1 20

6,23

5 40

,796

-

-24

7,03

1

$360

,000

to $

389,

999

1 30

8,73

5 53

,132

-

-36

1,86

7

Tota

l num

ber o

f sub

stan

tive

seni

or

exec

utiv

es5

Aver

age

annu

al re

port

able

rem

uner

atio

n pa

id to

sub

stan

tive

seni

or e

xecu

tives

in 2

012

Aver

age

annu

al re

port

able

rem

uner

atio

n¹Su

bsta

ntiv

e se

nior

ex

ecut

ives

Repo

rtab

le

sala

ry²

Cont

ribut

ed

supe

rann

uatio

n³Re

port

able

al

low

ance

s⁴Bo

nus

paid

⁵To

tal r

epor

tabl

e re

mun

erat

ion

No.

$$

$$

$

Tota

l rep

orta

ble

rem

uner

atio

n

(incl

udin

g pa

rt-t

ime

arra

ngem

ents

):

Less

than

$18

0,00

0 th

resh

old

1 15

2,58

7 24

,281

-

-17

6,86

8

$180

,000

to $

209,

999

1 17

5,75

6 26

,199

-

-20

1,95

6

$210

,000

to $

239,

999

2 18

9,42

7 31

,665

-

-22

1,09

2

$330

,000

to $

359,

999

1 27

7,71

0 53

,656

-

-33

1,36

5

Tota

l num

ber o

f sub

stan

tive

seni

or e

xecu

tives

5

Safe

Wor

k A

ustr

alia

Ann

ual R

epor

t

103

1. This table reports substantive senior executives who received remuneration during the reporting period. Each row is an averaged figure based on headcount for individuals in the band.

2. ‘Reportable salary’ includes the following: a) gross payments (less any bonuses paid, which are separated out and disclosed in the ‘bonus paid’ column); b) reportable fringe benefits (at the net amount prior to ‘grossing up’ for tax purposes); c) exempt foreign employment income; and d) salary sacrificed benefits.”

3. The ‘contributed superannuation’ amount is the average cost to the entity for the provision of superannuation benefits to substantive senior executives in that reportable remuneration band during the reporting period.

4. ‘Reportable allowances’ are the average actual allowances paid as per the ‘total allowances’ line on individuals’ payment summaries.

5. ‘Bonus paid’ represents average actual bonuses paid during the reporting period in that reportable remuneration band. The ‘bonus paid’ within a particular band may vary between financial years due to various factors such as individuals commencing with or leaving the entity during the financial year.

Note 10C: Average Annual Reportable Remuneration Paid to Other Highly Paid Staff during the Reporting Period

1. This table reports staff:

a) who were employed by the entity during the reporting period;

b) whose reportable remuneration was $180,000 or more for the reporting period; and

c) were not required to be disclosed in Table B or director disclosures.

2. During the current and prior reporting periods, there were no other employees whose total reportable remuneration was $180,000 or more.

Note 11: Remuneration of Auditors

2013 2012

$ $

Financial statement audit services were provided free of charge to the Agency by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO).

Fair value of the services provided

Financial statement audit services 46,000 46,000

Total 46,000 46,000

No other services were provided by the auditors of the financial statements.

104

Safe

Wor

k A

ustr

alia

Ann

ual R

epor

t

Note 12: Financial Instruments

Note 12A: Categories of Financial Instruments

2013 2012

$ $

Financial Assets

Loans and receivables:

Cash and cash equivalents 355,124 297,794

Trade receivables 7,908 45,055

Accrued revenue 199,554 236,319

Total 562,586 579,168

Carrying amount of financial assets 562,586 579,168

Financial Liabilities

At amortised cost:


Unearned income (Commonwealth-funded projects) 22,727 72,230

Total 1,926,034 937,305

Carrying amount of financial liabilities 1,926,034 937,305

No income or expense from financial instruments for 2013 (2012: nil).

Note 12B: Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Carrying Fair Carrying Fair

amount value amount value

2013 2013 2012 2012

$ $ $ $

Financial Assets

Cash and cash equivalents 355,124 355,124 297,794 297,794

Trade receivables 7,908 7,908 45,055 45,055

Accrued revenue 199,554 199,554 236,319 236,319

Total 562,586 562,586 579,168 579,168

Financial Liabilities

Trade creditors and accruals 1,903,307 1,903,307 865,075 865,075


22,727 22,727 72,230 72,230

Total 1,926,034 1,926,034 937,305 937,305

1. The fair value for each class of financial asset and liability are the same as the carrying amount due to the short-term nature of each class held.

Safe

Wor

k A

ustr

alia

Ann

ual R

epor

t

105

Note 12 (Cont’d): Financial Instruments

Note 12C: Credit Risk

Safe Work Australia is exposed to minimal credit risk as loans and receivables are cash and trade receivables. The maximum exposure to credit risk is the risk that arises from potential default of a debtor. This amount is equal to the total amount of trade receivables in 2013: $7,907 (2012: $45,055). The Agency has assessed the risk of the default on payment and has determined that an allowance for impairment is not required.

Safe Work Australia has no significant exposures to any concentrations of credit risk. The Agency holds no collateral to mitigate against credit risk.

The following table illustrates the Safe Work Australia’s gross exposure to credit risk, excluding any collateral or credit enhancements.

2013 2012

$ $

Financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents 355,124 297,794

Trade receivables 7,908 45,055

Accrued revenue 199,554 236,319

Total 562,586 579,168

Financial liabilities


Unearned income (Commonwealth-funded projects) 22,727 72,230

Total 1,926,034 937,305

Credit quality of financial instruments not past due or individually determined as impaired

Not past due nor

impaired

Not past due nor

impaired

Past due or

impaired

Past due or impaired

2013 2012 2013 2012

$ $ $ $

Cash and cash equivalents 355,124 297,794 - -

Trade receivables 7,081 45,000 827 55

Accrued revenue 199,554 236,319 - -

Total 561,759 579,113 827 55

Ageing of financial assets that were past due but not impaired for 2013

0 to 30 31 to 60 61 to 90 90+

days days days days Total

$ $ $ $ $

Trade receivables 827 - - - 827

Total 827 - - - 827

106

Safe

Wor

k A

ustr

alia

Ann

ual R

epor

t

Note 12 (Cont’d): Financial Instruments

Note 12C (Cont’d): Credit Risk

Ageing of financial assets that were past due but not impaired for 2012

0 to 30 31 to 60 61 to 90 90+

days days days days Total

$ $ $ $ $

Trade receivables - 55 - - 55

Total - 55 - - 55

Note 12D: Liquidity Risk

The Agency is jointly funded by Commonwealth, State and Territory governments. The Agency manages its budgeted funds to ensure it has adequate funds to meet payments as they fall due. In addition, the Agency has policies in place to ensure timely payments are made when due and has no past experience of default.

Maturities for non-derivative financial liabilities 2013

On demand within 1 year Total

$ $ $

Trade creditors and accruals - 1,903,307 1,903,307


- 22,727 22,727

Total - 1,926,034 1,926,034

Maturities for non-derivative financial liabilities 2012

On demand within 1 year Total

$ $ $

Trade creditors and accruals - 865,075 865,075


- 72,230 72,230

Total - 937,305 937,305

The Agency had no derivative financial liabilities in either 2013 or 2012

Note 12E: Market Risk

Safe Work Australia holds basic financial instruments that do not expose the Agency to market risks such as ‘Currency risk’ and ‘Other price risk’.

Safe

Wor

k A

ustr

alia

Ann

ual R

epor

t

107

Note 13: Financial Assets Reconciliation

2013 2012

$ $

Financial assets Notes

Total financial assets as per balance sheet 10,673,227 8,466,461

Less: non-financial instrument components

Appropriations receivable 5B 9,944,064 7,828,770

Other receivables 5B 166,576 58,523

Total non-financial instrument components 10,110,640 7,887,293

Total financial assets as per financial instruments note 562,586 579,168

108

Safe

Wor

k A

ustr

alia

Ann

ual R

epor

t

Not

e 14

: App

ropr

iatio

ns

Tabl

e A

: Ann

ual A

ppro

pria

tions

(‘Re

cove

rabl

e G

ST e

xclu

sive

’)

2013

App

ropr

iatio

ns

Appr

opria

tion

Act

FMA

Act

App

ropr

iatio

n ap

plie

d in

201

3 (c

urre

nt a

nd

prio

r yea

rs)

Ann

ual

App

ropr

iatio

nA

ppro

pria

tions

re

duce

d1

AFM

Sect

ion

30Se

ctio

n 31Se

ctio

n 32To

tal

appr

opri

atio

nVa

rian

ce

$’00

0$’

000

$’00

0$’

000

$’00

0$’

000

$’00

0$’

000

$’00

0

DEP

ART

MEN

TAL

Ord

inar

y an

nual

ser

vice

s9,

293

- -

- -

-9,

293

(9,2

83)

10

Tota

l dep

artm

enta

l9,

293

- -

- -

-9,

293

(9,2

83)

10

Not

es: 1

. App

ropr

iatio

ns re

duce

d un

der A

ppro

pria

tion

Acts

(Nos

. 1,3

&5)

201

2-13

: sec

tions

10,

11,

and

12

and

unde

r App

ropr

iatio

n Ac

ts (N

os. 2

,4&

6) 2

012-

13: s

ectio

ns 1

2,13

, and

14.

D

epar

tmen

tal a

ppro

pria

tions

do

not l

apse

at fi

nanc

ial y

ear-

end.

How

ever

, the

resp

onsi

ble

Min

iste

r may

dec

ide

that

par

t or a

ll of

a d

epar

tmen

tal a

ppro

pria

tion

is n

ot re

quire

d an

d re

ques

t the

Fin

ance

Min

iste

r to

redu

ce th

at a

ppro

pria

tion.

The

redu

ctio

n in

the

appr

opria

tion

is e

ffect

ed b

y th

e Fi

nanc

e M

inis

ter’s

det

erm

inat

ion

and

is d

isal

low

able

by

Parli

amen

t. In

201

3, th

ere

was

no

redu

ctio

n in

dep

artm

enta

l and

non

-ope

ratin

g de

part

men

tal a

ppro

pria

tion;

how

ever

, on

30 Ju

ne 2

013,

the

Prim

e M

inis

ter a

nnou

nced

a d

ecis

ion

to re

duce

th

e D

epar

tmen

tal a

ppro

pria

tion

by $

1,00

0. T

his

mee

ts th

e re

cogn

ition

crit

eria

of a

form

al a

dditi

on o

r red

uctio

n in

reve

nue

(in a

ccor

danc

e w

ith F

MO

div

isio

n 10

1) b

ut a

t law

the

appr

opria

tions

had

not

bee

n am

ende

d be

fore

the

end

of th

e re

port

ing

perio

d.

2012

App

ropr

iatio

ns

Appr

opria

tion

Act

FMA

Act

App

ropr

iatio

n ap

plie

d in

201

2 (c

urre

nt a

nd

prio

r yea

rs)

Ann

ual

App

ropr

iatio

nA

ppro

pria

tions

re

duce

d1

AFM

Sect

ion

30Se

ctio

n 31Se

ctio

n 32To

tal

appr

opri

atio

nVa

rian

ce

$'00

0$'

000

$'00

0$'

000

$'00

0$'

000

$'00

0$’

000

$'00

0

DEP

ART

MEN

TAL

Ord

inar

y an

nual

ser

vice

s8,

932

- -

- -

-8,

932

(8,9

32)

-

Tota

l dep

artm

enta

l8,

932

- -

- -

-8,

932

(8,9

32)

-

Not

es: 1

. App

ropr

iatio

ns re

duce

d un

der A

ppro

pria

tion

Acts

(Nos

. 1 &

3) 2

011-

12: s

ectio

ns 1

0, 1

1, 1

2 an

d 15

and

und

er A

ppro

pria

tion

Acts

(Nos

. 2&

4) 2

011-

12: s

ectio

ns 1

2, 1

3,

14 a

nd 1

7. D

epar

tmen

tal a

ppro

pria

tions

do

not l

apse

at fi

nanc

ial y

ear-

end.

How

ever

, the

resp

onsi

ble

Min

iste

r may

dec

ide

that

par

t or a

ll of

a d

epar

tmen

tal a

ppro

pria

tion

is n

ot

requ

ired

and

requ

est t

he F

inan

ce M

inis

ter t

o re

duce

that

app

ropr

iatio

n. T

he re

duct

ion

in th

e ap

prop

riatio

n is

effe

cted

by

the

Fina

nce

Min

iste

r’s d

eter

min

atio

n an

d is

dis

allo

wab

le b

y Pa

rliam

ent.

In 2

012,

ther

e w

as n

o re

duct

ion

in d

epar

tmen

tal a

nd n

on-o

pera

ting

depa

rtm

enta

l app

ropr

iatio

ns .

Safe

Wor

k A

ustr

alia

Ann

ual R

epor

t

109

Not

e 14

(Con

t’d):

App

ropr

iatio

ns

Tabl

e B:

Dep

artm

enta

l and

Adm

inis

tere

d Ca

pita

l Bud

gets

(‘Re

cove

rabl

e G

ST e

xclu

sive

’)

2013

Cap

ital B

udge

t App

ropr

iatio

nsCa

pita

l Bud

get A

ppro

pria

tions

app

lied

in 2

013

(c

urre

nt a

nd p

rior

yea

rs)

Appr

opria

tion

Act

FMA

Act

Tota

l Cap

ital

Budg

et

App

ropr

iatio

ns

Paym

ents

for

non-

finan

cial

as

sets

3

Paym

ents

fo

r oth

er

purp

oses

Paym

ents

fo

r oth

er

purp

oses

Va

rianc

eA

nnua

l Cap

ital

Budg

etA

ppro

pria

tions

re

duce

d2

Sect

ion 32

$'00

0$'

000

$’00

0$’

000

$'00

0$'

000

$'00

0$'

000

DEP

ART

MEN

TAL

Ord

inar

y an

nual

ser

vice

s -

Dep

artm

enta

l Cap

ital B

udge

t1

51

- -

51

(42)

(42)

9

Not

es: 1

. Dep

artm

enta

l and

Adm

inis

tere

d Ca

pita

l Bud

gets

are

app

ropr

iate

d th

roug

h A

ppro

pria

tion

Acts

(No.

1,3,

5). T

hey

form

par

t of o

rdin

ary

annu

al s

ervi

ces,

and

are

not s

epar

atel

y id

entifi

ed in

the

App

ropr

iatio

n Ac

ts. F

or m

ore

info

rmat

ion

on o

rdin

ary

annu

al s

ervi

ces

appr

opria

tions

, ple

ase

see

Tabl

e A

: Ann

ual a

ppro

pria

tions

. 2.

App

ropr

iatio

ns re

duce

d un

der A

ppro

pria

tion

Acts

(No.

1,3,

5) 2

012-

13: s

ectio

ns 1

0, 1

1, 1

2 an

d 15

or v

ia a

det

erm

inat

ion

by th

e Fi

nanc

e M

inis

ter.

3. P

aym

ents

mad

e on

non

-fina

ncia

l ass

ets

incl

ude

purc

hase

s of

ass

ets,

expe

nditu

re o

n as

sets

whi

ch h

as b

een

capi

talis

ed, c

osts

incu

rred

to m

ake

good

an

asse

t to

its o

rigin

al c

ondi

tion,

an

d th

e ca

pita

l rep

aym

ent c

ompo

nent

of fi

nanc

e le

ases

. 2012

Cap

ital B

udge

t App

ropr

iatio

nsCa

pita

l Bud

get A

ppro

pria

tions

app

lied

in 2

012

(c

urre

nt a

nd p

rior

yea

rs)

Appr

opria

tion

Act

FMA

Act

Tota

l Cap

ital

Budg

et

App

ropr

iatio

ns

Paym

ents

for

non-

finan

cial

as

sets

3

Paym

ents

fo

r oth

er

purp

oses

To

tal

paym

ents

Va

rian

ceA

nnua

l Cap

ital

Budg

etA

ppro

pria

tions

re

duce

d2

Sect

ion 32

$'00

0$'

000

$'00

0$'

000

$'00

0$'

000

$'00

0$'

000

DEP

ART

MEN

TAL

Ord

inar

y an

nual

ser

vice

s -

Dep

artm

enta

l Cap

ital B

udge

t1

- -

- -

- -

- -

Not

es: 1

. D

epar

tmen

tal a

nd A

dmin

iste

red

Capi

tal B

udge

ts a

re a

ppro

pria

ted

thro

ugh

App

ropr

iatio

n Ac

ts (N

o.1,

3,5)

. The

y fo

rm p

art o

f ord

inar

y an

nual

ser

vice

s, an

d ar

e no

t sep

arat

ely

iden

tified

in th

e A

ppro

pria

tion

Acts

. For

mor

e in

form

atio

n on

ord

inar

y an

nual

ser

vice

s ap

prop

riatio

ns, p

leas

e se

e Ta

ble

A: A

nnua

l app

ropr

iatio

ns.

2. A

ppro

pria

tions

redu

ced

unde

r App

ropr

iatio

n Ac

ts (N

o.1,

3,5)

201

1-12

: sec

tions

10,

11,

12

and

15 o

r via

a d

eter

min

atio

n by

the

Fina

nce

Min

iste

r. 3.

Pay

men

ts m

ade

on n

on-fi

nanc

ial a

sset

s in

clud

e pu

rcha

ses

of a

sset

s, ex

pend

iture

on

asse

ts w

hich

has

bee

n ca

pita

lised

, cos

ts in

curr

ed to

mak

e go

od a

n as

set t

o its

orig

inal

con

ditio

n,

and

the

capi

tal r

epay

men

t com

pone

nt o

f fina

nce

leas

es.

110

Safe

Wor

k A

ustr

alia

Ann

ual R

epor

t

Note 14 (Cont’d): Appropriations

Table C: Unspent Annual Appropriations (‘Recoverable GST exclusive’)

2013 2012

Authority $'000 $'000

DEPARTMENTAL

Appropriation Act (No. 1) 2011-12 - -

Appropriation Act (No. 1) 2012-13 - -

Total - -

Note 15: Special Accounts and FMA Act Section 39 Investments

Note 15A: Special Accounts (Recoverable GST exclusive)

Safe Work Australia Special Account1

2013 2012

$ $

Balance brought forward from previous period 8,126,564 8,507,127

Increases:

Appropriation credited to special account 9,241,000 8,932,000

Capital Injection - Departmental Capital Budget 42,000 -

State and Territories and Commonwealth-funded projects

10,029,812 9,876,583

Total increases 19,312,812 18,808,583

Available for payments 27,439,376 27,315,710

Decreases:

Departmental

Payments made to suppliers (5,205,261) (6,328,008)

Payments made to employees (11,943,927) (12,861,138)

Total departmental decreases (17,149,188) (19,189,146)

Total decreases (17,149,188) (19,189,146)

Total balance carried to the next period 10,290,188 8,126,564

1. Appropriation: Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 section 21. Establishing Instrument: Safe Work Australia Act 2008. Purpose: To provide a source of finance to resource Safe Work Australia.

Note: During 2012-13, additional legal advice was received that indicated there could be breaches of Section 83 under certain circumstances with payments for long service leave, goods and services tax and payments under determinations of the Remuneration Tribunal. Safe Work Australia has reviewed its processes and controls over payments for these items to minimise the possibility for future breaches as a result of these payments. Safe Work Australia has determined that there is a low risk of the certain circumstances mentioned in the legal advice applying to the Agency. Safe Work Australia is not aware of any specific breaches of Section 83 in respect of these items.

Safe

Wor

k A

ustr

alia

Ann

ual R

epor

t

111

Note 16: Compensation and Debt Relief

2013 2012

$ $

Compensation and Debt Relief - Departmental

No ‘Act of Grace Payments’ were expensed during the reporting period (2012: nil).

-

-

No waivers of amounts owing to the Australian Government were made pursuant to subsection 34(1) of the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 (2012: nil).

-

-

No payments were provided under the Compensation for Detriment caused by Defective Administration (CDDA) Scheme during the reporting period (2012: nil)

-

-

No ex-gratia payments were provided for during the reporting period (2012: nil).

-

-

No payments were provided in special circumstances relating to APS employment pursuant to section 73 of the Public Service Act 1999 (PS Act) during the reporting period (2012: nil).

-

-

Note 17: Reporting of Outcomes

Safe Work Australia has a single outcome and single program. The outcome is: Safer and more productive Australian workplaces through harmonising national occupational health and safety and workers’ compensation arrangements.

Note 17A: Net Cost of Outcome Delivery

Outcome 1 Total

2013 2012 2013 2012

$ $ $ $

Departmental

Expenses 18,633,652 20,078,363 18,633,652 20,078,363

Own-source income 10,127,983 10,023,386 10,127,983 10,023,386

Net cost/(contribution) of outcome delivery

8,505,669 10,054,977 8,505,669 10,054,977

1. Outcome 1 is described in Note 1.1. Net costs shown include intra-government costs that are eliminated in calculating the actual Budget Outcome. Refer to Outcome 1 Resourcing Table in this annual report.

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Note 18: Net Cash Appropriation Arrangements

2013 2012

$ $

Total comprehensive income less depreciation/amortisation expenses previously funded through revenue appropriations1

1,643,915 (824,229)

Plus: depreciation/amortisation expenses previously funded through revenue appropriation

(466,623) (517,186)

Total comprehensive income - as per the Statement of Comprehensive Income

1,177,292 (1,341,415)

1. From 2010-11, the Government introduced net cash appropriation arrangements, where revenue appropriations for depreciation/amortisation expenses ceased. Entities now receive a separate capital budget provided through equity appropriations. Capital budgets are to be appropriated in the period when cash payment for capital expenditure is required.

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Part 6 APPENDICES

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Appendix 1: Publication List

Safe Work Australia published 80 publications throughout 2012–13. These publications are displayed below in publication date order.

July 2012 » Model Code of Practice: Excavation work

» Australian work-related injury experience by sex and age, 2009–10

» Model Code of Practice: Welding Processes

» Model Code of Practice: Demolition Work

» Model Code of Practice: Safe Design of Structures

» Model Code of Practice: Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace

» Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace

» Model Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace

» Model Code of Practice: Preventing Falls in Housing Construction

» Model Code of Practice: Construction Work

» Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace

» Safe Work Australian Issue 8

August 2012 » Safe Work Australia Strategic Plan 2012–15

» Safe Work Australia Operational Plan 2012–13

» Understanding Hazardous Chemical Labels

» Mesothelioma in Australia Incidence 1982 to 2008 Mortality 1997 to 2007

September 2012 » Measurements of Particle Emissions from

Nanotechnology Processes, with Assessment of Measuring Techniques and Workplace Controls

» Measuring and Assessing Emissions of Nanomaterials from Processes Information Sheet

» Agriculture Forestry and Fishing Fact Sheet

» Construction Fact Sheet

» Health and Community Services Fact Sheet

» Manufacturing Fact Sheet

» Mining Fact Sheet

» Transport and Storage Fact Sheet

» Implementation and Effectiveness of the European Directive Relating to Vibration in the Workplace

» Hand-arm vibration Fact Sheet

» Whole-body vibration Fact Sheet

October 2012 » Interpretive Guideline - Model WHS Act -

Workplace entry by work health and safety entry permit holders

» Human Health Hazard Assessment and Classification of Carbon Nanotubes

» Classification of Carbon Nanotubes as Hazardous Chemicals

» Electrical risks at the workplace Fact Sheet

» Asbestos-related Disease Indicators 2012

» Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2012–2022

» Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2012–2022 Fact Sheet

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» Indexed file lists for Safe Work Australia 1 January 2012 - 30 June 2012

» Jurisdictional progress against targets Fact Sheet

» Managing risks to health and safety at the workplace Fact Sheet

» Occupational Disease Indicators 2012

» Priority Mechanisms Fact Sheet

» Progress Against Targets Fact Sheet

» Model Code of Practice: Abrasive Blasting

» Model Code of Practice: Spray Painting and Powder Coating

» Guide to the Work Health and Safety Act

» Comparative Performance Monitoring Report 14th Edition

November 2012 » Safe Work Australia Annual Report 2011–12

December 2012 » Hazard Surveillance: Residual Chemicals in

Shipping Containers

» Codes of Practice and Guidance Material Fact Sheet

» The Australian Workplace Barometer: Report on psychosocial safety climate and worker health in Australia

» Work-related Traumatic Injury Fatalities 2010–11

January 2013 » Supply chains and networks - Australian

Strategy Topic Paper

» Promoting effective health and safety leadership - Australian Strategy Topic Paper

» Clarifying culture - Australian Strategy Topic Paper

February 2013 » Key Work Health and Safety Statistics Booklet

Australia 2013

» Health Monitoring for Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals - Guide for medical practitioners

» Work-related injuries resulting in hospitalisation — July 2006 to June 2009

» Health Monitoring for Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals - Guide for workers

» Health Monitoring for Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals - Guide for persons conducting a business or undertaking

March 2013 » Guide for Managing Risks Involving Heritage

Plant

» Compendium of Workers’ Compensation Statistics Australia 2010–11

» Work-Related injuries experienced by young workers in Australia 2009–10

» Hazardous Chemicals Requiring Health Monitoring

» Safety hazards of engineered nanomaterials - information sheet

» Emissions of nanomaterials during machining processes - information sheet

» Investigating the emissions of nanomaterials from composites and other solid articles during machining processes

» Evaluation of potential safety hazards associated with the use of engineered nanomaterials

» Work-related injuries and fatalities on Australian farms

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April 2013 » Guide for Preventing and Responding to

Cyanide Poisoning in the Workplace

» Workplace Exposure Standards for Airborne Contaminants

» Guidance on the Interpretation of Workplace Exposure Standards for Airborne Contaminants

» Guide to Managing Risks Associated with Foundry Work

» The Incidence of Accepted Workers’ Compensation Claims for Mental Stress in Australia

» Effectiveness of Work Health and Safety Interventions by Regulators: A Literature Review

May 2013 » Draft model Code of Practice: Managing Cash-

in-transit Security Risks

» Guide for handling and transporting cash

» Harradine indexed file list 1 July 2012 to 31 December 2012

» How to Determine what is Reasonably Practicable to meet a Health and Safety Duty

June 2013 » The relationship between work

characteristics, wellbeing, depression and workplace bullying - Technical findings from a survey of 32–36 year old workers in Canberra and Queanbeyan

» The relationship between work characteristics, wellbeing, depression and workplace bullying - Summary report

» Triennial Review of the National OHS Strategy 2002–2012

» ‘Minor contamination’ of asbestos-containing dust or debris Fact Sheet

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Appendix 2: Model Codes and guidance material

MODEL CODES OF PRACTICE

The following model Codes of Practice have been finalised for implementation under the IGA.

» Abrasive Blasting

» Confined Spaces

» Construction Work

» Demolition Work

» Excavation Work

» First Aid in the Workplace

» Hazardous Manual Tasks

» How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace

» How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks

» How to Safely Remove Asbestos

» Labelling of Workplace Hazardous Chemicals

» Managing Cash-in-transit Security Risks (Draft)

» Managing Electrical Risks at the Workplace

» Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work

» Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace

» Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace

» Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces

» Managing the Work Environment and Facilities

» Preparation of Safety Data Sheets for Hazardous Chemicals

» Preventing Falls in Housing Construction

» Safe Design of Structures

» Spray Painting and Powder Coating

» Welding Processes

» Work Health and Safety Consultation Cooperation and Coordination

GUIDANCE MATERIAL

Safe Work Australia publishes a range of guidance material to provide information on the model work health and safety laws and to assist compliance. Safe Work Australia has developed the following guides.

» Controlling Risks Associated with Electroplating guide

» Guidance of the Classification of Hazardous Chemicals under the WHS Regulations

» Guidance on the Interpretation of Workplace Exposure Standards for Airborne Contaminants

» Guide for Handling and Transporting Cash

» Guide for Managing Risks Involving Heritage Plant

» Guide for Preventing and Responding to Cyanide Poisoning in the Workplace

» Guide on Exposure to Solar Ultraviolet Radiation

» Guide to Managing Risks Associated with Foundry Work

» Guide to the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act

» Guide to the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations

» Hazardous Chemicals Requiring Health Monitoring

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» Health Monitoring for Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals - Guide for persons conducting a business or undertaking

» Health Monitoring for Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals - Guide for workers

» Health Monitoring for Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals - Guide for medical practitioners

» How to Determine what is Reasonably Practicable to meet a Health and Safety Duty

» Major Hazards Facilities guides

» Safe Handling and Use of Carbon Nanotubes

» Traffic Management guides

» Worker Representation and Participation guide

FACT SHEETS

Safe Work Australia has developed a series of work health and safety fact sheets to provide guidance for persons conducting a business or undertaking.

» Codes of Practice and Guidance Material fact sheet

» Electrical risks at the workplace - fact sheet

» Emergency plans - fact sheet

» Falling objects - fact sheet

» First Aiders – fact sheet

» How volunteer organisations can comply with the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act fact sheet

» Incident notification - fact sheet

» Labour hire, duties of a person conducting a business or undertaking – fact sheet

» Managing risks to health and safety at the workplace – fact sheet

» Minor contamination’ of asbestos-containing dust or debris fact sheet

» Volunteers ‘officers’ and their duties under the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act fact sheet

» Volunteers and the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act fact sheet

» Volunteers organisations and the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act fact sheet

» Volunteers resource kit

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Appendix 3: Ecologically sustainable development and environmental performance

Section 516A of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 requires that government organisations report annually on their environmental performance and contribute to ecologically sustainable development (ESD).

Safe Work Australia’s operations reflect ESD principles by:

» operating a paper, plastic, glass and cardboard recycling program

» the effective use of electricity by using efficient office machinery

» paper and toner cartridge recycling

» the use of energy efficient computer monitors

» low wattage lights used throughout the Safe Work Australia office

» operating lighting via motion sensors on the lights to reduce energy consumption, and

» reduction in paper usage by centralising printers and setting them to double-sided printing as a default.

Safe Work Australia implemented print on demand for all non-SES employees during 2012–13 and significantly reduced the number of individual printers being used. The print on demand facility has reduced the use of paper across the agency and cut down on toner and power costs.

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PART 7 REFERENCES AND INDEXES


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Acronyms and abbreviations

Acronym/Abbreviation Meaning

ACC Accident Compensation Corporation (New Zealand)

ACCI Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

ACTU Australian Council of Trade Unions

AFER Australian Forum of Explosives Regulators

AMR Australian Mesothelioma Register

ANAO Australian National Audit Office

APSC Australian Public Service Commission

ARC Australian Research Council

ASCC Australian Safety and Compensation Council

AWB Australian Workplace Barometer

CDP Capability Development Program

COAG Council of Australian Governments

CPD Crush Protection Device

CPSU Community and Public Sector Union

DEEWR Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations

FMA Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997

FOI Freedom of Information Act 1982

HRW High Risk Work

HSR Health and Safety Representative

HWCA Heads of Worker’s Compensation Authorities

HWSA Heads of Workplace Safety Authorities

IGA Intergovernmental Agreement for Regulatory and Operational Reform in Occupational Health and Safety

IPF Integrated Planning Framework

IPS Information Publication Scheme

KPI Key Performance Indicator

MOU Memorandum of Understanding

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Acronym/Abbreviation Meaning

NAI National Assessment Instruments

NIIS National Injury Insurance Scheme

NMSF National Mine Safety Framework

NOHSC National Occupational Health and Safety Commission

OBPR Office of Best Practice Regulation

PBS Portfolio Budget Statements

PDA Performance Development Agreement

RIS Regulation Impact Statement

SIG-Explosives Strategic Issues Group on Explosives

SIG-WHS Strategic Issues Group on Work Health and Safety

SIG-Workers’ Compensation

Strategic Issues Group on Workers’ Compensation

SRCC Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission

TAG Temporary Advisory Group

UoC Units of Competency

WCF Workplace Consultative Forum

WHO World Health Organisation

WHS Work Health and Safety

WHSC Work Health and Safety Committee

WSH Work Safety and Health (in relation to Singapore)

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Glossary of terms

Term Description

Australian Strategy The Australian Strategy sets out the long term vision of Safe Work Australia – healthy, safe and productive working lives. The strategy includes a number of outcomes, targets and priorities to assist Safe Work Australia achieve this vision.

Codes of Practice A Code of Practice is a practical guide to achieve the standards of health and safety required under the model WHS Act and model WHS Regulations. Codes of Practice provide duty holders with guidance on effective ways to control workplace hazards and manage work health and safety risks.

Ministerial Council Refers to the Select Council on Workplace Relations and comprises Commonwealth, state and territory Ministers with responsibility for workplace relations and work health and safety.

Model WHS Act The model WHS Act has been developed under the Inter-Governmental Agreement for Regulatory and Operational Reform in Occupational Health and Safety as part of the new harmonised work health and safety framework in Australia. The model WHS Act was endorsed by the Workplace Relations Ministers’ Council on 11 December 2012.

Model WHS Regulations The model WHS Regulations support the model WHS Act and cover a wide range of matters relating to work health and safety.

Portfolio Budget Statement (PBS)

The PBS informs Senators and Members of Parliament of the proposed allocation of resources to government outcomes by agencies within the portfolio. The PBS also provides information enabling Parliament to understand the purpose of each outcome.

Regulation Impact Statement (RIS)

A RIS examines the likely impacts of a proposed regulation and a range of alternative options which could meet the governments’ policy objectives.

Safe Work Australia Operational Plan 2012–13

The Operational Plan supports the Strategic Plan. It outlines the activities to be undertaken to meet each strategic outcome.

Safe Work Australia Strategic Plan 2012–15

The Strategic Plan outlines strategic outcomes Safe Work Australia aims to achieve by 2015 and the strategies in place to achieve these outcomes.

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List of Requirements 2013

Description Location (page)Letter of transmittal 3

Table of contents 5–6

Index 129

Glossary 122–4

Contact officer(s) 2

Internet home page address and Internet address for report

2

Review by Chief Executive Officer

Review by CEO 9–11

Summary of significant issues and developments 9–11

Overview of department’s performance and financial results

9–11, 72–4

Outlook for following year 24, 29, 35, 38, 40, 43

Significant issues and developments – portfolio Not applicable

Agency Overview

Role and functions 8

Organisational structure 60

Outcome and program structure 14–15

Where outcome and program structures differ from PB Statements/PAES or other portfolio statements accompanying any other additional appropriation bills (other portfolio statements), details of variation and reasons for change

Not applicable

Portfolio structure Not applicable

Report on Performance

Review of performance during the year in relation to programs and contribution to outcomes

14–43

Actual performance in relation to deliverables and KPIs set out in PB Statements/PAES or other portfolio statements

15

Where performance targets differ from the PBS/ PAES, details of both former and new targets, and reasons for the change

Not applicable

Narrative discussion and analysis of performance 14–43

Trend information 15

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Description Location (page)Significant changes in nature of principal functions/ services

Not applicable

Performance of purchaser/provider arrangements 73

Factors, events or trends influencing departmental performance

9–11

Contribution of risk management in achieving objectives

56

Social inclusion outcomes Not applicable

Performance against service charter customer service standards, complaints data, and the department’s response to complaints

Not applicable

Discussion and analysis of the department’s financial performance

72–3

Discussion of any significant changes from the prior year, from budget or anticipated to have a significant impact on future operations.

Not applicable

Agency resource statement and summary resource tables by outcomes

74

Management and Accountability

Corporate Governance

Agency heads are required to certify that their agency comply with the Commonwealth Fraud Control Guidelines.

57

Statement of the main corporate governance practices in place

56–7

Names of the senior executive and their responsibilities 61–2

Senior management committees and their roles 55, 58

Corporate and operational planning and associated performance reporting and review

8, 16, 56, 58

Approach adopted to identifying areas of significant financial or operational risk

56

Policy and practices on the establishment and maintenance of appropriate ethical standards

56

How nature and amount of remuneration for SES officers is determined

64

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Description Location (page)External Scrutiny

Significant developments in external scrutiny 57

Judicial decisions and decisions of administrative tribunals

57

Reports by the Auditor-General, a Parliamentary Committee or the Commonwealth Ombudsman

57

Management of Human Resources

Assessment of effectiveness in managing and developing human resources to achieve departmental objectives

63–8

Workforce planning, staff turnover and retention 63

Impact and features of enterprise or collective agreements, individual flexibility arrangements (IFAs), determinations, common law contracts and AWAs

64

Training and development undertaken and its impact 65

Work health and safety performance 66–8

Productivity gains 64, 66

Statistics on staffing 63

Enterprise or collective agreements, IFAs, determinations, common law contracts and AWAs

64

Performance pay 64

Assets management

Assessment of effectiveness of assets management 72

Purchasing Assessment of purchasing against core policies and principles

72

Consultants The annual report must include a summary statement detailing the number of new consultancy services contracts let during the year; the total actual expenditure on all new consultancy contracts let during the year (inclusive of GST); the number of ongoing consultancy contracts that were active in the reporting year; and the total actual expenditure in the reporting year on the ongoing consultancy contracts (inclusive of GST). The annual report must include a statement noting that information on contracts and consultancies is available through the AusTender website.

73

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Description Location (page)Australian National Audit Office Access Clauses

Absence of provisions in contracts allowing access by the Auditor-General

72

Exempt contracts Contracts exempt from the AusTender 72

Financial Statements

Financial Statements 75–112

Other Mandatory Information

Work health and safety (Schedule 2, Part 4 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011)

66–68

Advertising and Market Research (Section 311A of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918) and statement on advertising campaigns

72

Ecologically sustainable development and environmental performance (Section 516A of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999)

119

Compliance with the agency’s obligations under the Carer Recognition Act 2010

Not applicable

Grant programs 73

Disability reporting – explicit and transparent reference to agency level information available through other reporting mechanisms

67

Information Publication Scheme statement 57

Spatial reporting – expenditure by program between regional and non regional Australia

Not applicable

Correction of material errors in previous annual report Not applicable

Agency Resource Statements and Resources for Outcomes

74

List of Requirements 125

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Alphabetical index

Aaccountability, 57–8 see also corporate

governance

administrative tribunal decisions, 57

advertising and market research, 72

advisory groups, 55

Agency Multicultural Plan, 66

agriculture industries, 19–21, 24

airborne contaminants in the workplace, 26

annual reports, work health and safety reporting, 38

anthropometric data, 17

asbestos exposure, 35

assets management, 72

asthma, 22, 35

Audit Committee, 56, 58

Auditor-General, 57 see also Australian National Audit Office

audits

evaluation and review, 58

financial, 57, 58

independent auditor’s report, 75–6

AusTender, 72, 73

Australia Day Medallions, 68

Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 18

Australian Council of Trade Unions, 18

Australian Forum of Explosives Regulators, 11, 29

Australian Industry Group, 18

Australian Mesothelioma Registry, 22, 35

Australian National Audit Office, 57, 58, 72

Australian National University, 30, 32

PATH Through Life Project, 28, 32

Australian Public Service Commission, 73

Australian Research Council linkage grant, 30

Australian Safety and Compensation Council, 17

Australian Strategy see Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2012–2022

Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2012–2022, 8, 17–22, 124

action areas, 17, 19–21, 24

implementation, 19

launch, 9, 10, 17, 18

outcomes and targets, 19

priority disorders, 21–2

priority industries, 20–1

Australian Workplace Barometer (AWB) report, 32, 33

awards (recognition)

Safe Work Australia Awards, 10, 37, 38

staff, 68–9

Bbeyondblue, 32

body sizing, 17

boilers, 26

bullying, 10, 27–8, 33

business continuity arrangements, 58

business plans see plans and planning

Ccancer, 22, 35

Cancer Council Australia, 35

Cancer Council Western Australia, 35

Cancer Institute NSW, 35

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Capability Development Program, 65

case studies (proposed) on exemplary injury management, 43

Chair, 46, 47, 64

chemicals, worker exposure to, 19–20, 22, 31

Chief Executive Instructions, 58

Chief Executive Officer, 50, 61

remuneration, 64

role, 8, 46, 55

China, delegations from, 40

Codes of Practice, 25, 117, 124

Comcare, 35

claims, 68

MoU with, 73

psychosocial health research, 32

specification for crush protection devices for quad bikes, 21, 23

Comcover Risk Management Benchmarking Survey, 56

Commonwealth Fraud Control Guidelines, 56, 57

Commonwealth Government National Enabling Technologies Strategy, 39

Commonwealth Ombudsman, 57

communication with staff, 65–6

Communications Advisory Group, 55

Communications Reference Group, 55

communications strategy, 38

Comparison of Workers’ Compensation Arrangements in Australia and New Zealand, 42

competency units, 26

concrete placing booms, 26

conferences, 24, 39

construction industries, 19–20

consultants, 73

consultative arrangements

public consultation, 26, 27, 29

with staff, 65–6

contact dermatitis, 22

contact officer, 2

contracting, 72–3

corporate governance, 56–7

corporate plans see plans and planning

corporate services, 73

costs of work-related injury and illness, 33, 41

Council of Australian Governments, 8

court decisions, 57

DData and Analysis Section, Policy and Services

Branch, 68, 69

data collection and reporting, 8, 34–5

Data Reference Group, 55

definitions of terms, 124

delegations visiting Safe Work Australia, 40

Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, 27, 67, 73

depression, cost to employers, 33

dermatitis, 22

determinations, 64

Disability Employment Committee, 67

Disability Employment Plan, 67

disorders prioritised, 21–2

due diligence, 17

dust diseases, 35, 42

Eecologically sustainable development, 119

economic costs of work-related injury and illness, 33, 41

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emerging work health and safety issues, 17

employees of Safe Work Australia see staff

employers, multi-state, 42

enabling legislation, 8

enabling services, 73

enterprise agreements, 64, 66

environmental performance, 119

ethical standards, 56

executive profiles, 61–2

exempt contracts, 72

explosives legislation, 11, 29, 54

exposure standards framework review, 26

external scrutiny, 57

Ffact sheets, 118

farm incidents, 10, 20–1, 23 see also agriculture industries; quad bike safety

Farmsafe Australia, 20–1

fatalities see work-related fatalities, injury and illness

Fiji, delegations from, 39

Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997, 8, 56, 72

financial performance, 72–3

financial statements, 77–112

fraud control, 56–7

freedom of information, 57

funding, 8

Gglossary, 124

governance, 56–7

Governmental Agreement for Regulatory and Operational Reform in Occupational Health and Safety, 124

grants, 73

guidance material, 25, 26, 27, 117–18

Hharassment, 10, 27–8, 33

harmonisation of laws see work health and safety laws

hazard surveillance research, 31–3

hazardous chemicals, 19–20, 22, 31

Heads of Workers’ Compensation Authorities, 55

Heads of Workplace Safety Authorities, 55

high risk work, 26

human resources management, 63–8

Iimpairment, permanent, 42

incidents (work health and safety), 68

industries prioritised, 20–1

Information Publication Scheme, 57

information technology, 73

injury reduction, 9, 16

Intergovernmental Agreement for Regulatory and Operational Reform in Occupational Health and Safety, 8

internal audit arrangements, 58

international activities, 11, 39–40

International Advisory Panel for Work Safety and Health, Singapore, 11

International Labour Organization, 39

International Organization for Standardization Nanotechnology Technical Committee, 39

Internet address, 2

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JJapan, delegations from, 40

judicial decisions, 57

Kkey performance indicators, 14, 15

Knowledge Network in Hazardous Sectors, 39

Knowledge Network in Occupational Health in Mining, 39

Lleadership and due diligence, 17

learning and development, 65, 73

legal services, 73

legislation

establishing Safe Work Australia, 8

legislative framework, 56

see also explosives legislation; work health and safety laws

letter of transmittal, 3

library services, 73

licensing of high risk work, 26

MMacaulay, Jacinta, 10, 18, 36

management and accountability, 46–58

market research, 72

Master of Business Administration (MBA) course content, 20

Members, 8, 46, 47–50

Chair, 46, 47, 64

satisfaction with agency’s performance, 15

memorandum of understanding, 67, 73

mental disorders, 21

mental stress arising from workplace bullying, 27–8, 33

Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance, 21

mesothelioma registry, 22, 35

mining, 10–11, 29

Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, 18, 23, 36, 42, 46

Minister responsible, 46

Ministerial Council, 11, 29, 124

model Codes of Practice, 25, 27, 117

model Work Health and Safety laws, 20, 124

development, 8, 9

implementation, 9, 25, 29

in NZ, 11, 40

research project, 31

model Work Health and Safety Regulations, 10–11, 25, 26, 29, 124

Monash Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, 35

Motivations, Attitudes, Perceptions and Skills project, 30

multicultural plan, 66

multi-state employer issues, 42

musculoskeletal disorders, 19–20, 21, 31

Nnanotechnology, 39, 40

national assessment instruments, 26

National Enabling Technologies Strategy, 39

National Guide to the Assessment of Permanent Impairment, 42

National Health and Medical Research Council, 35

National Injury Insurance Scheme, 42, 43

National Mental Health Commission, 21

National Mine Safety Framework, 10

National Mine Safety Framework Steering Group, 29

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National Occupational Health and Safety Commission Safe Design documents, 19

National Occupational Health and Safety Strategy 2002–2012, review of, 9, 16–17

National Research Centre for OHS Regulation, 31

National Safe Work Australia Week, 17, 36

national strategy see Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2012–2022

National Transport Commission, 21

National Workers’ Compensation Action Plan 2010–13, 42

Network for Collaborating Centres in Occupational Health (WHO), 39

New South Wales WorkCover, 32

New Zealand, 11, 40, 42

notifiable incidents at Safe Work Australia, 68

OOakton Services Pty Ltd, 58

occupational disease research, 31–3

Office of Best Practice Regulation, 25

older workers, 42

Ombudsman, 57

operational plan, 8, 16, 124

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Working Party for Manufactured Nanomaterials, 39

organisation chart, 60

organisational culture, 17, 30

outcomes and program, 14–15

outcome statement, 14, 15

performance review see performance

resource statement, 74

strategies, 14, 16

outlook, 24, 29, 38, 43

overview, 8–11

Pparliamentary committees, 57

Parliamentary Inquiry into Workplace Bullying, 10, 27, 32

People at Work ARC linkage project, 28, 32

performance

financial, 72–3

progress against KPIs, 15

reported against:

Strategy 1, 34, 36, 38

Strategy 2, 30, 39

Strategy 3, 25, 31

Strategy 4, 17, 34, 35

Strategy 5, 42

performance management (people), 64

performance pay, 64

permanent impairment, 42

personal security policies and procedures, 58

Personality and Total Health Through Life project, 28, 32

plans and planning

audits of, 58

business continuity arrangements, 58

Disability Employment Plan, 67

Integrated Planning Framework, 56, 58

multicultural plan, 66

risk management framework, 56

strategic and operational plans, 8, 16, 124

plant (scheduled registrable plant), 26

policies, guidelines and templates, 58, 66

policy development, 8, 31, 42, 52

Portfolio Budget Statements, 14, 15, 124

portfolio membership, 46

priority disorders, 21–2

134

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program structure see outcomes and program

psychosocial health and safety, 27–8, 31–3, 35

public consultation, 26, 27, 29

Public Service Act 1999, 56

publications, 11, 28, 34, 39, 114–18

purchasing, 72

Qquad bike safety, 10, 20, 21, 23

QuadWatch initiative, 10, 23

Rreach stackers, 26

records management, 58, 73

reference groups, 55

registrable plant review, 26

Regulation Impact Statements, 10–11, 25–6, 29, 124

remuneration, 63, 64

reporting on work health and safety, 8, 34–5, 38

research, 8, 27–8, 30–3, 35, 42–3

Research, Evaluation and Data Advisory Group, 55

Research, Evaluation and Data Strategy 2013–2017, 30

Research and Evaluation Reference Group, 55

residual chemicals in shipping containers, 31

resource statement, 74

return to work surveys, 42, 43

Reward and Recognition Program, 68

risk management

national surveillance program, 31

in Safe Work Australia, 56

road-freight transport industries, 19–20, 21, 24

role and functions

CEO, 8, 46, 55

Safe Work Australia, 8, 83

Ron Finemore Transport, 10, 18, 36

Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, 21

Ssafe design, 19, 24

Safe Work Australia

achievements, 15

Chair, 46, 47, 64

establishment, 83

meetings, 46, 51

Members, 8, 46, 47–50

outlook, 24, 29, 38, 43

overview, 8–11

performance review see performance

planning see plans and planning

reference groups, 55

role and functions, 8, 83

Safe Work Australia Act 2008, 8, 83

Safe Work Australia Awards, 10, 37, 38

Safe Work Australia Month, 20, 38

Safe Work Australia Week, 17, 36

Safety Ambassadors program, 10, 18, 36

Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission, 55

salaries, 63, 64

satisfaction rating from Members, 15

security, 58

Select Council on Workplace Relations, 11, 18, 124

Senior Executive Service remuneration, 64

Safe

Wor

k A

ustr

alia

Ann

ual R

epor

t

135

senior executives, 61–2

shipping containers, residual chemicals in, 31

Singapore, visits and delegations, 11, 40, 41

South Korea, delegations from, 40

sponsorships, 73

staff

employment arrangements, 64

ethical standards, 56

health and wellbeing, 68

performance management, 64

recognition and awards, 68–9

remuneration, 63, 64

senior executives, 61–2 see also Chief Executive Officer

statistics, 63

surveys, 66

training, 57, 65

stakeholder engagement, 38, 56

statistical enquiry service, 34

stevedoring, 25–6

Strategic Issues Groups, 52–4

SIG-Explosives, 54

SIG-WHS, 52

SIG-Workers’ Compensation, 53

strategic outcomes see performance

strategic plan (national) see Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2012–2022

strategic plan (Safe Work Australia), 8, 16, 124

submissions made, 27

supply chain networks, 19–20

surveys

Comcover, 56

research, 30–1, 35, 42, 43

staff, 66

Tterminology (definitions), 124

training (staff), 57, 65

tribunal decisions, 57

Uuniform work health and safety laws see work

health and safety laws

United Nations Sub-Committee of Experts on the Globally Harmonised System, 39, 40

units of competency, 26

University of New South Wales research into quad bike stability, 23

University of Queensland, 28, 32

University of South Australia Centre for Applied Psychological Research, 33

University of Sydney Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety, 20

University of Western Australia, 35

Vvalues, 56

Vic WorkSafe, 32

visits to Safe Work Australia, 40

volunteers information package, 26

Wwaterfront safety, 25–6

work health and safety

data collection and reporting, 8, 34–5

emerging issues, 17

fatalities see work-related fatalities, injury and illness

guidance material, 25, 26, 27, 117–18

harmonised laws see work health and safety laws

Heads of Workplace Safety Authorities, 55

learning and skills translation, 30, 35

136

Safe

Wor

k A

ustr

alia

Ann

ual R

epor

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work health and safety (cont.)

national strategy see Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2012–2022

organisational culture, 17, 30

perceptions (survey), 30, 35

policy development, 31

publications, 11, 28, 34, 39, 114–18

raising awareness, 9–10

reporting in annual reports, 38

research, 8, 27–8, 30–3, 35

in Safe Work Australia workplace, 66–8

Strategic Issues Group, 52

Work Health and Safety Act 2011, 66, 67, 68

Work Health and Safety Committee, 67

work health and safety content of MBA courses, 20

work health and safety laws

development of, 8, 9

harmonisation evaluation, 30–1

implementation of, 9, 25, 29

regulatory burden for employers (survey), 30–1, 35

Work Health and Safety Queensland, 32

Work Wellbeing Project, 32

workers’ compensation

Action Plan, 42

comparison of arrangements, 42

Heads of Workers’ Compensation Authorities, 55

lifetime care of catastrophically injured (benchmarks), 42, 43

mental stress claims arising from workplace bullying, 27–8

policy development, 8, 42, 52

research, 28, 42–3

Safe Work Australia claims, 68

Strategic Issues Group, 53

working hours, 33

Working Party for Manufactured Nanomaterials (OECD), 39

workplace bullying, 10, 27–8, 33

Workplace Consultative Forum, 65–6

workplace culture, 17, 30

work-related fatalities, injury and illness

cost of, 33, 41

fatality reporting, 34

reduction in, 9, 16

World Health Organization, 39

annual report 2012-13 - safe work australia · of safe work australia for the 2012–13 financial...

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