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© Commonwealth of Australia 1999

ISSN 0818-3627

This work is copyright. Apart from any use aspermitted under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cwlth),no part may be reproduced by any processwithout prior written permission from theCommonwealth available from AusInfo. Requests and inquiries concerning reproductionand rights should be addressed to the Manager,Legislative Services, AusInfo, GPO Box 1920,Canberra ACT 2601.

Mailing address

GPO BOX 58SYDNEY NSW 2001AUSTRALIA

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92 Parramatta RoadCAMPERDOWN NSW 2050AUSTRALIA

Telecommunications

Telephone: (02) 9577 9555Facsimile: (02) 9577 9202http://www.worksafe.gov.au

The Honourable Peter Reith, MPMinister for Employment, Workplace Relations and Small BusinessParliament HouseCANBERRA ACT 2600

Dear Minister

I have pleasure in submitting to you, for presentation to the Parliament, theannual report of the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission forthe year ending 30 June 1999.

The annual report has been prepared in accordance with subsections 25(6) and25(7) of the Public Service Act 1922 and subsection 9(1) of the CommonwealthAuthorities and Companies Act 1997.

The financial statements contained in this annual report have been preparedin the form approved by the Minister for Finance and Administration pursuantto subsection 9(1) of the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997.

This annual report has been prepared in accordance with the specifications ofthe Minister for Finance and Administration pursuant to subsection 9(1) of theCommonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 for the report ofoperations. National Occupational Health and Safety Commission members, as directors under the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997, are responsible for the preparation and content of the report of operations inaccordance with the Finance Minister’s Orders.

Yours sincerely

PROFESSOR DENNIS ELSECHAIRMAN22 September 1999

annual report 1998–99 i i i

v

Contents

Chairman’s Message .................................................................................................. vii

Chief Executive Officer’s Overview ................................................................................ ix

The Minister and the National Commission .................................................................... xi

The National Commission and its Committees ................................................................. xii

Corporate Overview ................................................................................................... xx

Outcomes and Outputs ............................................................................................... xxv

Organisation Structure at 30 June 1999 ........................................................................ xxx

Abbreviations .......................................................................................................... xxxi

Glossary of Terms ..................................................................................................... xxxii

Program Area 1—Identifying Nationally Significant Developing andEmerging OHS Problems ...................................................................... 3

Program Area 2—Finding Practical Solutions ................................................................. 9

Program Area 3—Facilitating Improved Prevention Performance ........................................ 15

Program Area 4—Measuring Performance ...................................................................... 27

Program Area 5—Providing an Effective National Forum .................................................. 33

Program Area 6—Improving Organisational Infrastructure and Measuring Corporate Performance ......................................................... 39

Program Area 7—Chemical Assessment ......................................................................... 47

Program Area 8—Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals ................................................... 51

Appendix 1— Financial Statements for 1998–99 ............................................................. 57

Appendix 2— Staffing at 30 June 1999 ......................................................................... 80

Appendix 3— Organisations used for Advertising, Market Research and Media Placement ....................................................... 82

Appendix 4— New Consultancies ................................................................................. 84

Appendix 5— Discretionary Grants ............................................................................... 88

Appendix 6— Legislation/Regulations .......................................................................... 89

Appendix 7— Statement under Section 8 of the Freedom of Information Act ........................ 90

Appendix 8— Contact Officer ...................................................................................... 95

Compliance with Annual Report Requirements and Guidelines ........................................... 97

Subject Index .......................................................................................................... 98

Priorities, set by the National OccupationalHealth and Safety Commission (NationalCommission), were endorsed by the LabourMinisters’ Council (LMC—now WRMC, theWorkplace Relations Ministers’ Council) inNovember 1998. The priorities address Australia’soccupational health and safety (OHS)infrastructure that can most usefully beprogressed at the national level. They are:

• providing comprehensive and accurate nationalOHS data, particularly to support the WRMC’sComparative Performance Monitoring Project;

• facilitating and coordinating OHS researchefforts;

• developing and updating a nationallyconsistent OHS standards framework;

• coordinating and disseminating OHSinformation, including industry-specificpractical guidance material; and

• developing a National OHS ImprovementFramework.

The focus of the National Commission’s prioritiesis to underpin and add value to the effortsaround Australia to improve OHS performance,and position Australia as a world leader in OHS.

We want Australia to have a robust system foroccupational injury and disease surveillance,enabling performance to be measured atenterprise, industry and jurisdictional levels, and areas for improvement to be highlighted.

annual report 1998–99 vi i

Already, comparative performance monitoring,undertaken through the Departments of LabourStanding Committee (now the Departments ofWorkplace Relations Advisory Committee) withthe involvement of the Commonwealth, State andTerritory OHS authorities and assistance from theNational Commission, has resulted in significantimprovements in the quality of the National DataSet for Compensation-based Statistics (NDS)which is administered by the NationalCommission. Workplace risk factors, and localdifferences in the jurisdictions, can be morereadily identified and, thereby, preventiveactivities can be better targeted.

Compensation-based indicators are not, however,the full story, and the National Commission iswell placed to complement these with indicatorsdrawn from a range of other sources, through:

• surveying OHS awareness and activity levels;

• gathering fatalities data through the NationalCoronial Information System;

• reviewing health system data such as hospitalemergency department data; and

• cooperation with, and utilisation of surveysundertaken by, other organisations, forexample, the Australian Workplace andIndustrial Relations Survey.

Through seeking to narrow the gap betweenresearch and its application in the workplace, theNational Commission can help to gain anadvantage for Australia compared to the rest of theworld. By keeping up to date with national andinternational activities and applying an evidence-based approach, we can pinpoint researchdevelopments that can be applied in a practicalsense to OHS problems in Australian workplaces.At the same time, we can try to influence researchfunding within Australia so that a greaterproportion goes to OHS research, and recommendthe type of research that is most needed.

We can build on the gains made over the pastdecade in rationalising and streamlining thenational standards framework. New nationalstandards are developed only where the National

Chairman’s Message

chai rman’s message

Commission, and the WRMC, agree that they areneeded. Existing national standards are beingperiodically reviewed to ensure that they are stillrelevant and workable.

Our aim is to provide access to the best OHSinformation in the world, and the NationalCommission can take a leading role inestablishing logical frameworks for thedevelopment and delivery of that information.We can maximise our use of informationtechnology in ways that make the informationproducts of the jurisdictions accessible throughelectronic databases and inventories. WithinAustralia, we can ensure that the knowledgegained from our data collection and researchactivities is widely available to those who needit, and is presented in user-friendly ways.Industry-specific, workplace level informationproviding guidance on the identification andassessment of risk, and how to control risk, is particularly important.

The National OHS Improvement Framework will setstrategic directions for national and jurisdictionalplanning, and support jurisdictions in theircurrent activities. Objectives, priorities and rolesof the major OHS stakeholders will be defined. We need to work together to raise awareness andchange community expectations about OHS. Theframework will support our capacity to do this byfocusing on provision of better data andinformation, development of better OHS skills,and better OHS performance measurement.

The former Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ms Helen L’Orange, who completed her term inDecember 1999 and was also General Manager forthree years from 1992, played a decisive role inachieving the Labour Ministers’ endorsement ofthe National Commission’s directions andpriorities, and its current program structure. I would like to express my thanks to Helen, onbehalf of all National Commission members andstaff, for the high level of commitment, energyand thought that she put into her work.

PROFESSOR DENNIS ELSECHAIRMAN

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annual report 1998–99

Two major achievements were brought to fruitionduring the early part of 1998–99 under theprevious CEO, Ms Helen L’Orange, who completedher term on 3 December 1998. The first of thesewas agreement by the National Commission tonew strategic priorities and the subsequentendorsement of those priorities by the then LMC.This represented the culmination of the processof refocusing the National Commission’sactivities which had commenced in 1996. To complement this change in the NationalCommission’s external focus, a major landmark inthe process of internal change, to assist withdelivering the National Commission’s newpriorities, was achieved with the ratification of anew Certified Agreement on 13 October 1998.The Certified Agreement substantially simplifiedterms and conditions of employment andconsolidated these in one document, removedprevious restrictions to efficient internalmanagement and provided the basis for theintroduction of a performance managementsystem for staff of the National Commission.

Since my commencement as CEO on 17 December1998, a major effort has been directed into theimprovement of internal management processesto underpin the National Commission’s strategicplan and new priorities. A key task has been thedevelopment of an integrated business planningand performance reporting process, includingreview of the existing three-year strategic plan

and establishment of an annual business plan.The new plans will implement the government’saccrual-based outcomes and outputs framework.A key part of the process will be development ofwork unit operational plans and establishment ofdetailed performance measurement andreporting. A consultant was engaged towards theend of 1998-99 to develop the process, which isexpected to be in place by early October 1999.

As an interim measure, a new process for detailedquarterly reporting of progress on individual workprojects and activities was developed, andquarterly reports in the new format were providedfor consideration by the National Commission andits Executive Committee.

In addition, several other projects to improveinternal management, and ensure resources arefocused on delivery of our key priorities, werecommenced. These were:

• an information technology strategic plan;

• a review of all internal policies andprocedures, including identification ofchanges needed to ensure that the Office ofthe National Commission complies withmandatory and recommended governmentrequirements;

• a human resource development strategy;

• an accommodation strategy; and

• implementation of a pilot performancemanagement system.

These initiatives are discussed in more detail inthe Corporate Overview and in the Program Area5 and 6 reports.

The accommodation strategy will addressaccommodation options for the Office of theNational Commission after the lease of thecurrent premises expires in November 2000 andis expected to deliver major savings in annuallease costs. The strategy will also address costsassociated with any move to different premises,

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Chief Executive Officer’s Overview

chief execut ive off icer ’s overv iew

including fit-out and make good expenditures.As an interim measure, the National Commissionhas agreed to a medium term budget strategywhich spreads the estimated costs of a majorchange to accommodation arrangements,together with estimated lease savings fromNovember 2000, over a four year period. Thismedium term strategy, which will be reviewedwhen firmer cost estimates are available, isaimed at obviating the need for any suddenchanges to activity and staffing levels duringthis period in order to fund the arrangements.

In accordance with the government’s policies forimplementation of accrual budgeting, and inpreparation for the transitional accrual-basedbudget for 1999–2000, new outcomes, outputsand output-based performance indicators weredeveloped and integrated into the frameworkapproach adopted for the Employment, WorkplaceRelations and Small Business portfolio.

Good progress was made in achieving year 2000compliance, with 68 per cent of business-criticalsystems being compliant by the end of May1999, and a target date of August 1999 beingset for the remainder.

ALAN ROWECHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

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annual report 1998–99 xi

The MinisterUnder the Administrative Arrangements Order,the Minister for Employment, WorkplaceRelations and Small Business, the HonourablePeter Reith, MP, has ministerial responsibilityfor the National Commission.

The National CommissionThe National Commission leads and coordinatesnational efforts to prevent or reduce theincidence and severity of occupational injuryand disease by providing healthy and safeworking environments.

The National Commission’s objectives set out inthe National Occupational Health and Safety Act1985 (Cwlth) are:

• development of community awareness andfacilitation of public debate on OHS;

• provision of a national tripartite forum todevelop policies and strategies on OHS; and

• achievement of a national focus for OHSmatters.

The eighteen member National Commissioncomprises:

• the Chairman nominated by the Minister forEmployment, Workplace Relations and SmallBusiness;

• the Chief Executive Officer of the NationalCommission;

• three members nominated by the AustralianCouncil of Trade Unions (ACTU);

• three members nominated by the AustralianChamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI);

• one member nominated by the CommonwealthMinister for Employment, Workplace Relationsand Small Business;

• one member nominated by the CommonwealthMinister for Health and Aged Care; and

• eight members nominated by each of the StatePremiers and Territory Chief Ministers.

Each State and Territory has its own OHSlegislation. The State and Territory governmentsare responsible for inspection of workplaces,enforcement of health and safety legislation andworkers’ compensation in their respectivejurisdictions.

The Office of the National Commissionimplements the work programs agreed by theNational Commission. It is based in Sydney.

The Minister and the National Commission

the nat ional commiss ion and i ts committeesx i i

National Commission MembersTable 1 provides details of the current members of the National Commission.

Table 1—The names, qualifications, experience, special responsibilities and date of appointment of the members ofthe National Commission

The National Commission and its Committees

Name Qualifications Experience Special Date Responsibilities Appointed

Prof DennisElse

• Bachelor of Science(Applied Physics)

• Doctor of Philosophy

• Professor of Occupational Health andSafety, University of Ballarat (1996 topresent)

• Pro Vice-Chancellor, OrganisationDevelopment, University of Ballarat(1994 to 1996)

• Dean, Division of Engineering andScience, Ballarat University College(1991 to 1994)

• Director, Victorian Institute ofOccupational Safety and Health, BallaratUniversity College (1984 to 1991)

• Chair, National Commission• Chair, Executive• Chair, Audit and Evaluation

Committee• Member, PSFC• Member, PMAC• Member, SBSC

Re-appointed9 Dec 19981st appointed4 Dec 1996

Mr AlanRowe

• Bachelor of Arts • Employment Advocate (1997 to 1998)• Director, Victorian Casino and Gaming

Authority (1994 to 1996)• Deputy Director-General, NSW Dept of

Industrial Relations, Employment,Training and Further Education (1991 to1993). Executive Director, Policy (1989 to 1991)

• Principal Adviser to the BusinessCouncil of Australia’s IndustrialRelations Study Commission (1987 to 1989)

• Assistant Secretary, Prices and IncomesBranch, Commonwealth Treasury (1986 to 1987)

• CEO, National Commission• Member, Executive• Member, Audit and

Evaluation Committee• Member, PSFC• Member, PMAC• Member, SBSC

Appointed17 Dec 1998

Ms HelenL’Orange

• NSW TeachersCertificate

• UndertakingAustralian Instituteof Company Directorscourse

• 20 years experience in seniormanagement in NSW and Commonwealthpublic sectors including five years asGeneral Manager and CEO of theNational Commission

• Member, University of New EnglandCouncil

• CEO, National Commission• Member, Executive• Member, Audit and

Evaluation Committee• Member, PSFC• Member, PMAC• Member, SBSC

Term completed3 Dec 1998Re-appointed24 Oct 1998Appointed23 Oct 1996AppointedActing CEO9 Aug 1996

Mr AnthonyCooke

• Bachelor of AppliedScience (Social Work)

• Master of Business(Public Administration)

• Master of Arts (SocialPolicy)

• Member, WA Occupational Safety andHealth Commission (1993 to present)

• Member, Workers’ Compensation andRehabilitation Commission (1986 to1995), Deputy Member (1995 topresent)

• Member, Premium Rates Committee(1986 to present)

• Workers’ Compensation Advocate andClaims Manager (1980 to 1984)

• Nominated by the ACTU• Chair, PMAC

Re-appointed18 Feb 19981st appointed21 Feb 1995

annual report 1998–99 xi i i


Mr William(Bill)Mansfield

• Bachelor of Laws • Responsible for OHS matters at theACTU. Joined the ACTU in 1985following 23 years as an officer of theAustralian TelecommunicationsEmployees Association

• Has been a member of the ILOgoverning body since 1995

• Nominated by the ACTU• Member, Executive• Member, Audit and

Evaluation Committee

Appointed18 Feb 1998Resigned20 Mar 1991Re-appointed16 Feb 19891st appointed19 Dec 1985

Mr PeterTighe

• Electrical TradesCertificate

• Basic ElectronicsCertificate

• Over 25 years experience andinvolvement in matters pertaining toelectrical and general occupationalsafety

• Executive member of the ACTU• Holds a number of company

directorships in the electrical andelectronic occupational training areas

• Nominated by the ACTU• Member, SBSC• Alternate, Executive (1999)• Alternate, Audit and

Evaluation Committee(1999)

Appointed18 Feb 1998

Mr BryanNoakes

• Matriculation • 40 years experience in labour relations• 12 years as a member of the National

Labour Consultative Council• Extensive ILO experience including as a

member of the ILO governing bodyresponsible for all facets of ILOoperations including training foremployers’ and workers’ organisations

• Nominated by the ACCI• Member, Executive• Member, Audit and

Evaluation Committee• Chair, SBSC

Re-appointed18 Feb 1998Re-appointed30 Oct 19951st appointed19 Dec 1985

Dr SusanneTepe

• Bachelor of Science(Microbiology)

• Doctor of Philosophy(Toxicology)

• Master of BusinessAdministration

• Quality Auditor

• Provision of toxicology advice andMaterial Safety Data Sheet systems toOrica (formerly ICI) and external clients

• Safety, health, environmental andquality audits for Dulux and otherclients

• Delivering safety, health andenvironment performance improvement

• Policy and strategy development insafety, health and environment trainingcourses

• Application of TQM and qualityprinciples to the management of safety,health and the environment and viceversa

• Integration of safety, health andenvironment objectives into businessstrategy

• Safety, health and environmentimprovement plan development

• Legislation and regulation development

• Nominated by the ACCI• Chair, HSSC

Re-appointed18 Feb 1998Re-appointed21 Feb 19951st appointed13 Apr 1994

Mr DavidFrith

• Bachelor of Arts(Hons)

• Diploma of Education• Graduate Diploma of

InstructionalComputers

• Workplace TrainerCategory 2(Certificate IV)

• Several years with the SA EducationDept Occupational Health and SafetyUnit in a variety of roles, including thatof Occupational Health and SafetyCoordinator for the Education Dept

• Nominated by the ACCI• Alternate, Executive• Alternate, Audit and

Evaluation Committee• Member, PSFC• Alternate, PMAC• Alternate, SBSC

Appointed14 May 1998

the nat ional commiss ion and i ts committeesx iv


Mr JohnGrayson

• General Manager, WorkCover NSW (1997to present)

• Judicial Office, Compensation Court ofNSW (1988 to 1997)

• Previous to 1988 member of the StateCompensation Board of NSW

• Active practice in industrial relationsand workplace issues

• Nominated by the Premierof New South Wales

Appointed18 Feb 1998

Mr AndrewLindberg

• Bachelor of Science• Bachelor of Commerce

(Economics)• Master of Business

Administration• Stanford University

Senior ExecutiveProgram

• CEO, Victorian Workcover Authority• In 1994 was the first National Convenor

of the Heads of Workers’ CompensationAuthorities, the peak body in the fieldin Australia

• CEO, Victorian Accident CompensationCommission (1992)

• Has worked in a variety of industriesand in key positions involving policydevelopment and advice with suchbodies as the Australian ManufacturingCouncil and the Commonwealth Dept ofEmployment and Industrial Relations

• Nominated by the Premierof Victoria

• Member, Executive (1998)• Member, Audit and


Re-appointed18 Feb 19981st appointed4 Dec 1996

Mr ColinThatcher

• Bachelor ofEconomics

• CEO, Queensland Dept of Training andIndustrial Relations (1997 to 1998)

• CEO, WA Dept of Productivity and LabourRelations (1995 to 1996)

• Acting Group General Manger, NSW TAFE• Assistant Director-General, NSW Dept of

Industrial Relations, Training andFurther Education (1994 to 1995)

• Nominated by the Premierof Queensland

Resigned7 May 19991st appointed18 Feb 1998

Mr KeithBrown

• Bachelor of Science(Microbiology)

• Doctor of Philosophy(Toxicology)

• Master of BusinessAdministration

• Quality Auditor

• CEO, SA WorkCover Corporation (1997 topresent)

• Experience spans senior executive rolesin the public sector, oil and bankingindustries as well as small business andindustry organisations

• Nominated by the Premierof South Australia

• Member, PSFC• Alternate, Executive (1999)• Alternate, Audit and


Re-appointed18 Feb 19981st appointed25 Jun 1997

Mr BrianBradley

• Diploma ofAccounting

• Commissioner and CEO, WorkSafe WA(1998 to present)

• Director Policy and Information,WorkSafe WA (1988 to 1995)

• Executive Officer, DOHSWA (1985 to1988)

• Australian Government representative atthe International Labour Conference in1992 and 1993 for the Development ofan ILO Convention and Recommendationfor the Prevention of Major IndustrialAccidents

• Chairperson of Expert Working Group forNational Standard, Major HazardFacilities

• Chairperson of Expert Review Group forNational Code of Practice, Major HazardFacilities

• Nominated by the Premierof Western Australia

Appointed31 Mar 1999

annual report 1998–99 xv


Mr NeilBartholomaeus

• Bachelor of Science • Commissioner, WorkSafe WA (1987 to1998)

• CEO, WorkSafe WA (1987 to 1998)• Director-General, WA Ministry of Cabinet

and Public Sector Management (1989 to1990)

• Coordinator of Productivity Policy, WAMinistry of Cabinet and Public SectorManagement (1987 to 1990)

• Senior Scientific Officer in Charge, Deptof Medicine, University of WA (1975 to1987)

• Nominated by the Premierof Western Australia

Resigned20 Jan 1999Re-appointed18 Feb 1998Re-appointed21 Feb 1995Re-appointed12 Dec 1991Re-appointed16 Feb 19891st appointed30 June 1988

Mr GeorgeO’Farrell

• Bachelor of Arts • Deputy Secretary, Tasmanian Dept ofInfrastructure, Energy and Resources(1998 to present)

• CEO, Tasmanian Workplace StandardsAuthority (1996 to 1998)

• Nominated by the Premierof Tasmania

• Member, Executive (1999)• Member, Audit and

Evaluation Committee (1999)• Alternate, Executive (1998)• Alternate, Audit and

Evaluation Committee (1998)• Member, SBSC

Re-appointed18 Feb 19981st appointed7 Apr 1997

Mr Stanley(Bob)Cavanagh

• Leaving Certificate • Executive Director Business Practices,Dept of Industries and Business.Responsible for Work Health Authority,Consumer Affairs, Procurement Policy,Business Affairs (1998 to present)

• Assistant Secretary/ Senior AssistantSecretary, Dept of Industries andDevelopment. Responsible for BusinessServices, Investment Attraction,Procurement Policy (1989 to 1998)

• Administrator and then General Managerof the NT Agricultural Development andMarketing Authority (1981 to 1988)

• Budgets Manager, NT Treasury (1977 to 1980)• Various roles with the NT Administration

and Commonwealth Dept of the NT, inparticular, in finance, auditing andbudgeting and including recovery andrestoration activities following CycloneTracy (1970 to 1977)

• Nominated by the ChiefMinister of the NorthernTerritory

Appointed31 Mar 1999

Ms SharonMullholland

• Stanford UniversitySenior ExecutiveProgram

• CEO, NT Work Health Authority• CEO, NT Tourist Commission• Deputy Secretary, NT Dept of Community

Development

• Nominated by the ChiefMinister of the NorthernTerritory

Resigned30 Mar 1999Appointed18 Feb 1998

Ms JocelynPlovits

• Master of PublicAdministration

• Graduate Diploma ofEducation

• Bachelor of Arts(Hons)

• Chair of the Occupational Health andSafety Council of the ACT

• General Manager, ACT WorkCover—holding anumber of statutory roles for the regulationof OHS, workers’ compensation, themanagement of dangerous goods and labourregulation. This work has included majorreform of ACT WorkCover, a comprehensivelegislative review program and introductionof the prevention framework

• Member of the Product Safety AdvisoryCommittee on OHS and workers’compensation

• Nominated by the ChiefMinister of the AustralianCapital Territory

• Chair, PSFC• Member, SBSC

Reappointed18 Feb 19981st appointed29 Oct 1997

the nat ional commiss ion and i ts committeesxv i


Mr RobinStewart-Crompton

• Bachelor of Laws• Graduate Diploma of

International Law• Practitioner of the

Supreme Court ofSouth Australia

• Member, Safety, Rehabilitation andCompensation Commission (1995 topresent)

• Commonwealth public servant (1975 topresent (SES officer since 1982))

• Legal practitioner (1972 to 1975)

• Nominated by theCommonwealth Minister forEmployment, WorkplaceRelations and SmallBusiness

• Member, Executive• Member, Audit and


Reappointed18 Feb 19981st appointed28 March 1996

Ms LizFurler

• Bachelor of Arts(Social Work)

• Currently First Assistant Secretary,Health Services, Commonwealth Dept ofHealth and Aged Care

• Previously First Assistant Secretary,Population Health in CommonwealthDept of Health and Aged Care (prior tothis Assistant Secretary in Public Healthsince 1990)

• In 1980s worked for the SouthAustralian and Tasmanian Governments’Health Authorities in health servicesplanning

• In late 1970s was Director ofFoundation for Multi-disciplinaryEducation in Community Health in Deptof Community Medicine, University ofAdelaide

• Nominated by theCommonwealth Minister forHealth and Aged Care

• Alternate, Executive• Alternate, Audit and


Re-appointed18 Feb 19981st appointed29 Oct 1997

PSFC—Prevention Strategies and Facilitation Committee. PMAC—Performance Measurement Advisory Committee. SBSC—Small Business Subcommittee. HSSC—Hazardous Substances Subcommittee.

(Left to right) Front row: Ms Jocelyn Plovits (ACT), Ms Liz Furler (Department ofHealth and Aged Care), Ms Michele Patterson (NSWalternate), Ms Sheila Butler(Department of Employment,Workplace Relations and Small Business alternate),Mr David Frith (ACCI), Mr George O’Farrell (Tas), Mr Tony Cooke (ACTU)

Back row: Mr Robert Seljak(Qld nominee), Mr Keith Brown (SA), Mr Brian Bradley (WA), Mr Bob Cavanagh (NT), Mr Peter Tighe (ACTU), Prof Dennis Else (Chair), Mr Alan Rowe (CEO), Dr Susanne Tepe (ACCI), Mr Andrew Lindberg (Vic)Absent: Mr Bryan Noakes(ACCI), Mr Bill Mansfield(ACTU)

annual report 1998–99 xvi i

Committee Structure

National Commission

There were three meetings of the NationalCommission during 1998–99. These were held on15 July 1998 (Darwin), 7 October 1998 (Sydney)and 10 March 1999 (Hobart).

National Commission members in attendance at thethree meetings in 1998–99 were: Mr N Bartholomaeus (1), Mr B Bradley (1—asnominee), Mr K Brown (2), Mr S Cavanagh (1—asnominee), Mr T Cooke (2), Prof D Else—Chair (3),Mr D Frith (3), Ms L Furler (2), Mr J Grayson (3), Mr A Lindberg (3), Ms S Mullholland (1), Ms H L’Orange (2), Mr W Mansfield (2), Mr B Noakes (1), Ms J Plovits (2), Mr G O’Farrell(2), Mr A Rowe (1), Mr R Seljak (1—as nominee),Mr R Stewart-Crompton (2), Dr S Tepe (3), Mr C Thatcher (0) and Mr P Tighe (3).

Executive Committee

The role of the Executive Committee is to:

• oversee the management and operation of theOffice of the National Commission andregularly review financial expenditure andresource utilisation in relation to NationalCommission activities;

• develop broad planning parameters;

• monitor and review the performance of theNational Commission; and

• undertake other matters as delegated fromtime to time by the National Commission.

The Executive Committee met three times face-to-face and twice through teleconference in1998–99. Meetings of the Executive Committeewere held in Sydney on 1 September 1998, 16 February 1999 and 18 May 1999. Theteleconferences were held on 21 December 1998and 30 April 1999. All members of the ExecutiveCommittee are also members of the NationalCommission. In attendance at face-to-facemeetings in 1998–99 were: Prof D Else—Chair(3), Mr A Rowe (2), Ms H L’Orange (1), Mr W Mansfield (3), Mr B Noakes (2), Mr D Frith

(1—as alternate), Mr A Lindberg (1), Mr G O’Farrell (2) and Mr R Stewart-Crompton (2).

Audit and Evaluation Committee

The role of the Audit and Evaluation Committeeis to:

• oversee and apprise the quality of NationalCommission evaluations and the auditsconducted by the National Commission’sinternal auditors;

• appraise the external auditor’s report; and

• determine the adequacy of the NationalCommission’s administrative, operating andaccounting controls and recommendappropriate modifications.

The Audit and Evaluation Committee met threetimes in 1998–99. Meetings of the Audit andEvaluation Committee were held in Sydney on 1 September 1998, 16 February 1999 and 18 May1999. This committee has the same membershipas the National Commission’s ExecutiveCommittee, with all members being NationalCommission members. In attendance atmeetings in 1998–99 were: Prof D Else—Chair(3), Mr A Rowe (2), Ms H L’Orange (1), Mr W Mansfield (3), Mr B Noakes (2), Mr D Frith(1—as alternate), Mr A Lindberg (1), Mr G O’Farrell (2) and Mr R Stewart-Crompton (2).

Prevention Strategies and FacilitationCommittee

The role of the Prevention Strategies andFacilitation Committee is to:

• consider proposals and make recommendationsto the National Commission on issues andpriorities identified by the followingsubcommittees and working parties:- Small Business Subcommittee,- Hazardous Substances Subcommittee,- Research Subcommittee, and- Information Coordinators Network;

• identify National Commission responsibilitiesin facilitating prevention improvement; and

the nat ional commiss ion and i ts committees

• identify jurisdictional roles and identifyresources needed for the implementation ofprevention strategies in relation to specificproposals.

The Prevention Strategies and FacilitationCommittee met three times face-to-face andonce through teleconference in 1998–99.Meetings of the Prevention Strategies andFacilitation Committee were held in Sydney on27 August 1998, 26 November 1998 and 26 April1999. The teleconference was held on 21 January 1999. National Commission membersin attendance at face-to-face meetings in1998–99 were: Prof D Else (3), Mr A Rowe (1), Ms H L’Orange (1), Mr D Frith (3), Mr K Brown(1) and Ms J Plovits—Chair (3).

Performance Measurement AdvisoryCommittee

The role of the Performance MeasurementAdvisory Committee is to:

• advise the National Commission on policies,programs and priorities for measuringeffectively the prevention performance ofjurisdictions and the nation as a whole. In doing so, the committee puts emphasis onensuring that this component underpins thesuccess of the other components of theNational Commission agenda, that is:- identifying developing and emerging

problems,- identifying practical solutions, and- facilitating prevention improvement; and

• provide tripartite advice and input on theprevention aspects of the WRMC’s ComparativePerformance Monitoring Project. This coversboth development and implementation phases.

The Performance Measurement AdvisoryCommittee met three times face-to-face andonce through teleconference in 1998–99.Meetings of the Performance MeasurementAdvisory Committee were held in Sydney on 21 August 1998, 4 December 1998 and 27 April1999. The teleconference was held on 15 January 1999. National Commission members

xvi i i

in attendance at face-to-face meetings in1998–99 were: Prof D Else (3), Mr A Rowe (1), Ms H L’Orange (1), Mr A Cooke—Chair (3).

Hazardous Substances Subcommittee

The Hazardous Substances Subcommittee isresponsible for the review and updating of thenational hazardous substances regulatoryframework. This involves the maintenance of thescientific integrity of the elements of theframework, and monitoring the implementationof the framework to identify issues andovercome impediments and inconsistencies.

The Hazardous Substances Subcommittee metthree times in 1998–99 to continue the ongoingreview and update of the national hazardoussubstances regulatory framework. Meetings ofthe Hazardous Substances Subcommittee wereheld in Sydney on 17–18 September 1998, 11 January 1999 and 15 April 1999. NationalCommission members in attendance in 1998–99were: Dr S Tepe—Chair (3).

Small Business Subcommittee

The Small Business Subcommittee establishesdirections and advice for the Small BusinessSubprogram. The function of the Small BusinessSubcommittee is to oversee the integration ofthe OHS needs of small business into NationalCommission programs and to undertake specificsmall business projects. Its membership reflectsthe tripartite nature of the National Commissionand is supplemented by the inclusion of a smallbusiness operator.

The Small Business Subcommittee held threemeetings in 1998–99. Meetings of the SmallBusiness Subcommittee were held in Sydney on10 August 1998, 26 November 1998 and 21 April1999. National Commission members inattendance in 1998–99 were: Prof D Else (3), Mr A Rowe (1), Ms H L’Orange (1), Mr P Tighe (3),Mr B Noakes—Chair (2), Mr D Frith (1—asalternate), Mr G O’Farrell (2) and Ms J Plovits (1).

annual report 1998–99 xix

Research Strategy Subcommittee

The Research Strategy Subcommittee wasestablished on an interim basis in May 1999 tooversee the development of a strategy forprogressing the National Commission priority offacilitating and coordinating OHS researchconsistent with the overall priorities of theNational Commission.

In developing this strategy, the subcommitteewill ensure that it:

• identifies goals which would give strategicdirection to the facilitation and coordinationof OHS research;

• identifies the approaches that the NationalCommission should concentrate on tomaximise its achievement of these goals;

• recognises that the National Commission’s rolein relation to research funding is targeted atinfluencing priorities within existing fundingprograms, rather than in operating its ownprogram; and

• identifies the ongoing roles that thesubcommittee and the Office of the NationalCommission could undertake in line with theseapproaches.

The subcommittee is to finalise its work in orderto provide a recommended strategy to theOctober 1999 meeting of the NationalCommission.

The Research Strategy Subcommittee did notmeet during 1998–99.

Prevention Strategies andFacilitation Committee

Performance MeasurementAdvisory Committee Executive Committee

Hazardous SubstancesSubcommittee

Small BusinessSubcommittee

Research StrategySubcommittee

Information Coordinators’Network

Occupational Health andSafety Statistics Information

Exchange Group

Audit and EvaluationCommittee

National OccupationalHealth and Safety

Commission

Subcommittees

Associated Working Group Associated Working Group

Figure 1—The NationalCommission’s committeestructure

corporate overv iew

Program AreasNational Commission activities are structuredinto four major program areas and twosupporting program areas.

The four major program areas are interactive,with the results of the work of each areainforming work in the others.

The two supporting program areas—Providing anEffective National Forum (Program Area 5) andImproving Organisational Infrastructure andMeasuring Corporate Performance (Program Area6)—enable effective operation of the four majorprogram areas.

In addition, chemical assessments under theNational Industrial Chemicals Notification andAssessment Scheme (NICNAS) and for theNational Registration Authority for Agriculturaland Veterinary Chemicals (NRA) are carried outthrough Program Areas 7 and 8.

The Office of the National Commission has threebranches and one division. These are:

xx

Corporate Overview

Identifying nationally significant developing and

emerging OHS problems

Finding practical solutions

Measuring performance

Facilitating improved prevention performance

Figure 2—The interrelationship of the National Commission’s four major program areas

• the Prevention Strategies and FacilitationBranch (PSF);

• the National Forum and Information Branch(NFI);

• the Performance Measurement Branch (PM);and

• the Chemical Assessment Division (CAD).

Table 2 outlines how the work of the branchesand division are linked to one or more of theprogram areas, and which particular units of abranch contribute to each program area.

National Commission and NationalIndustrial Chemicals Notification andAssessment Scheme Relationship

NICNAS is a statutory scheme. The Director,Chemicals Notification and Assessment, is astatutory office holder and has specificfunctions and powers under the IndustrialChemicals (Notification and Assessment) Act1989 (Cwlth). In the exercise of these functions,the Director is responsible to the Minister for

annual report 1998–99 xxi

Program Area Branch/Division Unit

1 Identifying Nationally Significant Developing and PSF ResearchEmerging OHS Problems

2 Finding Practical Solutions PSF National Solutions

3 Facilitating Improved Prevention Performance—3.1 NFI Information Exchange

3 Facilitating Improved Prevention Performance—3.2 PSF Small Business

3 Facilitating Improved Prevention Performance—3.3 PSF & CAD Regulatory SolutionsHazardous SubstancesDangerous Goods

4 Measuring Performance PM EpidemiologyStatistics

5 Providing an Effective National Forum NFI National Forum

6 Improving Organisational Infrastructure and NFI Corporate SupportMeasuring Corporate Performance

7 Chemical Assessment CAD NICNAS

8 Chemical Assessment CAD Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals

Table 2—The relationship of the branches and division to program areas

Employment, Workplace Relations and SmallBusiness.

NICNAS contracts assessment work andcorporate services from other Commonwealthagencies. For new and existing chemicals, theEnvironment Protection Group of EnvironmentAustralia undertakes the environmental riskassessments and the Therapeutic GoodsAdministration of the Department of Health andAged Care undertakes the public health riskassessments. NICNAS contracts its corporateservices, such as human resources, finance andinformation technology services, from the Officeof the National Commission.

As employees of the National Commission,NICNAS staff also provide technical policyadvice on both national and internationalchemicals negotiation matters. While NICNASregulatory functions are cost recovered from thechemical industry, technical policy adviceactivities are funded separately by thegovernment and are not cost recovered fromindustry.

Corporate Performance

Management Systems

The need to improve a number of keymanagement systems was identified in 1998–99and work commenced on developing new, orupgrading existing, systems. These systems,when implemented, will assist the Office of theNational Commission in delivering the NationalCommission’s priorities. Central to these are thefollowing management systems initiatives:

• a business planning and performancereporting process (refer to the section below);

• a human resource development strategy (referto the section below);

• an information technology strategic plan—anessential tool for the National Commission’swork—which will enhance the performance ofthe information technology infrastructure andthe dissemination of information to bothstakeholders and within the Office of theNational Commission. Refer also to theProgram Area 6 report;

0

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■ National Commission 30 June 1999■ PSMPC year 2000 EEO goals

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Figure 3—Comparison of the NationalCommission’s workplace diversity results at 30June 1999 with the Public Service and MeritProtection Commission’s year 2000 EEO goals

corporate overv iew

• an accommodation strategy designed toaddress the Office of the NationalCommission’s accommodation options andpreferences cost effectively and with minimumdisruption to activity and staffing levels.Refer also to the Program Area 6 report; and

• a complete review of internal policies andprocedures, leading to the refinement ofexisting policies and procedures and thedevelopment of new ones. Refer also to theProgram Area 6 report.

Business Planning and Human ResourceDevelopment Strategy

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu were engaged toundertake the business planning project and thehuman resource development strategy. Thesetwo projects have obvious links and are beingrun in parallel. The business planning projectwill lead to the integration of planning,monitoring and reporting requirements andprocesses, and the human resource developmentstrategy will ensure that the NationalCommission’s staff have the necessary skills andabilities to deliver the outputs set by theNational Commission.

Internal Audit

A new internal auditor was appointed in1998–99 and began work on a new fraud controlplan and a three-year internal audit plan (seethe Program Area 6 report).

Certified Agreement and PerformanceManagement System

A Certified Agreement with staff was ratified on13 October 1998, to run for two years. (Moredetail about the agreement can be found in theProgram Area 6 report.) The Certified Agreementincluded provision for the development of aperformance management system. This systemwas developed with assistance from a consultantand input from staff, and a pilot began on 1 May 1999. The work done by the consultantand staff in defining branch and work unit ‘keyresult areas’ and associated individual strategiesand performance measures will informdevelopment of the new business plan.

xxi i

OHS Plan

Work was begun on a new OHS plan for theOffice of the National Commission (see theProgram Area 6 report).

EEO and Workplace Diversity

The Equal Employment OpportunitySubcommittee of the National ConsultativeCouncil met once during 1998–99 and wassubsequently incorporated into the newConsultative Committee followingcommencement of the Certified Agreement.

Issues considered during 1998–99 included:

• development of a workplace diversity program;and

• establishment of a working group to developthe workplace diversity operational plan for1999–2000.

As shown in Figure 3, at 30 June 1999 the Officeof the National Commission employed 2.2 percent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff,

annual report 1998–99 xxi i i

7.4 per cent of staff with disabilities, 26.5 percent of staff from a non-English speakingbackground, 50 per cent of women in its SeniorExecutive Service positions and 50 per cent ofwomen in positions of Executive Officer andequivalent classifications. The figures quoted arebased on the results of a staff survey in whichstaff were asked to volunteer this information.

ConsultanciesWithin the National Commission, consultancyservices are commissioned for the followingreasons:

• need for rapid access to the latest technologyand experience in its application;

• limitations on executive time;

• lack of in-house resources;

• need for independent study; and

• need for a change agent or facilitator.

The consultant selection process accords with theprinciples of fair competition, effective service,value for money and ability to withstand publicscrutiny. Project officers and/or steering groupsassess the merits of each proposal; fees, chargesand hidden costs such as travel; the relativecapabilities of consultants; and the understandingof the project demonstrated by the consultants’proposals. The delegate (the CEO or a branchdirector) must approve the proposal beforeengagement of a consultant may proceed. Theprimary methods of engaging consultants includeselect tender—direct approach to a range ofknown consultants—and advertised requests fortender. Where they exist, CommonwealthGovernment pre-qualification lists are used toidentify consultants for select tender purposes. In certain cases, only one consultant isapproached, for example, when the work builds onearlier work and continuity is important.

The National Commission had 59 consultants underengagement in 1998-99, with a total amount of$1,215,413 being paid for their services. Thirty-nine new consultancies were commissioned in1998-99, totalling $1,274,110 (see Appendix 4).

Social Justice and EquitySocial justice and equity issues are addressed in all ofthe National Commission’s work in the following ways:

• production of data providing disaggregations thatenable the differing experiences of particular clientgroups to be identified;

• consideration of the economic and socialcomposition of the workforce and, where relevant,the experience of specific industry groups in analysisof OHS issues and formulation of recommendationsfor action or development of products;

• maintenance of a national standards framework thataims to ensure that the health and safety of allemployees is protected and a level playing fieldexists for employers;

• small business projects that help to ensure thatemployers and employees in small businesses arenot disadvantaged by OHS requirements;

• facilitation of access to OHS data, information andresources for all interested governmentdepartments, employers, unions, workers andcommunity groups;

• assistance to governments, workers, employers,unions and the community in managing the use ofchemicals by making recommendations on theprevention of chemical induced disease and injuryto workers and the public, and the prevention ofenvironmental damage; and

• use of consultative processes to develop OHSstrategies and products.

Future DirectionsThe national infrastructure priorities, established bythe National Commission and subsequently endorsedby the then LMC in 1998–99, will determine thedirection of the National Commission’s activities for1999–2000. The National Commission has endorsed awork plan and budget for 1999–2000 that accordswith the priorities endorsed by the then LMC.

The outcome of the business planning processes, setin train during 1998–99, will see an alignment ofplanning and reporting processes for the NationalCommission, its various committees and the business

corporate overv iew

units of the Office of the National Commission in1999–2000. The implementation of the integratedbusiness planning and performance reportingprocess will also enable outcome and outputplanning and reporting to be fully implementedduring 1999–2000, in line with the government’saccrual-based outcomes and outputs framework.These processes will enable the NationalCommission to engage in more medium termplanning and direction setting and assist incrystalising medium and longer term activities ofthe National Commission.

During 1998–99 work began on the alignment ofthe organisation, through revised senior executiveresponsibilities and branch functions (see theProgram Area 6 report), with the priorities set bythe National Commission.

This will be completed during 1999–2000 to enablea clear matching of program, branch and outputactivities with priority activities set by theNational Commission.

These activities will be underpinned with theimplementation of the human resourcedevelopment strategy during 1999–2000.Implementation of the strategy will provide staff ofthe National Commission with the necessary skillsand abilities to deliver the activities and outputsdetermined by the priorities of the NationalCommission. Implementation of the informationtechnology strategic plan in 1999–2000 andbeyond will assist in the delivery of activities andoutputs in the longer term.

xxiv

annual report 1998–99 xxv

Outcomes and Outputs

IntroductionThe National Commission’s outcomes and outputsframework (see Figure 4), including performanceindicators, was finalised in May 1999 and willapply to 1999–2000. The framework has beenapplied for 1998–99 reporting against outputs.However, as the framework was not in place atthe beginning of the year, not all the activitiesundertaken by the National Commission have beencaptured in this reporting. Therefore, at thisstage, reporting against the output performance

Output Subclass Program Area

1.1.1 4

1.1.2 3.1 and 3.2

1.2.1 1 and 2

1.3.1 7 and 8

1.3.2 3.3

Table 3—How outputs relate to program areas

indicators is indicative rather thancomprehensive. Separate performanceinformation, covering all activities, can befound in the program area reports. Priceindicators are only reported against for outputsubclass 1.3.1 (b). Information on costs ofother outputs can be found in the program areareports as indicated in Table 3.

Program Areas 5 and 6 are internal supportprograms that assist with the delivery ofoutputs by the other program areas.

outcomes and outputsxxv i

Output 1.1National data and information.

Outcome 1Healthy and safe work environments.

Output Group 1.0National infrastructure to improve

the health and safety of workenvironments.

Performance Measures

Effectiveness and acceptance by thejurisdictions of provision of nationaldata, information, research andadvice and the nationally consistentstandards framework.

Output 1.3OHS standards framework.

Output 1.2Research, analysis and advice.

1.1.1 Performance Measures

Quality: Data useful tostakeholders, and of a highstandard technically and incoverage—established bystakeholder review and externalevaluation. Overall improvement incomparability of jurisdictions’ data.

Quantity: Increase in the numberof services and range of services.

Price: Overall cost of dataactivities.


Quality: Acceptance of servicesby stakeholders—as shown byusage levels, for example, hits onweb site. High standard serviceswhich increase awareness of OHSmatters—evaluated by periodicuser surveys.

Quantity: Increase in the numberof services and range of services.

Price: Overall cost of activities.


Quality: Extent to which there ishigh quality advice andappropriate coverage of issues—as measured by externalevaluation and benchmarkingagainst other countries’equivalent OHS authorities.Coverage of projects matched tooverall areas of need—asdetermined by stakeholders andindependent assessment. Speedwith which issues and responsesare identified.

Quantity: Number of reportsproduced and projects completed.

Price: Cost of overall researchactivities.


Quality: Extent to which riskassessments, guidancedocuments and policy advice areof a high standard—evaluatedaccording to appropriate servicecharter and by internationalbenchmark. Legislated servicecharter timeframes met.

Quantity: Number of assessmentsagainst agreed targets.

Price: Cost per unit assessment.


Quality: Extent to which adviceon standards is accepted bystakeholders.

Quantity: Percentage ofprovisions in standards andrelated materials which arereflected in jurisdictions’regulations.

Price: Overall cost of activities.

Figure 4—The National Commission’s outcomes and outputs framework

annual report 1998–99 xxvi i

Outputs Performance Report

Output Subclass 1.1.1—National data,including comparisons of State andTerritory performance

1. In terms of quality measures, the usefulnessof data to stakeholders was shown through:

(a) the incorporation of data from the NDS inthe Comparative Performance MonitoringProject of the WRMC;

(b) a steady level of demand for copies of thereport of the Study of Work RelatedFatalities; and

(c) requests from jurisdictions for detailedanalysis of the data from the study in areasincluding falls, forestry, hydraulics, animalhandling, fishing, mining, agriculture andtransport.

2. There was an improvement in thecomparability of (current and future) data onjurisdiction performance through:

(a) a major overhaul of the definitions,concepts and practices of the NDS;

(b) a major effort to correct errors andresolve anomalies in submitted data; and

(c) use in the Comparative PerformanceMonitoring Project of factors to adjust forvariations in data over time, to reflect size ofbusiness and to allow the incorporation ofVictorian data.

3. The major improvements to data sets werethe upgrading of the NDS and the release forgeneral use of the data from the fatalitiesstudy.

Output Subclass 1.1.2—Informationproducts and services

Information Exchange

1. In terms of quality measures, increasingacceptance of information products andservices was shown by the level of usage andrequests. In particular, there were:

(a) increased requests for subscription toWORKSAFE news;

(b) a steady increase in demand for printedNational Commission publications (measuredby AusInfo statistics); and

(c) a steady increase throughout the year inthe average number of hits on the NationalCommission’s web site each fortnight.

2. There was an increase in the number andrange of information-related products andservices provided. These included:

(a) four new databases were added to theNational Commission’s web site:

• National Inventory of Practical OHSGuidance Material,

• National Directory of OHS Education andTraining Materials,

• Current OHS Research Grants, and

• Workplace Solutions;

(b) the Library catalogue was made availableon the web site. This has increased inter-library loans and document deliveryservice transactions. Timeliness for incomingrequests are: dispatching items within threedays of a standard request, 24 hours of a fasttrack request and two hours of a premiumtrack request. Outgoing requests areprocessed within 48 hours of receipt; and

(c) full text publications were made availablein portable document format files for easierand faster downloading.

outcomes and outputsxxv i i i

Small Business

1. A speakers’ program piloted through RotaryClubs was undertaken to identify thepotential to use third parties for OHSinformation delivery:

(a) initial evaluation, undertaken by surveyingattendees on the days when the presentationswere given, proved positive; and

(b) a follow-up evaluation was initiated in1998–99 for reporting to the Small BusinessSubcommittee in August 1999.

2. Nine small business information andassistance products were developed during1998–99:

(a) the information products were designedto assist small businesses in meeting theirOHS obligations;

(b) to enhance acceptance of the products,they were developed by sub-contractingrelevant industry parties to undertake thework; and

(c) an evaluation was initiated in 1998–99for reporting to the Small BusinessSubcommittee in August 1999.

Output Subclass 1.2.1—Nationallyrelevant OHS research

1. In total, seven significant OHS issues wereidentified as requiring substantial reportingto the National Commission during 1998–99:

(a) virtually all the recommendationscontained in the reports were accepted bythe National Commission or referred by theNational Commission to its committees forfurther consideration; and

(b) the issues covered a range of exposures,including medical, mechanical and social.

2. Six priority research projects identified bythe National Commission were undertakenduring 1998–99:

(a) these projects are scheduled forcompletion and assessment at the August1999 meeting of the Prevention Strategiesand Facilitation Committee; and

(b) in terms of coverage, these projectsprovide key elements of a framework whichwill assist governments, employers andemployee representatives and workplaceplayers to better target their priorities andinvestments in prevention of occupationalinjury and disease. The framework aims atbuilding OHS understanding within societyand developing a systematic approach tosustainable change and OHS improvement.

Output Subclass 1.3.1

(a) Assessments, technical guidancedocuments and policy advice in themanufacture and use of chemicals

This output is produced by NICNAS and isreported in the 1998–99 Annual Report on theOperation of the Industrial Chemicals(Notification and Assessment) Act 1989.

(b) Development of OHS policy, riskassessment and technical guidance on themanufacture and use of agricultural andveterinary chemicals

1. The agreed targets for 1998–99 for bothareas—the Product Registration Program andthe Chemicals Review Program—were as follows:

(a) quality, which was measured by theextent to which risk assessments, guidancedocuments and policy advice were of a highstandard—evaluated according tointernational benchmarks and acceptance ofadvice and recommendations by clients,including the NRA and industry;

(b) quantity, with the targets of 75 ProductRegistration Program assessments, sixExisting Chemicals Review Program (ECRP)assessments and three Special ReviewProgram assessments being met;

(c) price, measured by the cost per unitassessment on a fee for service basis; and

(d) timeliness, with a backlog of submissionscarried into 1998–99 being eliminated byMay 1999.

annual report 1998–99 xxix

2. Reforms to the Product Registration Programresulted in:

(a) more focused prescreening activities;

(b) enhanced productivity, with the agreedtarget of 75 registration assessments beingexceeded by 92 per cent;

(c) removal of the requirement of provisionof Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) inproduct registration submissions; and

(d) provision of assessment reports toapplicants to enable preparation of accurateMSDS.

3. Under the Product Registration Program, OHSrecommendations were accepted by the NRAfor all submissions.

4. In 1998–99 the Chemicals Review Programachieved the following results:

(a) OHS reviews were completed for fourchemicals in the second cycle of the ECRP;

(b) two reviews were approaching completionwith further input required from the NRA andother agencies;

(c) post-assessment activities wereundertaken for all (five) first cycle ECRPchemicals previously assessed by the Officeof the National Commission;

(d) in the main, recommendations arisingfrom OHS reviews have been consistent withrecommendations of overseas regulatoryagencies (where recent reviews on the samechemical were available); and

(e) assessment advice was also provided onfour chemicals under the Special ReviewProgram. This exceeded the agreed target ofthree assessments.

5. In addition, performance was measured withrespect to coordination and harmonisationwith international standards and agencies,and contribution to the development ofCommonwealth policies in relation tochemicals.

Output Subclass 1.3.2—Nationallyconsistent standards framework

1. Key advice on standards accepted bystakeholders in 1998–99 was:

(a) a rationale for reviewing and updatingnational OHS standards—which was agreedby the National Commission and endorsed bythe then LMC;

(b) review of the National OccupationalHealth and Safety Certification Standard forUsers and Operators of Industrial Equipment—which was agreed by the NationalCommission and endorsed by the then LMC;

(c) technical update of the NationalOccupational Noise Standard and Code ofPractice—which was agreed by the NationalCommission and is now subject to a publiccomment phase;

(d) the First Joint Annual Report for theHazardous Substances, Industrial Chemicalsand Dangerous Goods Cooperation Program—which was accepted by the then LMC and,subsequently, the Council of AustralianGovernments, resulting in the continuation ofthe special exemption under the Trans-TasmanMutual Recognition Arrangement; and

(e) technical update of the NationalCommission’s Approved Criteria for ClassifyingHazardous Substances and the List ofDesignated Hazardous Substances.

organisat ion st ructure at 30 june 1999xxx

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Organisation Structure at 30 June 1999

annual report 1998–99 xxxi

Abbreviations

ACCI Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

ACTU Australian Council of Trade Unions

CEO Chief Executive Officer

ECRP Existing Chemicals Review Program

HSSC Hazardous Substances Subcommittee

ILO International Labour Organisation

LMC Labour Ministers’ Council

MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet

NDS National Data Set for Compensation-based Statistics

NICNAS National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme

NRA The National Registration Authority for Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals

OHS occupational health and safety

PMAC Performance Measurement Advisory Committee

PSFC Prevention Strategies and Facilitation Committee

SBSC Small Business Subcommittee

VET vocational education and training

WRMC Workplace Relations Ministers’ Council (formerly LMC)

glossary of termsxxxi i

Australian Standard Standard developed by Standards Australia.

BEP Business Entry Point, formerly know as Bizlink, is an initiative of theAustralian Federal Government, and all States and Territories, providing aservice to Australian businesses to make it easier to deal with government.

deemed-to-comply Provisions that, if followed, are one legally acceptable means of provisions achieving the outcome/s specified in an Act or regulation.

jurisdictions Realms of governance in OHS, including New South Wales, Victoria,Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, the NorthernTerritory, the Australian Capital Territory, and Commonwealth employment.

National Commission National Occupational Health and Safety Commission.

Glossary of Terms

a r e aprogram1

annual report 1998–99 3

Description of Program AreaThe objective of this program area is tofacilitate and coordinate national OHS researchefforts.

This objective, arising out of the endorsementby the then LMC of the priorities for theNational Commission, will progressivelytransform the program area. The earlier focus onidentifying nationally significant developing andemerging OHS problems will remain, butactivities will be broadened to enable theNational Commission to identify significantresearch priorities relevant to OHS and toidentify practical applications and opportunitiesarising out of Australian and internationalresearch.

This program area also undertakes otherresearch coordination work, including policydevelopment and preparation of submissions,liaison with relevant research funding agenciesand administration of the remaining researchgrants from the Research Grants Scheme forwhich new grants ceased in 1996.

Performance

Research Facilitation and Coordination

In recognition of the importance of research inOHS issues, the facilitation and coordination ofresearch efforts was set as one of the NationalCommission’s new priorities.

This priority will see the National Commissionplaying an increasing role in identifying priorityareas for OHS research efforts and areas forcooperation on, and integration of, researchwork. It will do this with a particular focus ondrawing down the best of national and

international research to achieve practical andsolutions oriented outcomes that advantage theAustralian community and industry. The rolethat the National Commission will take infacilitating and coordinating OHS research fitswith directions being taken in relation to themajor health research funds in Australia wherethere is a growing emphasis on strategicresearch and centres of excellence.

Initial work on progressing this priority focusedon assessment of options to ensure that rolesadopted by the National Commission would beeffective. This recognised that, to be effectivein facilitation and coordination of research, the National Commission would need to:

• complement and influence the work of therange of Australian and international bodiesengaged in the funding of, and assessingpriorities for, research relevant to OHS;

• position itself to ensure that it is well awareof the substantial research efforts occurringinternationally; and

• maximise identification of opportunities toapply research findings to best advantage inAustralia.

In the light of this assessment, a stagedstrategic approach has been adopted. The firststep is the development of a strategy that:

• identifies goals to give strategic direction tothe facilitation and coordination of OHSresearch;

• identifies the approaches that the NationalCommission should concentrate on tomaximise its achievement of these goals; and

Program Area 1Identifying Nationally Significant

Developing and Emerging OHS Problems

program area 1—identi fy ing nat ional ly s igni f icant developing and emerging OHS problems

• recognises that the National Commission’s rolein relation to funded research is targeted atinfluencing priorities within existing fundingprograms.

Work on the strategy has been initiated.Carriage of the work has been assigned to asubcommittee of the National Commission whichwill meet for the first time early in 1999–2000.While this subcommittee’s membership reflectsthe tripartite structure of the NationalCommission, it is to be supplemented, on atemporary basis, by members with expertise inOHS research and members from potentialstrategic partners. The subcommittee is requiredto report to the National Commission in October1999.

Monitoring and Reporting on Emergingand Developing Issues

Reflecting the earlier focus of the program area,work was undertaken to provide up-to-dateinformation and early warning of new andemerging OHS issues, including major trends,gaps and issues, from national and internationaldata and research, as well as significant newdevelopments in important current issues. Thisis based on international and national researchmonitoring through electronic databases,Internet bulletin boards and discussion groups,reviews of current literature and links togovernment and other authorities world-wide. Inaddition to the issues or problems identified bythe Office of the National Commission,information about emerging issues is providedby the jurisdictions, the ACTU and ACCI andtheir affiliates and others.

Where identified issues are assessed as being ofnational significance, the Office of the NationalCommission prepares a report for considerationby the National Commission. The aims of thesereports are to inform and stimulate discussionon the implications for health and safety inAustralian workplaces and to consider measuresthat may need to be put in place to preventadverse consequences.

4

Seven reports were provided to the NationalCommission in 1998–99. These dealt with:

• health effects of radiofrequency radiation,including mobile phones and antennas;

• occupational asthma;

• work-related stress;

• workplace safety and the ‘millennium bug’(Y2K problem);

• traumatic fatalities of young people inagriculture;

• occupational violence; and

• environmental tobacco smoke and cancer inthe workplace.

The National Commission agreed on specificrecommendations for future action on thesetopics.

Related work was undertaken to:

• develop issues papers for consideration by thecommittees of the National Commission. Themost significant of these was a comprehensiveassessment of the implications for OHSregulation and practice of actual and potentialchanges in the labour market. This paper willbe considered by the Prevention Strategiesand Facilitation Committee in November 1999;and

• inform National Commission member agencydecision makers of alternative views andapproaches to OHS issues associated withstress. In addition to analysis of initiativestargeted at addressing aspects of stress atwork, the National Commission hostedseminars by two prominent researchers in thearea of work control and health, ProfessorMarmot of the University College London andProfessor Syme of the University of California,Berkley.


Other Program Activities

Diseases of Long Latency

In response to requests by the WRMC, the Officeof the National Commission has assisted in thedevelopment of an assessment of the lessons tobe learned from the asbestos experience forother diseases of long latency. Arising out oftheir consideration of this issue, WRMC hasasked the National Commission to progressstrategies for addressing issues concerningasbestos-related diseases and other diseases oflong latency.

One key component of these strategies is toensure that sufficient research is conducted todeal with existing problems and to ensure thatAustralia maximises its chances of avoiding arepetition of the problems caused by asbestos.To this end, the WRMC has asked the NationalCommission to work with bodies such as theNational Health and Medical Research Council topursue priority areas for research in publichealth and prevention associated with asbestos-related diseases and other diseases of longlatency.

Possible areas of further research identified bythe WRMC included:

• additional support for studies of treatmentswhich are demonstrating some early success inrelieving symptoms, for example, there hasbeen some limited success in using interferonand cytokine treatments as part of the array oftreatments for asbestos-related disease;

• ensuring that Australia has the capacity tointerpret toxicological research relevant towork-related diseases and, if necessary,undertake any relevant research;

• improving Australia’s capacity for diseasesurveillance through epidemiological studies;

• identifying better control processes whenusing hazardous substances; and

• identifying the extent of occupationaldiseases and attempting to produce aconsidered estimate of the number offatalities, costs and potential liability to theworkers’ compensation system in eachjurisdiction.

The National Commission has initiated work onthis through representations to the NationalHealth and Medical Research Council. It will beundertaking related project work in 1999–2000.

Research Grants Coordination

Administration of the remaining research grantsfrom the National Commission’s Research GrantsScheme, for which new grants ceased in 1996,continued in 1998–99. Four reports in the areasof shiftwork, OHS awareness and compliance insmall business, modifications to shearing shedlayout to reduce back injuries and occupationalskin disease in the hairdressing industry werefinalised.

Another research report on shiftwork andworkload management in the Australian railindustry, managed by the Office of the NationalCommission for a consortium of Australianrailway authorities, was finalised in 1998–99. A development grant on the OHS implications ofshiftwork and irregular hours of work wasfinalised this year.

Resources UtilisedGross expenditure* $632,318

Revenue generated* $15,535

* These figures are cash based and do notinclude staff overheads and indirect costs.

Program Area 1 had 6 staff at 30 June 1999.

program area 1—identi fy ing nat ional ly s igni f icant developing and emerging OHS problems6

a r e aprogram2


Description of Program AreaThe objective of this program area is to findpractical solutions for OHS problems inworkplaces and identify the best combination ofmeasures that will produce continuousimprovement in OHS performance nationally. Theprogram area progresses these objectivesthrough two strategies.

The first strategy involves evaluating OHSinitiatives with a view to assisting with theirwider application. To achieve this, the NationalCommission facilitates:

• identification of successful OHS initiatives atindustry/jurisdiction level;

• evaluation of initiatives to determine theirnational applicability; and

• dissemination of the evaluation outcomes toNational Commission members and wideraudiences.

In 1998–99 work under this strategy involvedimplementation activities arising fromcompleted evaluations, along with efforts tomaximise the dissemination of outcomes fromthese evaluations. In addition, a project, OHSinto the Road Transport Industry, wasundertaken in 1998–99 to extend the work ofthe 1997–98 project, Evaluation of RoadTransport Prevention Initiatives.

The second strategy involves developing keycomponents of a framework to drive continuousimprovement of OHS performance in theworkplace. In 1998–99 the National Commissioninitiated work on several components of thisstrategy, including projects on safe design, OHSmanagement systems, CEO and supervisordrivers, and a national solutions database. Workon these components, which aim to provide aframework to assist governments, employers andemployee representatives and workplace playersto better target their priorities and investments

in prevention of occupational injury anddisease, will continue into 1999–2000. Theframework is intended to build OHSunderstanding within society and develop asystematic approach to sustainable change andOHS improvement.

PerformanceAll of the Program Area 2 projects in 1998–99were multi-year projects, except for OHS intothe Road Transport Industry, which is expectedto be completed by August 1999.

The specific project outcomes for 1998–99 arereported below.

Safe DesignThis is a long term project with a targetedcompletion date of June 2000. Its aim is todevelop a greater recognition of the role of safedesign in reducing risk and improving OHSperformance in the workplace. Specificobjectives are to:

• attract the attention of key parties to theirlegal obligations under OHS legislation toprovide plant and equipment to workplaceswhich is safe and free from risks to health;

• identify leverage points where OHS agenciescan exert influence to improve compliancewith suppliers’ duties;

• promote the use of safe design principles inbuilding and construction activity to keyparties; and

• explore the extension of the application ofsafe design beyond minimal conformancetowards elimination of all hazards in theworkplace.

To achieve the project aims and objectives, a work program has been developed whichconsists of three key phases:

Program Area 2Finding Practical Solutions

program area 2—finding pract ica l so lut ions10

OHS performance within their industry. Thedatabase also provides the capacity toaggregate experience to enable greaterforeseeability of risks.

This is a multi-year project with a targetedcompletion date of June 2000 for mostactivities. The project is progressing along twobroad fronts:

• development of, and support for, a range ofpractical OHS solutions-gathering strategies;and

• development of the technical aspects of thedatabase.

Specific achievements in 1998–99 were:

• agreements with a number of organisations tocontribute solutions to the database on anongoing basis, including the New South WalesRoads and Traffic Authority and the Universityof Ballarat;

• a strategic alliance established with theUniversity of Ballarat to provide expert adviceand support to the project;

• a test site for the database established on theNational Commission’s web site in June 1999;

• in excess of 200 solutions included on thedatabase by June 1999, covering a range ofsub-industry groups and OHS hazards; and

• electronic links established to a number ofsolutions databases on other web sites,including the WorkSafe Western AustraliaSafetyLine solutions and the New South WalesWorkCover Truckload solutions.

Future work on the database is anticipated toinvolve:

• expanding the number of solutions on thedatabase to 2,000 by the end of 2000;

• further development of the technical aspectsof the database, including interrogationtechnology;

• continued effort to encourage the NationalCommission stakeholders and industry and OHSprofessional bodies to contribute solutions

• basic information and data collection andanalysis to provide an understanding of thecontribution of poor design to death, injuriesand disease in Australian workplaces;

• identification and development of strategiesand products aimed at the target groups toachieve a greater recognition of the role ofsafe design in improving OHS performance inthe workplace; and

• product promotion and evaluation/review.

Work in 1998–99 focused on the first phase ofthe project. Specific achievements were:

• work commenced on a review of the legalrequirements in Australia of obligation bearerswith OHS responsibility for safe design;

• work commenced on a review of relevantAustralian and international literature toreport on current awareness levels, and safedesign practices, of target groups;

• collection and analysis of relevant statisticaldata on workplace death, injury and diseasedue to design failure; and

• agreement to jointly sponsor a Masters levelstudent to undertake a series of case studiesrelating to poor design of plant andequipment.

The information collected from these and otherfirst phase activities will inform the secondphase of the project, involving the developmentof appropriate strategies and products whichwill assist target groups to meet their OHSobligations and to actively apply safe designprinciples.

Generating and Spreading WorkplaceSolutionsThe aim of this project is to develop a viabledatabase of practical solutions to OHS problems.The solutions describe practical measuresintroduced in workplaces to minimise risksassociated with specific plant, equipment orhazardous substances, or with a hazardous workprocess or environment. Through the database,industries are able to share their learning andexperiences and therefore raise awareness and


and to use and promote use of the database intheir jurisdictions;

• development of a quality control mechanismfor solutions; and

• a strategic review of the project to determineits ongoing viability.

Drivers for CEOs, Business Owners andSupervisorsThe specific aim of this project is to raise theawareness of, and commitment to, practicesthat result in good OHS outcomes by CEOs,business owners and supervisors.

Questions addressed through the projectinclude:

• What are the key reasons that influenced someCEOs and business owners to have a greatereffective commitment to OHS?

• What have been found to be the mosteffective triggers for reinforcing practicesamong line managers and supervisors whohave good OHS outcomes?

• What strategies have been found to be mostuseful in encouraging wider take-up of goodpractices by these groups?

The first step was to identify the drivers thatmotivate and influence CEOs, business ownersand supervisors to undertake activities that areassociated with good health and safety results.This began with a review of the Australian andinternational literature on the topic and asurvey of the relevant practices presentlyundertaken by the Australian jurisdictions. Thisreview was published on the NationalCommission’s web site in May 1999.

Future work is anticipated to involve :

• discussions with, and surveys of,representatives of the target groups;

• documentation of examples of good practiceswithin Australian industry; and

• identification and trial of mechanisms that itis expected will raise awareness of good OHSpractices and encourage a wider take-up ofthose practices.

In conjunction with this project, developmentof case studies examining the links betweenOHS-related investments and productivity isbeing considered.

OHS Management SystemsThis project is intended to increase theunderstanding of the role and function of OHSmanagement systems and to encourage allAustralian workplaces to adopt a moresystematic approach to the management of OHS.This includes:

• fostering and maintaining an emphasis on OHSimprovement in management systems; and

• ensuring OHS systems complementperformance-based regulatory environmentsand provide opportunities to meet minimumregulatory requirements without losing thecapacity to go beyond these requirements.

This is an ongoing project with work progressingduring 1998–99 in two main areas:

• participation in the development of aStandards Australia OHS management systemsspecification standard, AS/NZS 4801; and

• development of the National Commission’sstrategic approach to encouraging theadoption of more systematic approaches tomanaging OHS in Australian workplaces.


• a report that provides an overview of OHSmanagement systems in Australia, includingbackground on where they fit into the overallOHS framework, what driving forces areaffecting their development and theinfrastructure and institutional players thatsurround OHS management systems;

• a combined National Commission and NationalCommission stakeholders’ position on AS/NZS4801 and combined responses to AS/NZS 4801development issues;

• a report that recommends strategies for theNational Commission to promote the adoptionof more systematic approaches to managingOHS in Australian workplaces. The report alsoidentifies critical points where the National

program area 2—finding pract ica l so lut ions

Commission can influence the processessurrounding OHS management systemsstandards, specifically AS/NZS 4801;

• a workplace guide to OHS managementsuitable for publication; and

• a list of sources of information on OHSmanagement systems for publication on theNational Commission’s web site.

OHS into the Road Transport IndustryThis project was the second phase of a projectundertaken in 1997–98, titled Evaluation ofRoad Transport Prevention Initiatives. The aimof the project was to facilitate improvement inOHS performance in the road transport industry,building on the work undertaken as part of theNational Commission’s 1997–98 nationalsolutions projects and existing and plannedjurisdictional programs in road transport. Amajor component of this work culminated in aworkshop held in Melbourne to enablerepresentatives of OHS agencies and industryassociations to present and discuss the variousstrategies available to the road freight industrysector.

Another aspect of this project was to improvethe availability and accessibility of industry-specific OHS solutions, particularly to smalloperators. To achieve this aim, a number ofsolutions gleaned from the case studies of the1997–98 project and the current year’s workhave been documented and will be madeavailable through the National Commission’ssolutions database. Industry operators have alsobeen encouraged to contribute their existingsolutions to the database.

Implementation Arising from the1997–98 National Solutions ProjectsThis project facilitated a range ofimplementation activities linked to theoutcomes and recommendations of the NationalCommission’s first round of national solutionsprojects in 1997–98, which were:

• Comparative Study of Approaches toCommunity Safety and Health AwarenessCampaigns;

12

• Evaluation of Contractor OHS ComplianceInitiatives;

• Evaluation of Road Transport PreventionInitiatives;

• Evaluation of OHS Enforcement Strategies—Efficacy of On-the-spot Fines;

• Evaluation of Queensland’s Construction Safety2000 Initiative; and

• Evaluation of OHS Management Audit Systems.

During 1998–99 the Office of the NationalCommission widely disseminated the keyevaluation outcomes and associated informationproducts resulting from the 1997–98 nationalsolutions projects through targeted mailing listsand the National Commission’s web site.Numerous requests for information were receivedand answered. In addition, advice was receivedfrom National Commission members on theusefulness of the 1997–98 projects and on howthey were implementing the projects’ outcomesand recommendations. Feedback from membersalso identified suggestions for:

• follow-up activities to assist members withthe implementation of the projects’ findings—action on these activities has commenced;

• improving the operation of future projects—these have been incorporated into the currentoperating arrangements for project managersand reference groups; and

• the development of the 1999–2000 work plan.


Revenue generated* $Nil



a r e aprogram3


Description of Program AreaThe objective of this program area is tofacilitate improved prevention performance byensuring that knowledge and practical solutionsreach decision makers quickly, and in useableand practical forms. The program area has thefollowing three subprogram areas:

• Information Exchange—focuses on thecoordination and dissemination ofinformation, including industry-specificguidance material;

• Small Business Initiatives—oversees anddevelops OHS small business projects andactivities; and

• Regulatory Solutions—focuses on thedevelopment and maintenance of a nationallyconsistent standards framework.

Information Exchange

Description of Subprogram AreaThis subprogram has primary carriage of theNational Commission’s strategic priority ofcoordinating and disseminating OHS informationand resource materials to member agencies,appropriate target audiences and the public. The key activities to give effect to this priorityin 1998–99 were:

• management of the national collection of OHSinformation in the Library;

• electronic publishing and disseminationthrough the National Commission’s web site;

• print publishing;

• public affairs;

• a national project to support the integrationof OHS information and objectives intovocational education and training (VET)reforms;

• coordinating and chairing the InformationCoordinators’ Network; and

• a range of other initiatives aimed at raisingawareness of, and improving access to,prevention information.

Performance

National OHS LibraryThe Library develops and manages Australia’snational collection of OHS resource material.This collection is accessible through theAustralian Bibliographic Network and theInternet. The Library is also the National CISCentre (International Occupational Safety andHealth Information Centre, for the InternationalLabour Organisation). As such, it receives andmakes available a large collection ofinternational OHS material, includingdistribution of the CIS Newsletter and Asian-Pacific Newsletter on Occupational Health andSafety to all jurisdictions.

In 1998–99 the Library added over 500 new OHStitles to its collection, 120 of which had notbeen catalogued previously in Australia. Over2,400 items were supplied to otherorganisations through inter-library loan anddocument delivery services. The Library receivedover 7,700 enquiries for OHS information fromall over the country. These enquiries were eitheranswered directly or referred to the relevantOHS authority or to other appropriate sources ofinformation, for example, other NationalCommission staff or organisations such asStandards Australia and the National SafetyCouncil of Australia.

OHS Databases

Over the past 12 months the Library has beeninvolved in the development of severaldatabases designed to gather Australian OHSinformation together for easier access. Theseinclude the Current OHS Research Grants

Program Area 3Facilitating Improved Prevention

Performance

program area 3—faci l i tat ing improved prevent ion performance

Database, a searchable database of current OHSresearch and projects in Australia, the NationalInventory of Practical Guidance Material, a searchable database of practical guidancematerial produced by the Commonwealth, Stateand Territory OHS authorities, the NationalSolutions Database and the National Directory ofOHS Training Materials. All databases areavailable for searching on the NationalCommission’s web site.

OHS Thesaurus

The Library has developed and produced the firstdraft of the Australian Occupational Health andSafety Thesaurus, which is a list of subject ordescriptor terms that can be used for describingelectronic OHS information in a consistentmanner. Future use of thesaurus terms forindexing material placed on the NationalCommission’s web site, and the web sites of theState and Territory OHS authorities, will greatlyincrease the accessibility and relevance ofinformation found when searching the Internet.The State and Territory OHS authorities havewelcomed the development of the thesaurus andall States and Territories are working toimplement the use of the thesaurus on their websites.

National Commission Web SiteThe National Commission’s web site hasundergone continual upgrading and maintenancethroughout 1998–99. A complete restructureand redesign of the site commenced in thelatter half of the year with the aims of:

• aligning the site with World Wide WebConsortium’s recommendations and theCommonwealth Government’s Guidelines forCommonwealth Information Published inElectronic Format;

• increasing accessibility of information to usersby reorganising the information on the site;

• making the site more manageable byrestructuring the architecture of the site; and

• minimising the number of graphics used toensure faster downloading capabilities.

During 1998–99 server statistics showed thatthe web site was well accessed, particularlyduring the second half of the year when

16

approximately 4,000 to 5,000 hits on thehomepage were recorded each fortnight.

The information index was restructured toprovide users with a streamlined, easy to useindex. Large and complex publications wereloaded in portable document format, enablingdocuments to be downloaded in their entiretywhile preserving the format of the publication.These included both a summary and full reportof Work-related Traumatic Fatalities in Australia,1989 to 1992, the Assessment and Registrationof Chemicals in Australia brochure, andpublications from the National SolutionsProjects. Server statistics showed that themethod of disseminating information in portabledocument format is well accepted.

The OHS databases referred to above were addedto the web site as searchable databases.

A Web Coordinators’ Network was establishedbetween OHS jurisdictions in Australia. Anelectronic discussion group was set up toenhance communication between the webcoordinators.

Print PublishingA new service agreement was made with AusInfoin July 1998 covering the sale and distributionof the National Commission’s publications.Sixteen new titles were released in 1998–99.These were:

• Report on Evaluation of Contractor ComplianceInitiatives;

• Report on Evaluation of Road TransportPrevention Initiatives;

• On-the-spot Fines and the Prevention of Injuryand Disease;

• Evaluation of Queensland Construction 2000Initiative;

• Competencies for Health Surveillance;

• Compendium of Workers’ CompensationStatistics in Australia, 1995-96;

• Compendium of Workers’ CompensationStatistics in Australia, 1996-97;

• Work-related Traumatic Fatalities in Australia,1989 to 1992;

annual report 1998–99

• Work-related Traumatic Fatalities in Australia,1989 to 1992: Summary Report;

• Small Business Management Training:Integrating Occupational Health and SafetyCompetencies;

• Approved Criteria for Classifying HazardousSubstances, 2nd Edition;

• List of Designated Hazardous Substances, 2ndEdition;

• Product and Services Guide;

• National Guidelines for IntegratingOccupational Health and Safety Competenciesinto National Industry Competency Standards,2nd Edition;

• National Occupational Health and SafetyCommission Annual Report 1997–98; and

• The Incidence of Mesothelioma in Australia1993 to 1995: Australian Mesothelioma Report,1998.

Public Affairs

Media Liaison

Media coverage is critical in raising publicawareness of OHS issues. The NationalCommission issued 12 media releases in1998–99. Media enquiries totalled 265. Articleson OHS issues are featured in the NationalCommission’s magazine, WORKSAFE news, as wellas an annual supplement in The Australiannewspaper in February. Stories in this year’ssupplement included: on-the-spot fines; OHSresponsibilities associated with contractworkers; CEOs’ commitment to OHS; a draftreport on chrysotile; the National Commission’sweb site; asthma at work and workplacefatalities.

Other media activities included preparation ofOHS articles for specific publications such asAustralian OHS Magazine and targeted tradejournals.

The Office of the National Commission liaisedwith ABC television, which produced an OHSsegment in their Life Long Learningmanagement education series. The series isscheduled to go to air in September 1999.

OHS Promotions

The specialist communication consultancy QuayConnections was engaged to conduct publicityfor the release of the study Work-relatedTraumatic Fatalities in Australia, 1989 to 1992 inDecember 1998.

Other marketing and communication promotionalactivities included placement of advertisementsand the development of promotional material foreducation and training products, NICNAS andthe Business Entry Point web site. The list ofAustralian OHS conferences and events on theNational Commission’s web site continued to beupdated on a regular basis and 27 entries wereplaced in relevant service directories throughoutthe year.

WORKSAFE news

The National Commission now issues its freemagazine, WORKSAFE news, three times a year.In 1998–99 issues were published in October1998, February 1999 and June 1999. The Juneissue of the magazine featured a more modernand easier to read layout, designed byconsultants Advision in April 1999.

WORKSAFE news is circulated to approximately30,000 readers, including small business, media,unions, government, management and OHSpractitioners. A review of WORKSAFE news wascommenced in June 1999, with a view toassessing readership, key audiences and otherinformation relevant to targeting strategies,including interest in an electronic version.

Major articles in 1998–99 were on farm safety,integration of OHS into VET and case studies ofcompanies’ safety improvements. Media pickedup stories on asbestos, the comparative study ofapproaches to community safety and healthawareness campaigns commissioned by theNational Commission in 1998 and work-relatedfatalities.

The costs of producing WORKSAFE news arepartly recovered through the sale of advertisingspace in the magazine.

17

program area 3—faci l i tat ing improved prevent ion performance

Information Coordinators’ NetworkThe Information Coordinators’ Networkcomprises representatives of all OHSjurisdictions in Australia and also the ACTU andACCI. During 1998–99 the network met onceformally, and continued to expand product andinformation sharing.

National Project on OHS in VocationalEducation and TrainingA national project to support the integration ofOHS into VET was completed in June 1999. Theproject outcomes were designed to supportquality assurance arrangements in the VETsector and included publications on thefollowing:

• guidance on registration and qualityendorsement of training organisations;

• guidance on accreditation of OHS courses andprograms;

• guidance on assessment of OHS competencieswithin industry competencies;

• a suite of six guidance leaflets for differentgroups involved in New Apprenticeships; and

• a quality assurance checklist for theintegration of OHS into training packages.

Other outcomes of the project included:

• updated assessment tools for use incertificated operations;

• development and promotion of a nationaldirectory of the National Commission’s memberagencies’ education and training materials foruse by trainers in the VET sector;

• collaboration with the VET sector around theintegration of OHS into managementcompetencies, including a review of theFrontline Management Initiative;

• a report on the long term professionaldevelopment needs of OHS practitioners,including an assessment of the Guidance Notefor the Development of Tertiary Level Coursesfor Professional Education in OccupationalHealth and Safety;

18

• two literature reviews—the OHS experience ofschool-based and young workers in thecontext of VET reforms in Australia, and theimpacts of globalisation on industry andresponses in OHS practitioner education; and

• a report on identified cross-sector issues andpossible remedies associated with improvingOHS authorities’ recognition of OHS in VETsector training.

The VET Working Group of the NationalCommission’s Prevention Strategies andFacilitation Committee had overall responsibilityfor the project. The national Education andTraining Coordination Network, representing allthe National Commission’s member agencies,met regularly to exchange information andprovided invaluable advice and input into thenational project.

A second edition of the National Guidelines forIntegrating Occupational Health and SafetyCompetencies into National Industry CompetencyStandards was published in November 1998, andSmall Business Management Training: IntegratingOccupational Health and Safety Competencies. A Guide for Educators and Trainers was publishedin March 1999.

Small Business Initiatives

Description of Subprogram AreaThe small business subprogram comprises thedevelopment of specific national OHS projectstargeting small business operators. Theimplications for small business of all NationalCommission programs and projects are alsoconsidered under the subprogram.

The Small Business Subcommittee oversees theoperation of both aspects of this subprogram.

Performance

Small Business-specific OHS ProjectsThe focus of work on small business-specificOHS projects in 1998–99 was on the twoactivities outlined below.


Rotary Speakers Pilot Program

This project aimed at testing the effectivenessof service clubs in reaching small business witha health and safety message. A series ofpresentations were given at 10 Rotary Clubs inVictoria. Rotary was selected for the pilotbecause of the large representation of smallbusiness people in its membership. TheVictorian WorkCover Authority and the ACCIprovided support for the project, includingspeakers for the presentations and printedmaterial for the information kits.

The presentations covered the following areas:

• the current state of OHS in Australia(measured in terms of fatalities andcompensation costs);

• costs (financial and otherwise) incurred by abusiness in the event of an accident;

• benefits of taking a pro-active approach toimplementing an OHS plan in the workplace;

• legal responsibilities of employers in relationto workplace OHS; and

• practical steps for developing andimplementing an OHS plan for the smallbusiness workplace.

At each of the presentations, information kitswere distributed containing practical advice onimplementing a health and safety program inthe workplace and a list of contacts. Thepresentation received positive responses fromRotary Club members who attended. The pilot isbeing evaluated, including its suitability forwider application in promoting health andsafety in small business.

National OHS Information ResourceMaterial

During 1998–99 the ACCI was contracted toundertake an information project. The mainobjective of the project was to design, developand deliver nationally, information products thatwill assist small businesses in meeting their OHSobligations.

The information products were finalised.Distribution commenced within someparticipating organisations and, subject to theoutcome of the evaluation of the products bythe Small Business Subcommittee, widespreadavailability of the materials is planned primarilythrough use of web sites. The informationproducts are:

• Veterinary Practice Safety—A Guide toManaging the Risks;

• Plant in the Baking Industry—Guidelines fromthe National Plant Standard;

• MBA Safety Information Handbook—forOwners, Managers and Builders;

• HIA Site Safety Induction Manual;• Child Care Industry OHS Policy and Procedures

Manual for the Child Care/Home-based CareIndustry;

• ‘BUSAFE’: A Health and Safety Guide forOperators of Small Sized Buses and CoachBusinesses;

• Plascare Package (developed and provided tosmall plastics processors);

• Safety at Work—A Guide for Young Workers inHospitality; and

• report on the use of the ACCI’s Small BusinessSafety Solutions booklet in the retail industry.

Integration of the Needs of SmallBusiness into National CommissionActivitiesAll National Commission projects are assessedfor their contribution to small business and theSmall Business Subcommittee has theopportunity to make recommendations aboutsmall business aspects of projects as they aredeveloped. Two 1998–99 projects in otherprogram areas that had a specific small businessfocus are:

• OHS Issues for Young Workers in the Fast FoodIndustry—a report that determined the factorsthat impact on the OHS experience of youngworkers in the franchised and non-franchisedfast food industry; and

• publication and dissemination of SmallBusiness Management Training: IntegratingOccupational Health and Safety Competencies—A Guide for Trainers and Educators.

program area 3—faci l i tat ing improved prevent ion performance20

Regulatory Solutions

Description of Subprogram AreaThe national standards framework comprisesprimarily seven areas where national standardshave been, or are intended to be, declared bythe National Commission. Many of thesenational standards have associated codes ofpractice. They cover an estimated 80 per cent ofall hazards found in the workplace and havebeen identified as priorities for maintenance. In addition, there are a number of otherdeclared national standards and codes ofpractice. The full list of national standards andcodes of practice is provided in Table 4.

National standards and codes of practice areadvisory documents. They are given the force oflaw only where they are taken up in theregulations of individual jurisdictions.Information on the extent to which nationalstandards have been taken up is provided inComparison of Occupational Health and SafetyArrangements in Australian Jurisdictions whichwas released by the WRMC in May 1999.

Recognising that implementation of nationalstandards is through regulation by individualjurisdictions, the National Commission does notcommence development of a national standardor substantial review of an existing nationalstandard without receiving the priorendorsement of the WRMC.

In addition to work associated with themaintenance and development of the nationalstandards framework, this subprogram undertakes:

• preparation of economic impact assessmentsof proposed changes to national standards;

• identification of barriers to compliance withnational standards and regulations and findingsolutions to overcome such barriers;

• incorporation of regulatory reform issues intonational standards and associated processes;

• coordination of relationships with otherstandards setting bodies, such as StandardsAustralia; and

• international harmonisation of standards.

Performance

Update of National OHS StandardsFramework

In November 1998, at the same time that itendorsed developing a nationally consistentstandards framework as one of the NationalCommission’s five priorities, the then LMCendorsed the rationale for reviewing andupdating national OHS standards. The aim is tomaintain the currency, relevance andeffectiveness of declared national standards andto ensure the consistent application ofregulatory change across Australia. The basisand nature of the reviewing and updating is inaccordance with the Council of AustralianGovernments’ principles and guidelines andother government regulatory reform initiatives,such as those relating to competition issues andsmall business concerns.

In October 1998 the National Commission hadcommissioned the development of a workprogram to review the national standardsframework, and the principles governing theconduct of reviews of individual nationalstandards, subject to the then LMC’sendorsement of the rationale.

The then LMC also agreed in November 1998that the National Occupational Health and SafetyCertification Standard for Users and Operators ofIndustrial Equipment be reviewed. The reviewcommenced in April 1999.

Dangerous Goods

The National Commission is finalising its reviewof the dangerous goods package that wasreleased for three months public comment at theend of April 1998. The intended outcome of thisreview is:

• a national standard for the storage andhandling of dangerous goods;

• a national code of practice for the storage andhandling of dangerous goods; and

• an economic impact analysis on the finalisednational standard.


Standard Associated Codes of Practice

PRIORITY NATIONAL STANDARDS AND CODES OF PRACTICE

1. Manual HandlingManual Handling (1990) Manual Handling (1990)

Prevention of Occupational Overuse Syndrome (1994)

2. Occupational NoiseOccupational Noise (1993) Management and Protection of Hearing at Work (1993)

3. PlantPlant (1994)

4. CertificationCertification Standard for Users and Operators of Industrial Equipment (1995)

5. Major Hazard FacilitiesMajor Hazard Facilities (1996) Control of Major Hazard Facilities

6. Workplace Hazardous Substances Regulatory Package

• National Model Regulations for the Control of Workplace Hazardous Substances (1994)

• Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances (1994)

• National Model Regulations for the Control of Scheduled Carcinogenic Substances (1995)

7. Dangerous Goods

Storage and Handling of Dangerous Goods Storage and Handling of Dangerous Goods (in development) (in development)

OTHER NATIONAL STANDARDS AND CODES OF PRACTICE

Synthetic Mineral Fibres (1990)

Control of Inorganic Lead at Work (1994)

Limiting Occupational Exposure to Ionizing Radiation (1995)

Joint National Standard for Safe Working in a Confined Space (1994) (AS2865-1995)

National Consensus Statement on Human Immunodeficiency Virus and the Workplace (1993)

National Consensus Statement on Hepatitis B and the Workplace (1993)

National Code of Practice for Health Care Workers and Other People at Risk of the Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis B in the Workplace (1993)

Control of Workplace Hazardous Substances (1994)Preparation of MSDS (1994)Control and Safe Use of Inorganic Lead at Work (1994)Labeling of Workplace Substances (1994)Safe Use of Synthetic Mineral Fibres (1990)Control of Scheduled Carcinogenic Substances (1995)Safe Use of Ethylene Oxide (1992)Safe Handling of Timber Preservatives and TreatedTimber (1988)Safe Use of Vinyl Chloride (1990)Safe Removal of Asbestos (1988)

Table 4—Declared national standards and codes of practice


The redrafting of the national standard, code ofpractice and economic impact analysis is takinginto account the 373 public commentsubmissions on the draft package, as well asissues identified in the nation-wide seminar andfocus group programs that were conductedduring the public comment period.

The National Commission will consider endorsingthe national standard, code of practice andeconomic impact analysis in July 1999. Thisendorsement would be subject to an assessmentof how readily the dangerous goods packagecould be implemented. The National Commissionwill consider the outcome of that assessment inOctober 1999.

Hazardous Substances

In regard to the hazardous substancesregulatory package the following was achievedin 1998–99:

• revision of the National Commission’sApproved Criteria for Classifying HazardousSubstances was completed;

• revision of the National Commission’s List ofDesignated Hazardous Substances wascompleted;

• combined review of the National Commission’sCode of Practice for the Labelling of WorkplaceSubstances and the National Commission’sCode of Practice for the Preparation of aMaterial Safety Data Sheet was initiated and areview group was established to achieve this;

• an agreed process to review and update thenational exposure standards was developed;

• a contract was awarded and an advisory groupestablished for the review of the crystallinesilica exposure standard;

• a contract was awarded and a steering groupwas established for the joint NationalCommission/NRA Simplifying the Safe Use ofChemicals on Farms Project; and

• the Office of the National Commissionrepresented the all of Australian Governmentposition at the twice-yearly meetings of theinternational Co-ordinating Group for theHarmonisation of Chemical ClassificationSystems, negotiating the development of theGlobally Harmonised System for Classificationand Labelling Systems.

Technical Update to the OccupationalNoise Standard and Code of Practice

The National Commission identified amendmentsthat need to be made to the National Standardfor Occupational Noise and the National Code ofPractice for Noise Management and Protection ofHearing at Work to reflect more reliable andcontemporary measurement requirements foroccupational noise. The proposed changes willbe subject to a public comment period beforebeing submitted for final consideration anddeclaration by the National Commission.

The Role of Standards Australia in OHSRegulation

In November 1998 the then LMC agreed to anumber of strategies to eliminate referencing ofAustralian Standards in OHS legislation on aprogressive basis, following consultationsamong all jurisdictions. The NationalCommission will give effect to this decision infuture revisions of national standards.

The National Commission has been working withStandards Australia to revise the memorandumof understanding between the twoorganisations. This memorandum deals witharrangements for developing and reviewingstandards by each organisation. A draftmemorandum, revised to reflect the decisions ofthe then LMC and changes to the structure andapproach of Standards Australia, will besubmitted to the National Commission for itsconsideration in July 1999.


Australian and International OHSRegulatory Reform

The National Commission is coordinating theCooperation Program for Hazardous Substances,Industrial Chemicals and Dangerous Goods asrequired under the Trans-Tasman MutualRecognition Arrangement.

The Office of the National Commission, inconsultation with the New Zealand Departmentof Labour, established an advisory committee,representative of relevant Australian and NewZealand authorities, to oversee the CooperationProgram. The first meeting of the advisorycommittee, involving 11 Australian and NewZealand agencies, was held on 21 October 1998.

In February 1999 the Minister forwarded theFirst Joint Annual Report for the HazardousSubstances, Industrial Chemicals and DangerousGoods Cooperation Program to the Council ofAustralian Governments. The annual reportaddressed the complexities of the program dueto the number of regulatory authorities involvedand the different stages of reform, developmentand implementation of the various legislation inboth Australia and New Zealand. Afterconsideration by the Council of AustralianGovernments and the support of two-thirds ofthe Council of Australian Governments members,a Special Exemption of one year, provided underthe Trans-Tasman Mutual RecognitionArrangement Act, was made law.

The next phase of the Cooperation Program hascommenced and will involve the relevantAustralian State and Territory regulatoryauthorities.

Deemed-to-comply Provisions

A final report was considered by the NationalCommission on the nature, value and role ofdeemed-to-comply provisions for OHSregulation. The principal objective, to inform

debate on its potential application, wassuccessfully concluded, with the report beingdistributed to member agencies in mid-1998.The Office of the National Commission willmonitor and facilitate exchange of informationon initiatives in the jurisdictions on the use ofdeemed-to-comply approaches.

Rectification of Defects in the Processfor Declaring National Standards

As part of its work to develop guidelines for theprogram of review for the national standardsframework, the Office of the NationalCommission received legal advice that identifiednecessary changes to existing protocols forseeking public comment and declaring nationalstandards and codes of practice. Given theadvisory nature of national standards and codesof practice, the legal effect of existing defectsis minimal. However, at its July 1999 meetingthe National Commission will considerarrangements to rectify the defects and correctthe deficiencies in existing protocols.

Resources UtilisedGross expenditure* $3,166,476




a r e aprogram4


Description of Program AreaThe objective of this program area is to supportnational OHS infrastructure by providingcomprehensive and accurate national data foruse by the National Commission and the widerOHS community. The program area’s activities,in particular, support the WRMC’s ComparativePerformance Monitoring Project.

Activities in the program area cover three mainareas of work.

The first involves producing and disseminatingdata from existing data sources, in particular,from the NDS and the Work-related TraumaticFatalities Study. Activities in this area in1998–99 focused on work for the ComparativePerformance Monitoring Project.

The second involves activities to improve thequality, coverage, consistency and timeliness ofexisting data sets, particularly to increase thecomparability of data on OHS outcomes.

The third is directed at developing, or helpingothers develop, new sources of data about OHSand, in 1998–99, activities in this area relatedto:

• the Work-Related Traumatic Fatalities Study;

• the National Coronial Information Systemcurrently being developed;

• development of provisional performanceindicators for the construction industry; and

• collection of data on work-related injuriesfrom general practitioners.

PerformanceProgram Area 4 projects cover both on-goingactivities, such as continuous improvements inthe NDS, and fixed time projects, such as theproject on OHS performance measurement in theconstruction industry.

National Data Set for Compensation-based Statistics

The NDS is the major data set relating to OHSoutcomes available in Australia. It consists ofinformation supplied each year by workers’compensation agencies and aims to provide afull count of claims made each year for workers’compensation benefits for work-relatedfatalities and those work-related injuries anddiseases which involve five or more days timelost.

The purpose of the work is to ensure theusefulness of the data to OHS decision makersby:

• continually improving the quality of the data;

• making the data available to decision makersefficiently and effectively; and

• measuring the extent of the relationshipbetween the NDS and OHS outcomes to enablethe informed use of the data.


• the release of the compiled data for 1996-97,in hard copy, through the NationalCommission’s web site and directly to users onrequest—these data were of higher qualitythan previously due to greater correction oferrors, resolution of anomalies and allocationof missing codes;

• development of a draft uniform validationroutine for data input, for consideration byjurisdictions; and

• the gaining of agreement among jurisdictionsto changes in the definitions, concepts andpractices of the NDS, to improve the qualityand comparability of the data.

These changes to the NDS, which are due to bein place within jurisdictions by 1 July 2000,include:

Program Area 4 Measuring Performance

program area 4—measur ing performance28

• data standardised for differences in industrystructure across jurisdictions;

• non-published data to inform the text of thereport of the Comparative PerformanceMonitoring Project, particularly with regard toindustry level performance by jurisdiction; and

• technical advice on generating performanceinformation relating to size of business.

Work-related Traumatic Fatalities Study1989 to 1992

This long term project produced comprehensive,national information on work-related traumaticdeaths in Australia between 1989 and 1992,using coronial files as the primary source ofinformation. Such consolidated information hadnot been available since the previous NationalCommission study which covered the period1982 to 1984.

The aim of the study was to provide a detailedunderstanding of the number, rate andcircumstances surrounding these work-relateddeaths to help prevent similar incidents by:

• assessing aspects of health and safetyperformance causing the major burden of fatalinjury;

• assessing occupations, tasks andcircumstances with a high risk of fatal work-related injury;

• identifying the circumstances in which theseoccur and areas that warrant attention forprevention purposes; and

• providing information for education andtraining.


• the release of the first major report of theproject, along with associated fact sheets, inDecember 1998;

• the analysis of the cause and circumstances ofdeaths in particular areas (including inforestry, mining, fishing and agriculture),associated with use of hydraulic equipmentand as a result of work-related homicide—

• specification that time lost is to be measuredin hours;

• implementation of a uniform extraction dateof 31 December for the data year;

• clearer data definitions, for example, theaverage number of hours usually worked in aweek to improve identification of part-timeworkers; and

• incorporation of an improved system forcoding the description of an accident.

In addition, it was decided in 1998–99 toundertake specific projects to measure therelationship between NDS data and OHSoutcomes. Several external parties agreed togive access to their data to enable informationon the kinds of injuries and diseases reported tothe NDS to be compared with those which arenot included in the NDS coverage.

Comparative Performance MonitoringProject

The overall aim of the Comparative PerformanceMonitoring Project is to establish a monitoringsystem that enables comparison of OHS andworkers’ compensation performance acrossjurisdictions and highlights significantvariations in performance over time. TheDepartment of Employment, Workplace Relationsand Small Business manages the project and theprimary source of data on OHS performance forthe project has been the NDS.

The role of the Office of the NationalCommission in the project is to:

• provide technical advice to the project ondata issues; and

• produce statistical information for inclusion inregular reports.

In 1998–99 the major contribution to theComparative Performance Monitoring Project wasprovision of time-series data from the NDScomparing jurisdictional performance. This dataalso included:

• preliminary data for the 1996-97 year adjustedto reflect likely final data;


reports on these topics were made to theindividual jurisdictions and other stakeholdersrequesting the work and were released to OHSdecision makers generally; and

• the dissemination of information through atelephone inquiry service, the Internet andpresentation of results at seminars andconferences and to jurisdictions and industryassociations.

OHS Performance Measurement in theConstruction Industry

This project aims to encourage firms in theconstruction industry to use indicators of OHSperformance so that they can assess how theyare performing on OHS issues, identify problemareas where adverse outcomes are occurring andidentify where preventive action should takeplace. The project, which is being undertaken inconjunction with the industry, is to develop,test and promote the use of a set of OHSindicators for the industry. The concepts andprocesses used in developing the performanceindicators for this industry are also expected toprovide a model for other industries.

This project is in two phases. The first phase, tobe completed in early 1999–2000, involves thedevelopment of the set of indicators that can beused to monitor the OHS performance of firms inthe industry. These indicators cover:

• performance on factors that are expected todrive final OHS outcomes, such as thepercentage of major hazards that arecontrolled and the percentage of workersreceiving induction training; and

• the final OHS outcomes, such as the number ofinjuries involving employees and thepercentage of injuries incurred throughidentified major hazards.

Specific achievements in 1998–99 included:

• identifying and disseminating information onexisting industry-based performancemeasurement projects;

• developing networks and working protocolswith industry to underpin the project andfacilitate industry involvement;

• development of a provisional set of indicatorsfor testing; and

• agreement by 16 construction companies inNew South Wales, Victoria, South Australia andWestern Australia to participate in casestudies to assess the feasibility of collectingdata for the agreed performance indicators.

The second phase of the project is to commencein late 1999 and be completed by 2002. It is toinvolve collecting data from firms on theindicators to provide ongoing data on the OHSperformance of those firms. It also aims toestablish the relationship between outcomesand positive indicators of OHS performance inthe industry.

National Coronial Information System

The National Commission, together with theState and Territory coroners and others, isparticipating in a project run by MonashUniversity to develop a computerised datastorage, coding and retrieval system forinformation held by coroners on fatalities. Theaim of this National Coronial InformationSystem is to provide on-going, timely access tothe information to help understand the natureand cause of fatalities, including work-relateddeaths, across the nation.

The National Commission participates byproviding funding and contributing practicalsupport to the development of the system, withparticular emphasis on aspects relevant to OHS,drawing on its experience in undertaking theWork-related Traumatic Fatalities Study 1989 to1992. The purpose of the participation is tomaximise the validity, reliability and usefulnessof the system for OHS purposes.

Specific achievements in 1998–99 consisted of:

• the provision of technical advice to theNational Consultative Committee for CoronialInformation overseeing the project; and

program area 4—measur ing performance

• the joint development of a proposal onquality assurance aspects of the system.

New South Wales Department ofHealth Data

In 1997 the New South Wales Department ofHealth conducted a major public health survey.At the request of the National Commission, thesurvey included information describing theoccupation and work activities of therespondents. The Office of the NationalCommission undertook to code the work-related information, drawing on its experiencein this area, and in return has received accessto the information collected in the survey.

This coding activity was completed in1998–99. The survey data is to be analysed in1999–2000 to provide information onrelationships between public health outcomesand work activities and to examine aspects ofpossible relevance to OHS performancemeasurement.

Bettering the Evaluation and Care ofHealth

The aim of the Bettering the Evaluation andCare of Health Project is to provideinformation on conditions, including work-related conditions, in cases handled by generalpractitioners. It is a project of the FamilyMedicine Research Unit of the Department ofGeneral Practice of the University of Sydneyunder a joint arrangement between theUniversity of Sydney and the AustralianInstitute of Health and Welfare. The data arebeing collected on an on-going basis fromApril 1998.

The purpose of the involvement of the NationalCommission is to obtain information on theextent and type of the work-related conditionsbeing treated by general practitioners,particularly those that are not subject toworkers’ compensation claims. This providesinformation on OHS outcomes from a differentperspective to that provided from the workers’compensation scheme data of the NDS and

30

from the self-reporting on such conditionsthrough general population surveys. This datasource is expected to include better informationon the OHS experience of the self-employed andsmall business than the basic, self-reportedinformation currently available, and informationon how the medical costs of work-relatedconditions for all workers are being met.

In 1998–99 the occupational health data fromthe first six months of the study were reviewedand, on the basis of this, the NationalCommission agreed in March 1999 to participatein the second year of the project. Detailedquestions were developed for specific follow upin the second year data collection.

Mesothelioma Register

Malignant mesothelioma remains a majorexample of work-related disease morbidity andmortality in Australia. The aim of theMesothelioma Register is to monitor and reporton the number, rate and demographics ofpersons diagnosed with malignant mesotheliomain Australia to inform decision making on thisdisease. This is an on-going project that willcontinue in 1999–2000.

In 1998–99:

• 461 notifications of newly diagnosed caseswere received, along with further informationon cases already notified; and

• the annual Mesothelioma Register Report waspublished.





a r e aprogram5


Description of Program AreaThe objective of this program area is to supportan effective national forum for NationalCommission stakeholders. Activities include:

• facilitation of informed and timely decision-making by the National Commission, itsExecutive Committee and Audit and EvaluationCommittee;

• provision of advice to ensure that the NationalCommission operates in compliance withlegislation;

• establishment and maintenance of efficientsystems to support National Commissionmeetings and other National Commissionactivities;

• production of the National Commission’sannual report and other corporate products;

• management of resource grants;

• development of the National OHS ImprovementFramework;

• coordination of parliamentary and ministerialbriefings and correspondence;

• ensuring compliance with the Privacy Act 1988(Cwlth) and Freedom of Information Act 1982(Cwlth); and

• coordination of activities aimed at ensuringyear 2000 compliance and development of year2000 contigency plans.

The program area is regarded as an internalsupport area and contributes in equal proportionto the delivery of outputs by the NationalCommission’s major program areas.

PerformanceNational CommissionThere was a continuing high level ofendorsement of recommendations made to theNational Commission, the Executive Committeeand the Audit and Evaluation Committee andmembers expressed their appreciation of thequality of agenda papers provided to them. This

reflected improvements to the structure, contentand presentation of papers, includingintroduction of a new format for papers inFebruary 1999.

Improvements were also made to turnaroundtimes in drafting and circulating meetingminutes and action arising lists. Preliminarydraft minutes and draft action arising lists arenow circulated to attendees within 48 hours of ameeting, and attendees provide comments within48 hours. Draft minutes and action arising listsare then sent to attendees within a week ofreceipt of comments.

Members were provided with timely and accurateinformation and advice on issues arisingthroughout the year, including, for example,application of the government’s new outcomesand outputs framework to the NationalCommission’s work, requirements for annualreports and year 2000 compliance (the latterbeing reported to the Audit and EvaluationCommittee).

Members were fully briefed on the implicationsof implementation of the CommonwealthAuthorities and Companies Act 1997 (Cwlth),including the accountabilities of ‘directors’(members being ‘directors’ for the purposes ofthe Act). In accordance with new Commonwealtharrangements for directors’ and officers’ liability,insurance (in allowable areas) was arranged onmembers’ behalf. (see Program Area 6—LiabilityInsurance).

Two new members and four new alternates werewelcomed during the year and a new members’induction kit was developed. This received goodfeedback from members and was updatedregularly as necessary.

Annual ReportThe 1997–98 annual report was tabled inParliament in October 1998 after implementationof a production plan and timeline thatfacilitated coordination of contributions fromthe eight program areas within the Office of theNational Commission.

Program Area 5Providing an Effective National Forum

program area 5—providing an effect ive nat ional forum

Resource GrantsThe Resource Grants Scheme facilitates theparticipation of the ACCI and ACTU in NationalCommission fora by providing financialassistance to support OHS coordination units andconsultation among constituents. The grants areadministered under contracts that make progresspayments dependent on achievement againstperformance indicators linked to the NationalCommission’s priorities. A total of $400,000 wascommitted to 1998–99 resource grant contracts.

National OHS Improvement FrameworkIn November 1998 the then LMC endorsed thedevelopment of a National OHS PreventionStrategy as one of five priorities for the NationalCommission. During the development process,the term ‘National OHS Improvement Framework’was adopted to clarify the intent of thedocument.

The National Commission agreed that theNational OHS Improvement Framework will:

• describe infrastructure requirements whichsupport improved OHS outcomes, and thebroad strategic directions to be pursued toaddress those requirements;

• identify high level goals and targets forperformance improvement and will containappropriate activity reporting mechanisms; and

• outline a process for the development of ameasurable national target or targets.

It is anticipated that the National OHSImprovement Framework will be put to the WRMCfor its consideration out of session in September1999.

Parliamentary and Ministerial ActivitiesInternal procedures were developed andimplemented throughout the Office of theNational Commission to facilitate timely deliveryof parliamentary and ministerial briefings andcorrespondence in the required format. Sixty percent of replies to ministerial correspondencewere provided to the Department of Employment,Workplace Relations and Small Business within aweek of request. The Minister for Employment,Workplace Relations and Small Business was

34

provided with briefings on National Commissionand NICNAS matters as necessary. Record-keeping processes were improved, with theintroduction of electronic registers forministerial correspondence, ministerial briefsand parliamentary questions on notice, andbetter organisation of registry and electronicfiles.

Privacy and Freedom of InformationCompliance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cwlth)was supported through provision of informationto staff on the Privacy Principles and theirapplication within the Office of the NationalCommission. This led to several follow-upinquiries from staff in data collection areaswhich were satisfactorily resolved. Improvementswere also made to internal arrangementsaffecting privacy in the human resources area,for example, ensuring the confidentiality of payslip information.

Three inquiries were received that had freedomof information aspects, but all three wereresolved without a formal process. The NationalCommission was the first agency or departmentto utilise the Attorney-General’s Department’snew online reporting system for freedom ofinformation statistics, providing its 1998–99mandatory return through the Attorney-General’sDepartment’s secure web site.

The National Commission’s statement undersection 8 of the Freedom of Information Act 1982(Cwlth) is at Appendix 7.

Year 2000 Compliance and Contingency PlanningA strategy and action schedule were developedand implemented to ensure a consistent, timelyand measurable approach to achieving year 2000compliance. Quarterly reports were provided ontime to the Office of Government Online. Reportswere also provided to each meeting of the Auditand Evaluation Committee.

By the end of May 1999, 68 per cent of theOffice of the National Commission’s business-critical systems were compliant, 27 per cent werebeing tested or upgraded, and five per centremained under assessment. Contingencyplanning to cover internal system failure or


external disruption due to year 2000 issues was50 per cent complete by the end of May 1999.Year 2000 clauses were included in contractsfrom November 1998 and existing suppliers wereasked to advise on their year 2000 readiness.

Over 90 per cent of internal systems areexpected to be compliant by August 1999 andcontingency planning should also be completedby August. Estimated expenditure involved inaddressing year 2000 issues is $55,500.




Program Area 5 had 10 staff at 30 June 1999

program area 5—providing an effect ive nat ional forum36

a r e aprogram6


Description of Program AreaThis program area develops, implements andmonitors the provision of corporate services tothe Office of the National Commission. It doesthis within the context of government-widerequirements and policies.

The objectives of this program area are to:

• support the implementation of AustralianPublic Service reforms and the Office of theNational Commission’s Certified Agreement;

• meet statutory requirements; and

• provide corporate support and informationsystems to the other program areas (includingProgram Areas 7 and 8 on a cost recoverybasis).

The program area is regarded as an internalsupport area and contributes in equal proportionto the delivery of outputs by the NationalCommission’s major program areas.

Performance

Staff Services

Staffing Profile

There were 136 staff employed within theorganisation at 30 June 1999. Informationconcerning the diversity of the workforce ispresented later in this chapter and full details ofthe staffing profile are available at Appendix 2.

Senior Staff Movements

The following changes occurred in seniormanagement positions during 1998–99:

• Mr Alan Rowe was appointed as CEO on 17December 1998 to replace Ms Helen L’Orangefollowing the conclusion of her term ofappointment;

• Mr Jim Moore was appointed as Director,Prevention Strategies and Facilitation Branchand commenced duty on 20 July 1998;

• Ms Helene Orr was selected to act as Director,National Forum and Information Branchfollowing the resignation of Ms Ruth Campbellfrom the position on 10 January 1999; and

• Mr Mark Collins has, since 20 July 1998, beenattached to the Executive Section working toprovide senior executive assistance inprogressing priority work of the NationalCommission.

A review of the senior executive structure andresponsibilities was undertaken late in the yearand a revised structure was developed. This wasaimed at aligning senior executiveresponsibilities and branch functions moreclosely with the National Commission’s prioritiesas endorsed by the then LMC. It is expectedthat, with recruitment action being taken in theclosing stages of 1998–99, the new structurewill be in place and operational early in1999–2000.

Accommodation Strategy

The current lease on accommodation for theOffice of the National Commission expires inNovember 2000. It was decided earlyinvestigation of the options for accommodationbeyond that date was necessary to maximiselocation opportunities and identify the mostappropriate locations to reduce the currentexcessive lease at the earliest possible time.

During 1998–99 broad cost parameters weredeveloped for a fit-out and possibly a change inlocation, and a medium term budget strategywas developed. A strategy to addressaccommodation requirements beyond 2000 wasdeveloped and work is being undertaken in two

Program Area 6Improving Organisational Infrastructureand Measuring Corporate Performance

program area 6—improving organisat ional inf rast ructure and measur ing corporate performance

stages. The first stage, that of identifying futureaccommodation needs, was tendered in April1999. This work will be concluded in August1999. The second stage, that of assessing theNational Commission’s accommodation options,based on future space requirements, andnegotiating a new lease agreement, will becompleted in the latter part of 1999. It isexpected that negotiations for a new lease willbe finalised by June 2000 and the majority offit-out work completed in 2000-01.

Property Management

Comcare Australia reviewed its accommodationneeds in July 1998 and reduced the amount ofspace being sublet from the Office of theNational Commission from 1,100 square metresto 335.7 square metres. As a result of this, someminor fit-out work was undertaken to allow anaccommodation realignment for the Office of theNational Commission.

Following the initial disposal of excess assets in1997–98, additional laboratory, computer andphotographic assets were identified as excess in1998–99 and the majority of this equipment wasdisposed of by the end of June 1999.

Considerable work has been carried out on year2000 compliance issues with the majority ofbuilding and service utilities being assessed andupgraded as necessary by the end of June 1999(see Program Area 5).

Review of Internal Policies

A priority activity for Program Area 6 during thelatter part of 1998–99 was the review, updateand development of a comprehensive set ofinternal policies and procedures. These policiesand procedures are to provide all staff withguidance and advice about meeting the Office ofthe National Commission’s accountability andoperational requirements, particularly thoserequired by the National Commission, thosereflecting our responsibilities as aCommonwealth agency and those provided for inthe Certified Agreement. Policies requiringdevelopment and/or implementation wereidentified and work commenced in this area.

40

Those policies with mandatory and recommendedgovernment requirements were given a highpriority for review and development. This workwill continue into 1999–2000.

Finance

Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June1999 have been prepared on an accrualaccounting basis to conform to the requirementsfor the preparation of Financial Statementsunder the Commonwealth Authorities andCompanies Act 1997 (Cwlth) issued by theMinister for Finance and Administration. TheFinancial Statements appear at Appendix 1.

During 1998–99, as part of the 1999–2000Budget process, a new Portfolio BudgetStatement format was used, containinginformation on resourcing of the NationalCommission’s outcomes and outputs. TheNational Commission’s outcomes and outputswere developed within the overall framework forthe Employment, Workplace Relations and SmallBusiness portfolio and in accordance with theAustralian Public Service Portfolio BudgetStatement Guidelines issued by the Departmentof Finance and Administration.

Key changes included:

• an outcomes and outputs framework forfinancial and non-financial reporting;

• full accrual financial statements; and

• mapping of the National Commission’soutcomes to the program structure reported inprevious Portfolio Budget Statements.

A new financial and accounting informationsystem was implemented during 1998–99.Efforts were concentrated on implementing thesystem processing modules to ensure accurateand reliable accounting and managementinformation.

Reports were provided to each meeting of theExecutive Committee on financial performance,human resources and the work programs.


• advertising or publicity activities; and

• breach of duty.

General liability and professional indemnitycover is provided to the National Commission asan organisation.

Directors’ and officers’ liability insurance wastaken out for the first time following removal of the Commonwealth Government’s policy ofnon-insurance in this area (previously theCommonwealth met directors’ and officers’liability costs, except in specifiedcircumstances). Under the CommonwealthAuthorities and Companies Act 1997,Commonwealth authorities are not permitted toinsure against liabilities arising throughdirectors’ or officers’ acting in bad faith,willfully breaching their duty or makingimproper use of inside information or position.Accordingly, the National Commission’sdirectors’ and officers’ insurance covers legalcosts incurred that do not involve any of theseactions. Directors’ and officers’ liabilityinsurance is provided to National Commissionmembers with any previous or pending liabilityclaims against individual members having to bereported to Comcover. This insurance also coversNational Commission officers (defined as thoseinvolved in management of the Office of theNational Commission) who are not individuallyindemnified.

Information Technology

Provision of information technology services tothe Office of the National Commission has beenoutsourced since 1996. In September 1998 anew contract was negotiated with the currentservice provider, CIC Technology. A survey ofstaff undertaken in August 1998 indicated thatover 75 per cent of staff were satisfied with theservice provided.

During 1998–99:

• electronic dissemination of information to keystakeholders increased;

Internal Audit

An internal audit completed in July 1998focused on receipts and payments, bankaccounts, general ledger and human resourcemanagement. Audit recommendations wereimplemented during the year.

In May 1999 Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu wasappointed as the National Commission’s newinternal auditor, following a select tenderprocess. The tender process was undertaken toensure that the National Commission’s internalauditing needs over the next three years couldbe met. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu began acomplete risk assessment, prior to developmentof a three-year internal audit plan, and beganwork on a new fraud control plan. The three-year internal audit plan will be focused onassessment of the effectiveness, efficiency,integrity and appropriateness of internalorganisation, operations, procedures andpractices.

Liability Insurance

In 1998-99 the National Commission took outthree types of liability insurance with theCommonwealth Government’s new insurable riskmanaged fund, Comcover. These were:

• General Liability—$10 million on any oneclaim;

• Professional Indemnity—$5 million on anyone claim and in the aggregate; and

• Directors’ and Officers’ Liability—$10 millionon any one claim and in the aggregate.

The annual premium for these covers was$11,458. For a claim to be paid, Comcover mustbe notified within 30 days of the NationalCommission’s becoming aware of an action orpossibility of an action against it.

General liability and professional indemnitycover claims arising from:

• personal injury;

• damage to, loss of, or inability to use,personal property;


• a self-paced computer learning package forstaff was introduced. The package, coveringthe four most widely-used softwareapplications, was installed on standalonecomputers and also networked;

• staff guidelines were developed andimplemented to ensure proper use of theInternet and e-mail facilities; and

• a review of document management optionsand practices began.

The Information Technology Reference Group,which comprises representatives of each branchand the information technology service provider,met 11 times during 1998–99. The InformationTechnology Reference Group developedrecommendations on information technologypolicies and procedures, resolved a wide rangeof practical information technology issues andmade suggestions that led to improvements inthe service and information available. Forexample, additional information, includingminutes of Information Technology ReferenceGroup meetings, was disseminated to staffthrough an electronic bulletin board. TheInformation Technology Reference Group wasinstrumental in the introduction of the self-paced computer learning package and promotionof the package.

The Office of the National Commission soughtassistance with the development of aninformation technology strategic plan through aselect tender process in April 1999. Theinformation technology strategic plan will aimto deliver a medium term framework forinformation technology development linked tothe National Commission’s business needs andoperations. Selection and commencement of thepreferred tenderer is expected early in1999–2000.

Implementation of the CertifiedAgreement

The first Certified Agreement made by theNational Commission under the WorkplaceRelations Act 1996 (Cwlth) to cover the termsand conditions of employment of the National

42

Commission’s staff was certified by theAustralian Industrial Relations Commission on 7 October 1998.

The Certified Agreement was developed havingregard to the government’s policy parameters foragreement making within the Australian PublicService, and was designed to facilitate theworking arrangements necessary to maximiseopportunities to achieve the NationalCommission’s strategic directions during the lifeof the Certified Agreement. The mainachievements gained through the CertifiedAgreement are discussed in the Chief ExecutiveOfficer’s Overview.

Progress made on implementing the keyelements of the Certified Agreement included:

• focusing attention on the importance of staff,their capabilities and performance in thecontext of a continuous improvementenvironment in achieving the goals of theNational Commission’s strategic plan;

• adopting the new Australian Public Serviceclassification structure through the CertifiedAgreement. No broadbanding of classificationsoccurred;

• developing, trialling and implementing aperformance management system. This isdiscussed in detail under its own heading; and

• revised consultative arrangements with staffwere put in place. This is discussed in detailbelow under Participative Work Practices.

Performance Management

The Certified Agreement provided for aperformance management program, whichrequires all staff to enter into performanceagreements. The progression of staff throughthe pay points within a salary range is tied tosatisfactory performance against the agreed keyresult areas. A pilot of the performancemanagement program, which was developed inconsultation with staff, ran from 3 May 1999until 31 July 1999. Following an evaluation ofthe pilot, a 12 month trial will commence inOctober 1999.


All staff and supervisors participated in atraining program to support agreementdevelopment and performance assessment,consisting of three half-day sessions. It isintended that the work done in the performancemanagement program will be integrated withboth the business planning process and thetraining and development elements of thehuman resource development strategy.

Participative Work Practices

Consistent with the provisions of the WorkplaceRelations Act 1996 (Cwlth), the Office of theNational Commission established under theterms of its Certified Agreement a ConsultativeCommittee comprising management, union andstaff elected representatives. This committeecomplements a wide range of less formalconsultative mechanisms, such as section andbranch meetings, at which staff are encouragedto participate in raising and discussing issuesthat affect their working lives. This committeereplaced a number of committees whichpreviously existed to consider a range of staff-related issues.

The Consultative Committee has meetings atleast quarterly, is resourced to allow foreffective participation of the representatives,and is provided with timely information relevantto the matters being considered. The committeemet five times during 1998–99. Standing itemson the agenda included OHS, informationtechnology, organisational information such asstaffing and establishment, and work programissues. The committee progressed theimplementation of a staff performancemanagement system, with agreement reached onthe operational policy, guidelines andimplementation schedule for the system.

OHS

The Occupational Health and Safety Committeemet four times during 1998–99. Workplaceinspections by Health and SafetyRepresentatives were undertaken regularly andreports were provided to the committee.

Committee activities included:

• a consideration of the OHS issues associatedwith information technology equipment andwork processes;

• initiation of the review of the structure andcomposition of the Occupational Health andSafety Committee;

• initiation of the redrafting of the existing OHSAgreement to reflect changes arising from theCertified Agreement; and

• initiation of the development of a new bestpractice OHS plan as a high priority toaddress, among other things, regularergonomic assessments of workstations andlayout and appropriate training for all staff,regular eye-sight testing and improvedincident reporting and response timeframes.

It was decided that the latter three items wouldbe progressed through a consultancy. Theconsultant’s report and recommendations areexpected to be available by the end of August1999.

The Office of the National Commission had onereported incident, under section 68 of theOccupational Health and Safety (CommonwealthEmployees) Act 1991 (Cwlth), of an accident ordangerous occurrence during 1998-99. The matter was internally investigated, and investigation under Part 4 of the Act was not required.

Quarterly reports on OHS performance wereprovided to the Executive Committee.

Employee Assistance Program

The Office of the National Commission providesand pays for a counselling service for staffthrough the Access Program. This serviceprovides assistance on workplace issues,relationships, alcohol and drug use, financialdifficulties and other problems that may affectstaff performance. In 1998–99, 8.6 per cent ofstaff used this service compared to 8.8 per centin 1997–98.




* These figures are cash based and include staffoverheads and indirect costs for the wholeorganisation.


44

a r e aprogram7


Description of Program AreaNICNAS was established in 1990 under theIndustrial Chemicals (Notification andAssessment) Act 1989 (Cwlth). NICNAS is astatutory scheme with staff and support servicesprovided by the National Commission on a fullcost recovery basis (see Corporate Overview).

The objective of this program area is toestablish the scientific basis for safe chemicaluse by assessing industrial chemicals for theiroccupational, public health and/orenvironmental effects, through the efficient andeffective administration of the Act andmaintenance of high quality scientificassessment standards which meet the needs ofthe Australian community.

PerformancePerformance information for this program areacan be found in the publication 1998–99 AnnualReport on the Operation of the IndustrialChemicals (Notification and Assessment) Act1989.


Revenue generated* $3,736,415†


† Includes $3,693,160 paid into theConsolidated Revenue Fund and returned to theNational Commission through specialappropriation under the National OccupationalHealth and Safety Commission Act 1985 (Cwlth).


Program Area 7Chemical Assessment

program area 7—chemical assessment48

a r e aprogram8


Description of Program AreaThe objective of this program area is toestablish the scientific basis for safe use ofagricultural and veterinary chemicals byensuring that high quality risk assessment andadvice on OHS considerations is available to theNational Registration Authority for Agriculturaland Veterinary Chemicals (NRA) and other keystakeholders.

An assessment and technical policy adviceservice is provided to the NRA under amemorandum of understanding. These activitiesare undertaken on a full cost recovery basis.

Assessment activities are carried out todetermine worker exposure and risk during themanufacture, formulation and use of agriculturaland veterinary products in Australia. Two typesof assessment are undertaken, ProductRegistration and Chemicals Review. Under theProduct Registration Program, OHS assessmentsare conducted for a range of registrationcategories. The Chemicals Review Program iscomprised of the Existing Chemicals ReviewProgram (ECRP) and the Special Review Program.Under the ECRP, currently registered chemicalsare systematically and comprehensively reviewedto ensure that they continue to meetcontemporary standards of safety andperformance. The Special Review Programaddresses priority OHS concerns relating toexisting products.

Another key activity is the development and useof best practice assessment methodology. Tothis end, guidelines and assessment reportspublished by overseas regulatory authoritiessuch as the United States EnvironmentalProtection Agency, California Environmental

Protection Agency and the United KingdomMinistry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food areexamined. To reduce unnecessary duplication ofassessments, appropriate and availableassessment reports from such regulatoryauthorities are utilised within the OHSassessments.

Performance

Product Registration Program

In 1998–99 all agricultural and veterinaryproduct submissions requiring an OHS evaluationwere prescreened weekly for completeness ofOHS data. Streamlining measures within theProduct Registration Program reduced therequirement for attendance at the NRA forprescreening activities to 58 per cent of totalprescreenings required.

A total of 97 submissions were received forassessment and 144 assessments werecompleted. The number of assessments receivedexceeded the target for the Product RegistrationProgram. In addition, some 105 submissions forboth agricultural and veterinary products werecarried over from 1997–98. Streamlining reformsimplemented during 1998–99 resulted incompletion of all submissions carried over from1997–98. Tables 5 and 6 provide information onthe numbers and main categories of submissionsreceived for assessment and completed in1998–99 for agricultural and veterinary productsrespectively.

Recommendations arising from the OHSassessment were accepted by the NRA for allsubmissions under the Product RegistrationProgram.

Program Area 8 Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals

program area 8—agricultura l and veter inary chemicals52

Assessment Category

End use products with new active constituent

4 3 2 2 4 2 1 8

End use products with registered active constituent

6 4 7 7 7 11 8 8

Extension of use 5 4 2 4 2 9 2 5

Form change 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 2

Change in safety directions 0 1 1 3 0 0 0 0

Supplementary data 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1

Permit 6 3 4 17 4 7 4 1

Total 22 17 17 35 19 30 17 25

Second QuarterFirst Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter

Rece

ived

Rece

ived

Rece

ived

Rece

ived

Finali

sed

Finali

sed

Finali

sed

Finali

sed

Assessment Category

End use products with new active constituent

2 4 1 1 1 3 0 2

End use products with registered active constituent

3 2 3 3 4 6 0 3

Extension of use 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Form change 0 1 0 1 1 2 0 0

Change in safety directions 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Supplementary data 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Permit 6 2 0 5 0 2 1 0

Total 11 9 4 10 6 13 1 5

Second QuarterFirst Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter

Table 5—Agricultural chemical submissions received and finalised under the Product RegistrationProgram in 1998–99*

* Note: Numbers completed exceed the numbers received as applications were carried over from 1997–98 (see text)

Table 6—Veterinary chemical submissions received and finalised under the Product RegistrationProgram in 1998–99*

* Note: Numbers completed exceed the numbers received as applications were carried over from 1997–98 (see text)

Rece

ived

Rece

ived

Rece

ived

Rece

ived

Finali

sed

Finali

sed

Finali

sed

Finali

sed

The streamlining reforms carried out under theProduct Registration Program included:

• the proposal to the NRA to eliminate therequirement for provision of MSDS as part ofthe OHS data package for new hazardousactive constituents and products handled byAustralian workers; and

• provision of assessment reports to applicantsin order to enable the inclusion of accurateinformation in MSDS.

Such reforms are expected to reduce the burdenon industry and enhance the efficiency andeffectiveness of the Product RegistrationProgram.


Chemicals Review Program

Existing Chemicals Review Program

In 1998–99 OHS reviews were completed for fourchemicals in the second cycle of the ECRP,namely monocrotophos, fenitrothion,chlorfenvinphos and chlorpyrifos. Reviews ofdiazinon and dichlorvos were approachingcompletion, with further input required from theNRA and other agencies.

The size and complexity of ECRP reviews varysignificantly, with some considered relativelystraightforward, for example, chlorfenvinphosand fenitrothion, and others larger and morecomplex, for example, chlorpyrifos and diazinon.Factors that determine the size and complexityof an ECRP OHS review include:

• the number of registered products for aparticular chemical;

• their use pattern(s);

• available exposure data;

• the degree to which exposure modelling isrequired, particularly in the absence ofmeasured exposure data;

• the requirement for gathering additionalinformation through field trips and liaisonwith other sources, such as departments ofagriculture and grower groups, to determinewhether there have been significant changesin use since original registration; and

• the provision of additional data by industryafter completion of the initial draft report.

Miscellaneous factors that affected the progressof ECRP reviews in 1998–99 included:

• the receipt of supplementary data forassessment following completion of thefenitrothion review in June 1998;

• dependence on outputs and advice from otheragencies forming an essential component ofthe OHS assessment (this factor particularlyinfluences when an assessment can begin);and

• agreement with the NRA on changed prioritiesto enable the NRA to meet its target—as aresult, the diazinon review was suspendedfrom November 1998 to February 1999.

Several OHS concerns and recommendationsarising from ECRP reviews were consistent withconcerns and recommendations of overseasregulatory agencies. For example, the OHSrecommendations for parathion-methyl weresupported by the United States EnvironmentalProtection Agency re-registration eligibilitydecision for methyl parathion.

Post-assessment work

The Office of the National Commission hadalready completed the review of five chemicalsunder the ECRP as follows: mevinphos inDecember 1996, atrazine in March 1997,endosulfan in May 1997, and parathion-ethyland parathion-methyl in July 1997.

In 1998–99 post-assessment activities wereundertaken for all these chemicals. Activitiesconsisted primarily of consideration of protocolsfor worker exposure studies, which arose as aresult of the review outcomes. Associatedactivities included provision of OHS advice tothe NRA and registrants and representation to,and for, the NRA. In addition, assessment ofsupplementary data was undertaken forfenitrothion. Figure 5 indicates the total timespent on post-assessment activities for thesechemicals in 1998–99.

program area 8—agricultura l and veter inary chemicals

Nomination of chemicals for the ECRP

The Office of the National Commissionreconsidered the ECRP Priority Candidate ReviewList of chemicals and nominated chemicalsbased on OHS considerations and in accordancewith agreed criteria. These chemicals will beconsidered by the NRA for inclusion in futureECRP cycles.

Special Review Program

In 1998–99 activity under the NRA SpecialReview Program comprised the provision ofassessment advice to the NRA on threechemicals, namely olaquindox, tridemorph androbenidine.

Technical and Policy Advice andRepresentation

The Office of the National Commission heldmembership of the Agricultural and VeterinaryChemicals Policy Committee and itssubcommittee the Working Party for theImplementation of the National Strategy for theManagement of Agricultural and VeterinaryChemicals. Program 8 officers also representedthe Office of the National Commission in thefollowing fora: the Data Protection WorkingGroup chaired by the Commonwealth Department

54

of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, NRAInternational Steering Group, Inter AgencyCoordination Committee, Registration LiaisonCommittee, Australia New Zealand RegistrationManagement Committee, ECRP Steering Groupand the NRA Steering Committee for the Reviewof Sheep Ectoparaciticides.

In the area of international harmonisation ofassessment methodology, input on relevantactivities was provided through the NRASteering Committee on InternationalRegistration Issues.

The NRA Steering Committee for the Review ofSheep Ectoparaciticides reviewed the protocolfor conducting a risk assessment of sheepectoparasiticides in 1998–99. This groupconsists of representatives from the Office ofthe National Commission, the NRA, the woolindustry, the chemicals industry, CSIRO WoolTechnology and the New South WalesDepartment of Agriculture. The review wasundertaken to examine new scientificinformation on wool properties. The newprotocol being developed will be used by theOffice of the National Commission in conductinga health risk assessment of sheepectoparasiticide products. Guidelines based onthe protocol are also being developed for theuse of manufacturers of ectoparaciticideproducts to facilitate the supply of appropriatedata for review.

In 1998–99 the OHS section of the NRAGuidelines for Registering Agricultural Chemicalsand equivalent guidelines for veterinarychemicals was finalised. These guidelines aredesigned to assist the chemical industry inpreparing data submissions for evaluation by the NRA and relevant Commonwealth agencies.The guidelines are published by the NRA.





0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

■ Total post assessment hours

endo

rsul

fan

mev

inph

ospa

rath

ion-

ethy

lpa

rath

ion-

met

hyl

feni

trot

hion

atra

zine

Figure 5—Comparative post-assessment activitiesfor first cycle ECRP chemicals in 1998–99

appendixes


Financial Statements for 1998-99

Append i x 1

appendix 1—financia l statements for 1998-9958


NATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMISSIONSTATEMENT BY COMMISSION MEMBERS

In our opinion, the attached financial statements give a true and fair view of the matters required by Schedule 2 of the Finance Minister’s Orders made under the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997.

D. Else A. Rowe Chairman Chief Executive Officer31 August 1999 31 August 1999


NATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMISSIONOPERATING STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 1999

Notes 1999 1998$ $

NET COST OF SERVICESOperating expenses

Employees 4 8,544,026 7,401,107 Suppliers 5 7,119,268 6,979,260 Depreciation and amortisation 6 394,976 564,790 Write-down of assets 7 46,617 476,630 Grants 8 473,350 829,672 Net losses from sale of assets - 7,598

Total operating expenses 16,578,237 16,259,057

Revenues from independent sources 9Sales of goods and services 1,080,305 1,202,453 Interest 307,395 188,489 Net gains from sale of assets - 1,178 Other 351,644 495,514

Total revenues from independent sources 1,739,344 1,887,634

Net cost of services 14,838,893 14,371,423

REVENUES FROM GOVERNMENTParliamentary appropriations received 10 15,683,160 18,498,849

Total revenues from government 15,683,160 18,498,849

Surplus of revenues from government over net cost of services 844,267 4,127,426

Accumulated surpluses (deficits) at beginning of reporting period 3,147,432 (1,380,912)Aggregate of amounts transferred from statutory fund 15 103,689 400,918

Accumulated surpluses at end of reporting period 4,095,388 3,147,432

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.


NATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMISSIONSTATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS AT 30 JUNE 1999

Notes 1999 1998$ $

PROVISIONS AND PAYABLESEmployees 11 2,258,102 2,036,105 Suppliers 12 1,657,416 2,634,037 Other 13 136,552 142,759

Total provisions and payables 4,052,070 4,812,901

Total liabilities 4,052,070 4,812,901

EQUITY 14Statutory fund 15 192,294 295,983 Accumulated surpluses 4,095,388 3,147,432 Asset revaluation reserve 3,044,381 2,994,078

Total equity 7,332,063 6,437,493

Total liabilities and equity 11,384,133 11,250,394

FINANCIAL ASSETSCash 16 7,271,119 7,299,651 Receivables 17 17,145 52,880

Total financial assets 7,288,264 7,352,531

NON-FINANCIAL ASSETSInfrastructure, plant and equipment 18A,B 3,728,412 3,745,770 Other 18C 367,457 152,093

Total non-financial assets 4,095,869 3,897,863

Total assets 11,384,133 11,250,394

Current liabilities 2,256,494 2,154,980 Non-current liabilities 1,795,576 2,657,921 Current assets 7,655,721 7,504,624 Non-current assets 3,728,412 3,745,770



NATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMISSIONSTATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 1999

Notes 1999 1998$ $

OPERATING ACTIVITIESCash received

Appropriations 15,683,160 18,498,849 Sales of goods and services 1,074,538 1,093,900 Interest 307,395 188,489 Other 386,928 451,386

Total cash received 17,452,021 20,232,624

Total cash usedEmployees 8,303,812 7,595,210 Suppliers 8,343,398 7,069,865 Grants 473,350 829,672

Total cash used 17,120,560 15,494,747

Net cash from operating activities 19 331,461 4,737,877

INVESTING ACTIVITIESCash received

Proceeds from sales of infrastructure, plant and equipment - 8,190

Total cash received - 8,190

Total cash usedPurchase of infrastructure, plant and equipment 359,993 65,868

Total cash used 359,993 65,868

Net cash from investing activities (359,993) (57,678)

Net increase (decrease) in cash held (28,532) 4,680,199 add cash at 1 July 7,299,651 2,619,452

Cash at 30 June 7,271,119 7,299,651



NATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMISSIONSCHEDULE OF COMMITMENTS AS AT 30 JUNE 1999

1999 1998$ $

BY TYPE

CAPITAL COMMITMENTSPlant and equipment - -

Total capital commitments - -

OTHER COMMITMENTSOperating leases 1 5,079,367 8,155,218Other commitments 2 151,155 173,760

Total other commitments 5,230,522 8,328,978

Total commitments payable 5,230,522 8,328,978

Commitments receivable - -

Net commitments 5,230,522 8,328,978

BY MATURITY

All net commitmentsOne year or less 3,604,390 3,421,255 From one to two years 1,443,496 3,423,004 From two to five years 182,636 1,484,719 Over five years - -

Net commitments 5,230,522 8,328,978

Operating lease commitmentsOne year or less 3,453,235 3,247,495 From one to five years 1,626,132 4,907,723

Operating lease commitments 5,079,367 8,155,218

1 Operating leases are effectively non-cancellable and comprise leases for office accommodation,computers, office equipment and motor vehicles.

2 Other commitments comprise amounts payable under grant agreements in respect of which therecipient is yet to either perform the services required or meet eligibility conditions.



NATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMISSIONSCHEDULE OF CONTINGENCIES AS AT 30 JUNE 1999

1999 1998$ $

CONTINGENT LOSSESLegal claims 1 200,000 -

Total contingent losses 200,000 -

CONTINGENT GAINS - -

Net contingencies 200,000 -

1 The amount represents an estimate of the Commission's exposure based on advice.The Commission is defending the matters.

SCHEDULE OF UNQUANTIFIABLE CONTINGENCIESAt 30 June 1999, there were no known unquantifiable contingencies.



NATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMISSIONNOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 1999

Note Description

1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies2 Segment Reporting3 Economic Dependency4 Employee Expenses5 Suppliers Expenses6 Depreciation and Amortisation7 Write-down of Assets8 Grants Expense9 Revenue from Independent Sources

10 Parliamentary Appropriations Received11 Liabilities to Employees12 Liabilities to Suppliers13 Other Provisions and Payables14 Equity15 Statutory Fund: Research Fund16 Cash17 Receivables18 Non-Financial Assets19 Cash Flow Reconciliation20 Remuneration of Auditors21 Trust Money 22 Remuneration of Commission Members 23 Remuneration of Officers24 Related Party Disclosures25 Financial Instruments


NATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMISSIONNOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 1999

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1.1 Basis of accounting

The financial statements are a general purpose financial report.

They have been prepared in accordance with Schedule 2 to Orders issued by the Finance Minister under the CommonwealthAuthorities and Companies Act 1997.

The financial statements have been prepared• in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards, other authoritative pronouncements of the Accounting Standards

Boards (Accounting Guidance Releases) and the Consensus Views of the Urgent Issues Group, and• having regard to Statements of Accounting Concepts.

The financial statements have been prepared on an accrual basis and are in accordance with historical cost convention,except for certain assets which, as noted, are at valuation. Except where stated, no allowance is made for the effect ofchanging prices on the results or on the financial position.

1.2 Property, plant and equipment

Purchases of property, plant and equipment are recognised initially at cost in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities,except for purchases costing less than $1,000 or $2,000 for leasehold improvements, which are expensed in the year ofacquisition (other than where they form part of a group of similar items which are significant in total). The thresholdswere selected because it facilitates efficient asset management and recording without materially affecting asset valuesrecognised.

Schedule 2 requires that property, plant and equipment be progressively revalued in accordance with the ‘deprival’ methodof valuation no later than 1 July 1999 and thereafter be revalued progressively on that basis every three years.

The Commission has implemented its progressive revaluations to 1 July 1999 as follows:• leasehold improvements were revalued in full at 30 June 1998;• other infrastructure, plant and equipment assets have been revalued over the financial years 1997-98 and 1998-99, by

type of asset. In 1997-98 the Commission’s library was revalued at 30 June 1998 (previous policy under historical costwas to expense library materials in the year of acquisition), with all other assets revalued in full at 30 June 1999.

Assets in each class acquired after the commencement of the progressive revaluation cycle are reported at cost for theduration of the progressive revaluation then in progress.

As noted above, library materials were revalued at 30 June 1998 and brought to account as infrastructure, plant andequipment during that year for the first time. In previous years library materials were expensed in the year of acquisition.The capitalisation of library materials represents a change in accounting policy. The change in accounting policy wasadopted to comply with Schedule 2 to Orders issued by the Finance Minister under the Commonwealth Authorities andCompanies Act 1997.

As disclosed in Note 18, the initial valuation of library materials at 30 June 1998 was $2,994,078. The change inaccounting policy also led to an increase in the operating surplus for 1998-99 of $136,425 ($235,629 capitalisedacquisitions less $99,204 depreciation) and a corresponding increase in infrastructure, plant and equipment as at 30 June1999.

The application of the deprival method values assets at their depreciated replacement cost. Any assets which would notbe replaced or are surplus to requirements have been written off (refer Note 7) or, where material, are valued at netrealisable value; at 30 June 1999 there were no material assets in this situation.

All valuations are independent.

Depreciable property plant and equipment assets are written off to their estimated residual values over their estimateduseful lives to the Commission using, in all cases, the straight line method of depreciation. Leasehold improvements areamortised on a straight line basis over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the improvements or the unexpired periodof the lease.

Depreciation/amortisation rates (useful lives) and methods are reviewed annually and necessary adjustments arerecognised in the current, or current and future reporting periods, as appropriate. Residual values are re-estimated for achange in prices only when assets are revalued.


Depreciation and amortisation rates applying to the Commission’s infrastructure, plant and equipment assets are as follows:

1999 1998Leasehold improvements Lease term Lease termInfrastructure, plant and equipment - excluding library materials 5 to 10 years 5 to 10 yearsInfrastructure, plant and equipment - library materials 50 years Expensed prior

to initial valuation

The aggregate amount of depreciation allocated during the reporting period is disclosed in Note 6.

1.3 Liability for Employee Entitlements

The liability for employee entitlements encompasses provisions for annual leave and long service leave. No provision hasbeen made for sick leave as all sick leave is non-vesting and the average sick leave taken by employees is less than theannual entitlement for sick leave.

The provision for annual leave reflects the value of total annual leave entitlements of all employees at 30 June 1999 andis recognised at its nominal value.

The liability for long service leave is recognised and measured at the present value of the estimated future cash flows tobe made in respect of all employees at 30 June 1999. In determining the present value of the liability, attrition rates andpay increases through promotion and inflation have been taken into account.

1.4 Taxation

The Commission is exempt from all forms of taxation except fringe benefits tax.

1.5 Cash

For the purpose of the Statement of Cash Flows, cash includes cash on hand, deposits held at call with banks, and cashheld by other entities on behalf of the Commission.

1.6 Leases

Operating lease payments are charged to the Operating Statement on a basis which is representative of the pattern ofbenefits derived from the leased assets. The net present value of future net outlays in respect of the surplus space undernon-cancellable lease agreements is expensed in the period in which the space becomes surplus.

1.7 Bad and doubtful debts

Bad debts are written off to expense during the year in which they are identified, to the extent they have not previouslybeen provided for. A provision is raised for doubtful debts based on a review of all outstanding receivables at the yearend.

1.8 Revenue

Appropriation revenue is recognised at the time the Commission becomes entitled to receive the revenue.

Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised upon the delivery of goods to customers. Interest revenue is recognised ona proportional basis taking into account the interest rates applicable to the financial assets.

Revenue from the rendering of a service is recognised by reference to the stage of completion of contracts. The stage ofcompletion is determined according to the proportion that costs incurred to date bear to the estimated total costs of thetransaction.

1.9 Financial instruments

Accounting policies in relation to financial instruments are disclosed in Note 25.

1.10 Comparative figures

Where necessary, comparative figures have been adjusted to conform with changes in presentation in these financialstatements.

1.11 Changes in accounting policies

Changes in accounting policy have been identified in this note under their appropriate headings.


2. SEGMENT REPORTING

The Commission is responsible for leading national efforts in occupational health and safety in Australia. It is thereforeconsidered for segmental reporting to operate predominantly in one industry and within one geographical location.

3. ECONOMIC DEPENDENCY

The Commission is dependent on appropriations from the Commonwealth Parliament for its continued existence and abilityto carry out its normal activities.

4. EMPLOYEE EXPENSES

1999 1998$ $

Basic remuneration for services provided 8,444,724 7,189,163Separation and redundancies - 104,398

Total remuneration 8,444,724 7,293,561Other employee related expenses 99,302 107,546

8,544,026 7,401,107

The separation and redundancies expense represents the redundancy entitlements of officers declared excess and isrecognised at its nominal value. The redundancy entitlements are in accordance with the redeployment, retirement andredundancy provisions of the APS General Employment Conditions Award 1995.

The Commission contributes to the Commonwealth Superannuation (CSS) and the Public Sector Superannuation (PSS)schemes which provide retirement, death and disability benefits to employees. Contributions to the schemes are at ratescalculated to cover existing and emerging obligations. Contribution rates during 1998-99 are 18.9% (18.9% 1997-98) ofsalary (CSS) and 10.1% (10.1% 1997-98) of salary (PSS). An additional 3% is contributed for employer productivity benefits.

5. SUPPLIERS EXPENSES

1999 1998$ $

Supply of goods and services 4,835,473 4,400,091Operating lease rentals 2,283,795 2,059,408Operating lease rentals – surplus space - 519,761

7,119,268 6,979,260

6. DEPRECIATION AND AMORTISATION

1999 1998$ $

Depreciation and amortisation of infrastructure, plant and equipment 394,976 564,790

7. WRITE-DOWN OF ASSETS

1999 1998$ $

Financial assets:Receivables for goods and services - 425

Non financial assets:Infrastructure, plant and equipment – revaluation decrement - 293,905Infrastructure, plant and equipment – write-off 46,617 182,300

46,617 476,630


8. GRANTS EXPENSE

1999 1998$ $

Non profit institutions:Research Grants 119,224 424,673Resource Grants 354,126 390,000Training Grants - 5,000

Grants to profit making entities (non-Commonwealth):Development Grants - 9,999

473,350 829,672

9. REVENUE FROM INDEPENDENT SOURCES

1999 1998$ $

Revenue arising from operating activities:Sales of goods 43,205 4,323Rendering of services 1,011,379 1,158,464Royalties 25,721 39,666Other revenues:

Industry contributions - 10,282Other 30,987 20,704

Revenue arising from outside operating activities:Interest 307,395 188,489Net gains from sale of assets - 1,178Other revenues

Rent (sub-lease revenue) 127,432 310,011Other 193,225 154,517

1,739,344 1,887,634

10. PARLIAMENTARY APPROPRIATIONS RECEIVED

1999 1998$ $

Appropriation Act No. 1 11,990,000 15,630,000National Occupational Health and Safety Commission Act 1985 3,693,160 2,868,849

15,683,160 18,498,849

The amount appropriated under the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission Act (NOHSC Act) 1985 relates tochemical assessment fees and company registration charges paid into the Commonwealth Consolidated Revenue Fundunder the Industrial Chemicals (Notification and Assessment) Act 1989 (IC(NA) Act).

11. LIABILITIES TO EMPLOYEES

1999 1998$ $

Aggregate employee entitlement liability:Salaries and wages 172,088 136,363Annual Leave 816,090 739,322Long Service Leave 1,269,924 1,160,420

2,258,102 2,036,105


12. LIABILITIES TO SUPPLIERS

1999 1998$ $

Trade creditors 311,819 320,384Operating lease rentals – surplus lease space 1,345,597 2,313,653

1,657,416 2,634,037

The liability for surplus lease space represents the total expected outlay over the remaining term of the lease for thesurplus space, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease, net of probable sub-lease revenue.

13. OTHER PROVISIONS AND PAYABLES

1999 1998$ $

Prepayments received 136,552 142,759

14. EQUITY

Item Accumulated Statutory Asset revaluation Totalresults fund reserve Equity

1999 1998 1999 1998 1999 1998 1999 1998$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

Balance 1 July 1998 3,147,432 (1,380,912) 295,983 696,901 2,994,078 - 6,437,493 (684,011)

Surplus 844,267 4,127,426 - - - - 844,267 4,127,426

Revaluation increase - - - - 50,303 2,994,078 50,303 2,994,078

Transfers from statutoryfund 103,689 400,918 (103,689) (400,918) - - - -

Balance 30 June 1999 4,095,388 3,147,432 192,294 295,983 3,044,381 2,994,078 7,332,063 6,437,493

The revaluation increase in the Asset Revaluation Reserve comprises: 1999 1998$ $

• Revaluation increment – infrastructure, plant and equipment 50,303 2,994,078

The Asset Revaluation Reserve contains unrealised gains from the revaluation of the Commission’s library at 30 June 1998and the revaluation of other infrastructure, plant and equipment assets at 30 June 1999.


15. STATUTORY FUND: RESEARCH FUND

Pursuant to section 58 of the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission Act 1985 there is a fund vested in theCommission known as the National Occupational Health and Safety Research Fund.

The activity of the Fund involves the provision of grants for purposes relating to research into occupational health andsafety matters.

Details concerning the Research Fund are as follows:

1999 1998$ $

Balance at beginning of year 295,983 696,901Less Aggregate of amounts transferred from statutory fund 103,689 400,918

Balance at end of year 192,294 295,983

Aggregate of amounts transferred from statutory fund comprises:

Research grants paid 119,224 424,673Less: Grants and subsidies received - 5,000Interest received 10,103 18,253Grant refunds 5,432 502

103,689 400,918

Monies held in the Fund are maintained in a separate bank account and are included in the statement of Financial Position.

Research Fund Commitments

Amounts committed in respect of approved grants are payable as follows:

1999 1998$ $

Not later than one year 76,155 163,760

16. CASH

1999 1998$ $

Research Fund 192,294 295,983General operations 7,078,825 7,003,668

7,271,119 7,299,651

Balance of cash as at 30 June shown in the Statement of Cash Flows 7,271,119 7,299,651

Cash includes cash on hand, deposits held at call with banks, and cash held by other entities on behalf of the Commission.


17. RECEIVABLES

1999 1998$ $

Goods and services 17,645 53,880Provision for doubtful debts (500) (1,000)

17,145 52,880

Included in the above are receivables overdue by:Less than 30 days 1,325 22530 to 60 days 315 390More than 60 days - 5,987

1,640 6,602

18. NON-FINANCIAL ASSETS

1999 1998$ $

18A. Infrastructure, plant and equipment

Infrastructure, plant and equipment – at cost 300,391 1,012,856Accumulated depreciation and amortisation (5,570) (663,928)

294,821 348,928

Infrastructure, plant and equipment – at 1986 valuation - 8,900Accumulated depreciation - (7,583)

- 1,317

Infrastructure, plant and equipment – at June 1998 valuation 6,414,844 6,414,844Accumulated depreciation and amortisation (3,282,841) (3,019,319)

3,132,003 3,395,525

Infrastructure, plant and equipment – at June 1999 valuation 734,300 -Accumulated depreciation (432,712) -

301,588 -

Total infrastructure, plant and equipment 3,728,412 3,745,770

The revaluation of infrastructure, plant and equipment assets at 30 June 1999 in accordance with the revaluation policies stated at Note 1 was completed by an independent valuer S. Courtney (AAPI) of the Australian Valuation Office. A revaluation increment of $50,303 (1997-98 $2,994,078) was transferred to the asset revaluation reserve.

The infrastructure, plant and equipment assets at June 1998 valuation relate to the Commission’s library $2,899,587(1997-98 $2,994,078) and leasehold improvements $232,416 (1997-98 $401,447).


18B. Analysis of infrastructure, plant and equipment

TABLE AMovement summary 1998-99 for all assets irrespective of valuation basis

Item Infrastructure Total Property TotalPlant & Plant &

Equipment Equipment$ $ $

Gross value as at 1 July 1998 7,436,600 7,436,600 7,436,600Additions 373,932 373,932 373,932Revaluations (94,325) (94,325) (94,325)Disposals - - -Write-offs (266,672) (266,672) (266,672)

Gross value as at 30 June 1999 7,449,535 7,449,535 7,449,535

Accumulated depreciation/amortisation as at 1 July 1998 3,690,830 3,690,830 3,690,830

Depreciation/amortisation charge for assets held 1 July 1998 386,702 386,702 386,702

Depreciation/amortisation charge for additions 8,274 8,274 8,274

Adjustment for revaluations (144,628) (144,628) (144,628)

Adjustment for write-offs (220,055) (220,055) (220,055)

Accumulated depreciation/amortisation as at 30 June 1999 3,721,123 3,721,123 3,721,123

Net book value as at 30 June 1999 3,728,412 3,728,412 3,728,412

Net book value as at 1 July 1998 3,745,770 3,745,770 3,745,770

TABLE BSummary of balances of assets at valuation as at 30 June 1999

Item Infrastructure Total Property TotalPlant & Plant &

Equipment Equipment$ $ $

As at 30 June 1999

Gross value 7,149,144 7,149,144 7,149,144Accumulated depreciation / amortisation (3,715,553) (3,715,553) (3,715,553)

Net book value 3,433,591 3,433,591 3,433,591

As at 30 June 1998

Gross value 6,423,744 6,423,744 6,423,744Accumulated depreciation / amortisation (3,026,902) (3,026,902) (3,026,902)

Net book value 3,396,842 3,396,842 3,396,842

18C. Other Non-Financial Assets1999 1998

$ $

Prepayments 367,457 152,093


19. CASH FLOW RECONCILIATION

Reconciliation of net cash flows from operating activities to net cost of services.

1999 1998$ $

Net cost of services (14,838,893) (14,371,423)Revenues from government 15,683,160 18,498,849

Operating surplus 844,267 4,127,426

Depreciation and amortisation of infrastructure, plant and equipment 394,976 564,790Infrastructure, plant and equipment – revaluation decrement - 293,905Write down of assets 46,617 182,300Net losses from sale of assets - 7,598Net gains from sale of assets - (1,178)Changes in assets and liabilities

(Increase) / decrease in receivables 35,735 (19,705)(Increase) / decrease in prepayments made (222,899) (42,925)Increase / (decrease) in employee provisions 221,997 (200,875)Increase / (decrease) in liability to trade creditors (14,969) 143,514Increase / (decrease) in liability for surplus lease space (968,056) (230,820)Increase / (decrease) in prepayments received (6,207) (86,153)

Net cash provided by operating activities 331,461 4,737,877

20. REMUNERATION OF AUDITORS

Remuneration paid or payable to the Australian National Audit Office for the financial year for auditing the financialstatements of the Commission. No other services were provided by the Australian National Audit Office during thereporting period.

1999 1998$ $

22,000 23,000

21. TRUST MONEY

The Commission maintains a special bank account to account for monies held on behalf of other parties for variouspurposes. These monies are not available for the operations of the Commission and are not recognised on the financialstatements.

1999 1998$ $

Balance at 1 July 47,975 46,535Interest Received 1,392 1,440

Balance 30 June 49,367 47,975


22. REMUNERATION OF COMMISSION MEMBERS

1999 1998$ $

Aggregate amount of superannuation payments in connection with the retirement of members 15,453 862

Other remuneration received or due and receivable by members of the Commission 161,915 169,036

Total remuneration 177,368 169,898

Number of Commission members included in the above figures are shown in their respectiveincome bands:

Number1999 1998

$Nil 18 23$20,000 to $29,999 - 1$30,000 to $39,999 1 -$50,000 to $59,999 1 -$80,000 to $89,999 1 -$140,000 to $149,999 - 1

The only members who receive remuneration from the Commission are the occupants of the positions of Chairman andChief Executive Officer. Remuneration excludes, where applicable, payments for leave entitlements accrued in priorperiods.

23. REMUNERATION OF OFFICERS

1999 1998$ $

Total remuneration received or due and received byofficers whose remuneration exceeded $100,000 472,442 261,491

Number of officers included in the above figures are shown below in the relevant income bands:

Number1999 1998

$100,000 to $109,999 2 -$120,000 to $129,999 1 1$130,000 to $139,999 1 1

The officer remuneration includes all officers concerned with or taking part in the management of the Commission during1998-99 with the exception of the Chief Executive Officer. Details in relation to the Chief Executive Officer have beenincorporated into Note 22 - Remuneration of Commission Members.


24. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

Details of persons who were members of the Commission at any time during the financial year and their related entitiesare as follows:

Chairman Prof. D Else National Commission, University ofBallarat, SA WorkCover Corporation, NSW Dept of Mineral Resources

Chief Executive Officer Mr Alan Rowe National Commission(appointed 17 Dec. 1998)

Ms H L’Orange National Commission(term completed 3 Dec. 1998)

Australian Council of Trade Unions(ACTU) Mr A Cooke Trades & Labour Council of WA

Mr W Mansfield ACTU

Mr P Tighe Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing & Allied Services Union of Australia

Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ACCI) Mr. D Frith SA Employers Chamber of Commerce

& Industry

Mr. B Noakes ACCI

Dr. S Tepe SHE Pacific Pty Ltd.

State/Territory Representatives

New South Wales Mr. J Grayson WorkCover Authority of NSW

Victoria Mr. A Lindberg Victorian WorkCover Authority

Queensland Mr. C Thatcher Dept of Training & Industrial Relations(resigned 7 May 1999)

South Australia Mr. K Brown SA WorkCover Corporation

Western Australia Mr. N Bartholomaeus WorkSafe Western Australia(resigned 20 Jan. 1999)

Mr. B Bradley WorkSafe Western Australia (appointed 31 March 1999)

Tasmania Mr. G O’Farrell Department of Infrastructure,Energy & Resources

Northern Territory Ms S Mulholland Northern Territory Work Health(resigned 30 March 1999) Authority

Mr. B Cavanagh Northern Territory Work Health(appointed 31 March 1999) Authority

Australian Capital Territory Ms J Plovits ACT WorkCover

Commonwealth Representatives

Minister for Employment, Workplace Mr. R Stewart-Crompton Department of Employment, WorkplaceRelations & Small Business Relations & Small Business

Minister for Health & Aged Care Ms E Furler Department of Health & Aged Care


Transactions with member related entities

The aggregate amounts brought to account in respect of the following types of transactions with member related entities were:

1999 1998$ $

Transaction Type Members ConcernedCommission Expenses:

Resource Grant A Cooke, W Mansfield, P Tighe (ACTU) 175,000 195,000

Resource Grant D Frith, B Noakes, S Tepe (ACCI) 179,127 195,000

Training Grant D Frith, B Noakes, S Tepe (ACCI) - 5,000

Services provided D Frith, B Noakes, S Tepe (ACCI) 75,000 125,000

Services provided Prof. D Else (University of Ballarat) 2,625 -

Scholarship sponsorship Prof. D Else (University of Ballarat) 12,500 -

Services provided C. Thatcher (Qld Dept of Training & Industrial Relations) 8,910 -

Services provided J Grayson (WorkCover Authority NSW) - 11,105

Receipts:

Grant refund D Frith, B Noakes, S Tepe (ACCI) 1,574 -

Chemical assessments (net) S Tepe 31,200 21,480and Company Registration (SHE Pacific Pty Ltd)(1998)

The above transactions with member related entities were made in accordance with the Commission'snormal approval and payment processes. In relation to Resource Grants, the membersconcerned took no part in the relevant decisions of the Commission.

In addition, the Commission entered into various transactions which were insignificant in amount with member related entities within normal customer relationships on terms and conditions no more favourable than those available in similar arm's length dealings:

1999 1998$ $

Payments for goods and services 4,788 9,979


25. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

(a) Terms, conditions and accounting policies

Financial Instrument Notes Accounting Policies and Methods Nature of underlying instrument(including recognition criteria and (including significant terms &measurement basis) conditions affecting the amount,

timing and certainty of cash flow)

Financial assets

Cash deposits 16 Deposits are recognised at their Temporarily surplus funds, mainly fromnominal amounts. Interest is credited drawdowns of appropriations, areto revenue as it accrues. placed on deposit with the

Commission’s banker. Interest is earned on the daily balance at the prevailing rate and is paid at month end.

Receivables for goods 17 These receivables are recognised at Credit terms are net 30 days (1997-98:& services the nominal amounts due less any 30 days).

provision for bad and doubtful debts. Provisions are made when collection of the debt is judged to be less rather than more likely.

Financial Liabilities

Trade Creditors 12 Creditors and accruals are recognised Settlement is usually made net 30 days. at their nominal amounts, being the amounts at which the liabilities will be settled. Liabilities are recognised to the extent that the goods or services have been received (and irrespective of having been invoiced).

(b) Interest Rate Risk

Financial Notes Floating Interest Non-Interest Total Weighted AverageInstrument Rate Bearing Effective Interest Rate

98-99 97-98 98-99 97-98 98-99 97-98 98-99 97-98$ $ $ $ $ $ % %

Financial Assets(Recognised)

Cash deposits 16 7,262,619 7,286,428 - 4,723 7,262,619 7,291,151 4.0 3.7Cash on hand 16 - - 8,500 8,500 8,500 8,500 n/a n/aReceivables for goods and services 17 - - 17,145 52,880 17,145 52,880 n/a n/a

Total FinancialAssets (Recognised) 7,262,619 7,286,428 25,645 66,103 7,288,264 7,352,531

Total assets 11,384,133 11,250,394

Financial Liabilities(Recognised)

Trade creditors 12 - - 311,819 320,384 311,819 320,384 n/a n/a

Total Financial Liabilities(Recognised) - - 311,819 320,384 311,819 320,384

Total Liabilities 4,052,070 4,812,901


(c) Net Fair Values of Financial Assets and Liabilities

Total Aggregate Total Aggregatecarrying net fair carrying net fairamount Value amount value

98-99 98-99 97-98 97-98Note $ $ $ $

Financial Assets

Cash deposits 16 7,262,619 7,262,619 7,291,151 7,291,151Cash on hand 16 8,500 8,500 8,500 8,500Receivables for goods and services 17 17,145 17,145 52,880 52,880

Total Financial Assets 7,288,264 7,288,264 7,352,531 7,352,531

Financial Liabilities (Recognised)

Trade creditors 12 311,819 311,819 320,384 320,384

Total Financial Liabilities 311,819 311,819 320,384 320,384(Recognised)

Financial assets

The net fair values of cash deposits and non-interest-bearing monetary financial assets approximate their carryingamounts.

None of the classes of financial assets are readily traded on organised markets in standardized form.

Financial liabilities

The net fair value of trade creditors is approximated by its carrying amount.

None of the classes of financial liabilities are readily traded on organised markets in standardized form.

(d) Credit Risk Exposures

The Commission’s maximum exposures to credit risk at reporting date in relation to each class of recognised financialassets is the carrying amount of those assets as indicated in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

The Commission has no significant exposures to any concentration of credit risk.

appendix 2—staff ing at 30 june 199980

Table 1—Number of staff employed (includes NICNAS, Public Service Act and National Occupational Health and Safety Commission Act)

30 June 1997 123 staff members



Table 2—Categories of staff

Male Female Total

Statutory Officers 2 (1) 1 3 (1)

Senior Executives 2 2 4

Medical Officers 2 - 2

Executive Level 2 11 9 20

Executive Level 1 16 (1) 18 (1) 34 (2)

APS Level 6 9 (1) 16 (1) 25 (2)

APS Level 5 4 (1) 6 (1) 10 (2)

APS Level 4 5 12 (1) 17 (1)

APS Level 3 2 (1) 4 6 (1)

APS Level 2 3 (1) 11 14 (1)

APS Level 1 1 (1) - 1 (1)

Total 57 (7) 79 (4) 136 (11)

Part-time staff appear in brackets and are included in, and are not additional to, other figures.

Staffing at 30 June 1999

Append i x 2


Table 3—Employment status of staff

Male Female Total

Permanent staff 53 73 126

Temporary staff 2 5 7

Statutory office holders 2 1 3

Total 57 79 136

Table 4—Membership of equal employment opportunity groups

Male Female Total

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people - 3 3

People from a non-English speaking background 11 25 36

People with a disability 6 4 10

appendix 3—organisat ions used for advert is ing, market research and media p lacement82

Company Description Cost ($) Date

TMP Worldwide NOHSC—Corporate identity 1, 750.00 August issueThe Quality Magazine

TMP Worldwide NICNAS—Chrysotile public comment 1,695.12 10–11 The Weekend Australian October

TMP Worldwide NICNAS—Public comment on polymers 1,684.88 14–15 of low concern criteria NovemberThe Weekend AustralianDynamic Small Business

TMP Worldwide BEP—Small business 357.25 DecemberRestaurants and Caterers JanuaryQueensland supplement

TMP Worldwide NICNAS—Priority Existing Chemicals nominations 1,680.88 12–13 The Weekend Australian DecemberDaily Commercial News

TMP Worldwide NICNAS—Corporate identity 2811.94 February–Dynamic Small Business March issue

AIS Media NOHSC and NICNAS 12,000.00 15 FebruaryThe Australian OHS supplement

AIS Media BEP—Web site 739.75 JuneCOSBOA Small Business at Work

AIS Media NICNAS—Corporate identity 2409.75 JuneCOSBOA Small Business at Work

AIS Media NICNAS—CD ROM and handbook 2154.75 JulyAustralian Paint and Ink Industry Yearbook 1999

AIS Media NICNAS—Corporate identity 1285.00 11 MayASBA Small Business Enterprise

AIS Media NOHSC—Certification standard tender 1099.21 22 MayThe Australian

Organisations used for Advertising,Market Research and Media Placement

Append i x 3


Company Description Cost ($) Date

AIS Media NICNAS—AICS draft guidelines 220.00 4 JuneFremantle Herald

AIS Media NICNAS—AICS draft guidelines 126.30 16 JuneRockhampton Capricorn Local News

AIS Media NICNAS—AICS draft guidelines 158.35 16 JuneRockhampton The Morning Bulletin

AIS Media NICNAS—AICS draft guidelines 130.75 16 JuneWollongong Advertiser

AIS Media NICNAS—AICS draft guidelines 157.45 9 JuneWilliamstown Advertiser

AIS Media NICNAS—AICS draft guidelines 259.45 9 JuneHobsons Bay Times

AIS Media NICNAS—AICS Draft Guidelines 699.22 12 JuneBrisbane Courier Mail

Total 31,420.05

appendix 4—new consultancies84

New Consultancies

Append i x 4

During 1998–99, 39 new consultancies valued at $2,000 or more were commissioned by the NationalCommission, totalling $1,274,110. Details of these are provided in the table below.

Consultant/Project Reason Publicly $Advertised

Alan Platcher & Associates 3 No 9,000Identification of potential tenderers for the development of an interactive NDS database for web site

Alan Platcher & Associates 3 No 5,000Develop new contract with information technology service provider

Alan Platcher & Associates 3 No 36,300 Accrual accounting

Allette Systems (Australia) Pty Ltd 1 & 3 Select 9,586Develop and produce the Australian Inventory of tenderChemical Substances in CD ROM format

Australian Valuation Office 4 No 5,820Assist with the valuation of the National Commission’s assets

Bruce Rowe & Associates 5 No 9,400NICNAS Organisation Development Program

Bryan Bottomley & Associates 3 Select 25,375Assist the National Commission’s stakeholders develop tendera response to Standards Australia’s development of an occupational health and safety management system specification standard

Colleen Harris 1 & 3 Select 30,750Update national Certification Assessment Instruments tender

Coverdale & Associates 3 & 5 Select 36,000Develop Performance Management Program guidelines tenderand forms, provide training and evaluate pilot implementation

David J Foreman & Associates 1 & 3 Select 39,320National guidance and quality assurance materials for VET tender

David Rumsey & AssociatesIdentify implications for OHS prevention associated with 1 & 3 Select 38,300 arrangements under New Apprenticeships, including its tenderimplementation in schools and literature review

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu 4 Select 29,725Internal audit services tender



Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu 2 & 3 Select 97,500Develop business plan and associated processes and tenderdevelop human resources development strategy

First Principles for Business Sustainability 3 Select 28,800Construction industry project tender

Foote, Cone & Belding 3 Select 146,261National Community OHS Awareness Raising Strategy tender

Glynis Burnett 1 & 3 No 3,290The provision of thesaurus building expertise in order to progress the development of the Australian OHS Thesaurus

Gunningham and Associates 3 Select 15,650Review of OHS legal requirements for selected obligation tenderbearers with OHS responsibility for safe design

Gunningham and Associates 3 Select 23,950Review of literature and current practices to help tenderdetermine the major motivators and influences towards behaviours associated with good OHS by CEOs, business owners and supervisors

John Borig & Associates 3 Select 24,000Refine draft of the National Code of Practice for the tenderStorage and Handling of Dangerous Goods and aspects of national standard

Ident Brand Design 1 & 3 Select 13,500To design/produce the 1998–99 NICNAS annual report tender

Learning Dimension Network Pty Ltd 3 & 5 No 5,600To design and deliver Customer Management and Service Strategy training

National Institute of Labour Studies—Prof M Wooden 3 Select 19,850Literature review of publications analysing the tenderrelationship between OHS outcomes and firm productivity and recommendations for further study

New Horizon Co 3 Select 9,504Construction industry project tender

Niki Ellis & Associates Pty Ltd 5 Select 3,600To facilitate the national strategy meeting held at tenderthe National Commission 18-19 January 1999

Niki Ellis & Associates Pty Ltd 1 & 3 Select 22,200Update Guidance Note for the Development of tenderTertiary Level Courses for Professional Education in Occupational Health and Safety

appendix 4—new consultancies86


Pacific Bridge Pty Ltd 2 & 3 No 45,085Develop national solutions framework and contribute to finalisation of OHS pilot for the Comparative Performance Measurement Project

Quay Connection 1 & 3 Select 99,500Integrated marketing and communications strategy tender

Dr Richard Johnstone 3 Select 5,000Provide expert legal input to project on statutory OHS tenderobligations of franchisors and franchisees

Shaw-Idea Pty Ltd 1 & 3 Select 6,000Identification of issues and possible remedies tenderassociated with improving OHS authorities’ recognition of OHS integration into VET sector training—literature review

Shaw-Idea Pty Ltd 1 & 3 Select 18,000Identification of issues and possible remedies tenderassociated with improving OHS authorities’ recognition of OHS integration into VET sector training

Shaw-Idea Pty Ltd 1 & 3 Select 19,200Integration of OHS competencies into management tendercompetencies—including review of the Frontline Management Initiative

Shaw-Idea Pty Ltd 3 Select 9,504Construction industry project tender

Sydney University, BEACH project 1 No 100,000To provide access to data on presentations to general practitioners

Technology Initiative Pty Ltd 1 & 3 Select 13,300NICNAS database development tender

Technology Initiative Pty Ltd 1 No 100,000Production of the new chemicals database and tracking system

University of Western Australia SelectReview of crystalline silica occupational exposure standard 3 tender 80,000

Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine 3 No 20,000National Coronial Information System

WithImagination Pty Ltd 1 Select 41,000Development of an interactive NDS database for web site tender

Workability 3 Select 29,240Construction industry project tender

TOTAL 1,274,110

Note: The above represents amounts commissioned. Payments to consultants are made accordingto the provisions of the consultancy which may be over more than one financial year.


Reason/justification for engaging consultancy services:

1. Need for rapid access to the latest technology and experience in its application.

2. Limitations on executive time.

3. Lack of in-house resources.

4. Need for independent study.

5. Need for a change agent or facilitator.

appendix 5—discret ionary grants88

Discretionary Grants

Append i x 5

The ACTU and ACCI play a major role in the forums of the National Commission and in the promotionof OHS among employers and employees. The Resource Grants Scheme facilitates their participationin the tripartite consultative processes of the National Commission, through support for OHScoordination units and consultation among constituents. $400,000 was awarded under the ResourceGrants Scheme in 1998–99.

Organisation $ AmountAwarded*

ACTU 200,000

ACCI 200,000

TOTAL 400,000

* Payment may be made over more than one financial year


Legislation/Regulations

Append i x 6

Details of legislation and regulations—and relevant amendments—administered by the NationalCommission are listed below:

Acts Date of Assent

National Occupational Health and Safety Commission Act 1985 27 May 1985

Amendments to the above Act are indicated below:

National Occupational Health and Safety Commission Amendment Act 1989 7 March 1989

Banking Legislation Amendment Act 1989 7 November 1989

Industrial Relations Legislation Amendment Act (No. 2) 1990 18 December 1990

Industrial Relations Legislation Amendment Act 1991 27 June 1991

Prime Minister and Cabinet Legislation Amendment Act 1991 18 December 1991

Industrial Relations Legislation Amendment Act (No. 2) 1992 24 December 1992

Industrial Relations Legislation Amendment Act (No 2) 1994 15 December 1994

Industrial Relations and other Legislation Amendment Act 1995 16 December 1995

Statute Law Revision Act 1996 25 October 1996

Industrial Chemicals (Notification and Assessment) Amendment Act 1997 30 June 1997

Audit (Transitional and Miscellaneous) Amendment Act 1997 24 October 1997

Industrial Chemicals (Notification and Assessment) Act 1989 17 January 1990

Amendments to the above Act are indicated below:

Industrial Relations Legislation Amendment Act (No. 2) 1991 30 May 1991

Industrial Relations Legislation Amendment Act 1991 27 June 1991

Industrial Relations Legislation Amendment Act (No. 3) 1991 15 January 1992

Industrial Chemicals (Notification and Assessment) Amendment Act (No. 2) 1991 30 June 1992

Industrial Chemicals (Notification and Assessment) Amendment Act (No. 2) 1992 24 December 1992

Statute Law Revision Act 1996 25 October 1996

Industrial Chemicals (Notification and Assessment) Amendment Act 1997 30 June 1997

Regulations Date of Proclamation

National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (Allowances) Regulations 20 December 1985

National Occupational Health and Safety Commission Regulations 7 August 1992*

National Occupational Health and Safety Commission Regulations (Amendment) 1 April 1993

* Date of effect 24 December 1992

appendix 7—statement under sect ion 8 of the f reedom of information act90

EstablishmentThe National Occupational Health and Safety Commission is a statutory corporation, established onan administrative basis in October 1984 by the then Minister for Employment and IndustrialRelations. The National Occupational Health and Safety Commission Act 1985 (Cwlth) (the Act), wasproclaimed on 20 December 1985.

The objects of the establishment of the National Commission as set out in the Act are:

• the development among the members of the community of an awareness of issues relevant to OHSmatters and the facilitation of public debate and discussion on such issues;

• the provision, in the public interest, of the forum by which representatives of the Government ofthe Commonwealth, the Government of the States and of the employers and employees mayconsult together in, and participate in the development and formulation of, policies and strategiesrelating to OHS matters; and

• the provision of a national focus for the activities relating to OHS matters.

OrganisationThe National Commission is an 18 member tripartite body established by the CommonwealthGovernment. In addition to an independent Chairperson and the CEO, it is comprised of thenominees of the peak employee and employer bodies—the Australian Council of Trade Unions andthe Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry—as well as the Commonwealth, State andTerritory governments.

The National Commission is advised by the tripartite committees and subcommittees it hasestablished, with terms of reference covering specific areas of the National Commission’s functions.

The staff required to assist the National Commission in performance of its functions are employedunder the Public Service Act 1922 (Cwlth). Under section 55 of the Act, the National Commission mayalso engage such additional employees as it thinks necessary for the performance of its functions.

The staff and Office of the National Commission are located in Sydney.

FunctionsThe functions of the National Commission, as stated in section 8 of the Act are:

(a) to formulate policies and strategies relating to occupational health and safety matters;

(b) to consider, and to make recommendations in relation to, the action that should be taken by,and to facilitate co-operation between, the Government of the Commonwealth, theGovernments of the States, employers, persons engaged in occupational activities andorganizations of employers or of persons engaged in occupations on occupational health andsafety matters;

Statement under Section 8 of theFreedom of Information Act

Append i x 7


(c) to consider, and to make recommendations in relation to, the action (if any) that needs to betaken by Australia in order to comply with the provisions of any international instrumentrelating to occupational health and safety matters;

(d) to review laws and awards relating to occupational health and safety matters;

(e) to consider, and to make recommendations in relation to, proposals for the making of laws andawards relating to occupational health and safety matters;

(f) to declare national standards and codes of practice;

(g) to encourage and facilitate the implementation of:

(i) policies and strategies formulated by the National Commission;

(ii) recommendations made by the National Commission with respect to the taking of action orthe making or review of laws or awards; and

(iii) national standards and codes of practice;

(h) to evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of:

(i) policies and strategies formulated by the National Commission;

(ii) action taken as a result of the recommendations of the National Commission;

(iii) laws and awards made or reviewed as a result of the recommendations of the NationalCommission; and

(iv) national standards and codes of practice;

(j) to act as a means of liaison between Australia and other countries or internationalorganizations in occupational health and safety matters;

(k) to collect, interpret and disseminate information relating to occupational health and safetymatters;

(m) to direct the conduct of inquiries in respect of occupational health and safety matters inaccordance with Part VII;

(n) to publish reports, periodicals and papers relating to occupational health and safety matters;

(p) to provide, and assist in the provision of, training in knowledge and skills relevant tooccupational health and safety matters;

(q) to conduct educational and promotional programs relevant to occupational health and safetymatters;

(r) to consult and co-operate with other persons, organizations and governments on occupationalhealth and safety matters;

(s) to make grants of financial assistance for purposes relating to occupational health and safetymatters;

(t) to carry out, arrange for, or assist testing of matters and things relevant to occupationalhealth and safety matters;

(ta) by arrangement with particular employers, to carry out, arrange for, or assist in the evaluationof occupational hazards in places of work;


(u) to carry out, arrange for, or assist research on occupational health and safety matters;

(v) to encourage and facilitate the application or utilization of the results of that research ortesting;

(w) to establish and award fellowships and scholarships for training in the knowledge and skillsrelevant to, and for research on, occupational health and safety matters;

(x) to administer the Fund;

(y) to plan and establish the organization that will be required to enable the National Commissionto perform functions that the Minister, from time to time, declares are proposed to beconferred on the National Commission by or pursuant to an arrangement or law, or a proposedarrangement or law, of the kind referred to in subsection (2);

(z) of its own motion or when requested by the Minister to do so, to report to the Minister on anymatter arising in the course of the performance of its functions; and

(za) to do anything incidental to or conducive to the performance of any of the precedingfunctions.

PowersThe National Commission may declare, by writing, national standards and codes of practice relatingto OHS. These national standards and codes of practice are advisory instruments.

The National Commission may constitute committees as it considers necessary. Committees, withapproval of the National Commission, may establish expert working groups.

The National Commission may engage consultants and determine the terms and conditions of theirengagement.

The National Commission may initiate grants of financial assistance for research, education andtraining in relation to OHS.

The National Commission is empowered to charge such fees for its services as it may determine.

The National Commission may direct public inquiries to be conducted on specific OHS matters. Forthe purpose of conducting an inquiry, the National Commission may appoint a commissioner andadvisers, determine the commissioner’s terms and conditions of appointment and terminate suchappointment at any time. A commissioner so appointed has a number of powers, for example, apower to administer an oath or an affirmation, summons witnesses, inspect documents produced tothe commissioner and retain possession of these documents as long as necessary. While inquiriesshall generally be held in public, a commissioner may direct that an inquiry or part of the inquirytake place in private and give directions prohibiting the publication of evidence.

More generally, the National Commission may require persons to furnish information or producedocuments relating to a matter relevant to its functions and may retain any such documents for aslong as necessary. The National Commission may disseminate or publish such information subject toadvising the person who provided the information and considering any objections the person mightwish to make.

The National Commission may delegate any of the above powers.


Categories of Documents The following are the major categories of documents held by the National Commission:

Papers of tripartite bodies—Reports, agendas, discussion and information papers and minutes ofmeetings relating to, or the product of, the National Commission, its committees, subcommitteesand working groups.

Policy documents—Documents relating to the provision of advice and recommendations to theMinister and the Chairman of the National Commission and the development of policy in relation tothe performance of the National Commission’s functions, including policy documents prepared forthe National Commission, its committees, subcommittees or working groups.

Internal administration documents—Documents relating to the organisation, operation andadministration of the office of the National Commission, including personnel records, financialrecords, documents relating to staffing, office procedures and instructions, and financial and otherdelegations, guidelines for awards and grants and other handbooks, manuals or guidelines foradministrative use.

Correspondence and submissions—Documents from external sources making representations orseeking assistance, and related internal working documents and replies from the Office of theNational Commission. Documents originating within the Office of the National Commission seekinginformation from, or providing advice to, external agencies or individuals.

Reference documents—The National Commission maintains the national reference Library on OHS.The Library’s collection includes legislation, legal reports, monographs, journals and press cuttingsand other published works on OHS.

Publications—The National Commission, over the years of its operation, has published a variety ofbrochures, newsletters, research papers, committee and working party reports, standards, technicalreports, guidelines and training and educational material. The current publications are available forpurchase at the Government Info Shops.

Arrangements for Outside ParticipationThe National Commission comprises members nominated by the ACTU, ACCI and Commonwealth andState and Territory governments. The members are appointed by the Governor-General.

The committees of the National Commission are tripartite and include representatives ofgovernments, the ACTU and the ACCI. Professional organisations and community groups are alsoincluded on some committees.

Before declaring a national standard or code of practice, the National Commission must invitepersons to make representations in connection with the proposed national standard or code ofpractice. The National Commission must consider any representations and may then alter thenational standard or code of practice if it thinks fit.


Procedures and Initial Contact PointRequests for access to documents should be made inwriting and posted to:The DirectorNational Forum and Information BranchNational Occupational Health and Safety CommissionGPO Box 58SYDNEY NSW 2001

Attention: Freedom of Information Officer

Initial inquiries concerning access to documents oramendment of personal records should be directed tothe Freedom of Information Officer by mail at theabove address or by telephone (02) 9577 9555


The contact officer for this annual report and additional information is:

The DirectorNational Forum and Information BranchNational Occupational Health and Safety CommissionGPO Box 58SYDNEY NSW 2001

Telephone: (02) 9577 9555Facsimile: (02) 9577 9202

Contact Officer

Append i x 8

contact off icer96


Letter of transmission/Certification, iii

Table of contents, v

Alphabetical index, 98

Compliance index, 103

Glossary, xxx

Enabling legislation and responsible minister, xi, 88-90

Information on directors, xii-xix

Audit Committee, xvii, 33-34

Indemnities and insurance premiums for officers, 39

Corporate overview, xx

Organisational chart, xxix

Social justice and equity, xxiii

Internal and external scrutiny, xxii, 38, 39

Industrial democracy, 40

Occupational health and safety, 41

Program performance report, xx, 3, 9, 15, 27, 33, 37, 45, 49

Financial statements, 55-77

Staffing overview, xx, xxi, 78, 79

Advertising and market research, 80, 81

Consultancy services, xxiii, 82-85

Discretionary grants, 86

Legislation/regulations impacting on business, 87

Freedom of information, 88, 92

Contact officer for enquiries, 93

Review of operations and future prospects, vii, ix, xx, xxiv, 33-42

Year 2000, x, 33

Compliance with Annual ReportRequirements and Guidelines

subject index98

Abbreviations, xxxi

ABC television, 17

Accidents, 43, see also work-related diseases, injuries and fatalities

Accommodation strategy, ix, xxii, 39-40

Advertising, 82-83

Agricultural and veterinary chemicals, xxviii-xxix, xxx, 51-54description of program area, 51NRA guidelines, 54performance, 51-54product submissions/assessment, xxviii-xxix, xxx, 51-53product registration, see Product Registration Programresources utilised, 54review programs, xxviii, xxix, 51, 53-54technical and policy advice and representation, 54

Agricultural work, fatalities in, 4, see also Fatalities

Asbestos-related diseases, 5, 17, see also Mesothelioma

Asian-Pacific Newsletter on Occupational Health and Safety, 15

Audit, xvii, xxii, 41, 57-58

AusInfo, xxvi, 16

Australian Bibliographic Network, 15

Australian Council of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), xi, 4, 18, 19, 34, 90, 93

Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), xi, 4, 34, 90, 93

Australian Industrial Relations Commission, 42

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 30

Australian Public Service classification structure, 42

Australian Workplace and Industrial Relations Survey, viii

Bartholomaeus, Neil, xv, xvii

Bettering the Evaluation and Care of Health Project, 30

Bradley, Brian, xiv, xvi, xvii, xxx

Brown, Keith xiv, xvi, xvii, xviii, xxx

Budget process, 40

Business planning project, xxii

Butler, Sheila, xvi

Campbell, Ruth, 39

Cavanagh, Stanley (Bob), xv, xvi, xvii, xxx

Certified Agreement, ix, xxii, 39, 40, 42, 43

Chemical assessment, xx, xxi, xxviii-xxix, xxx, 47, 51-53of agricultural and veterinary chemicals, see Agricultural and veterinary chemicalschemicals review, see Chemicals review programs

Subject Index


description of program area, 47performance, 47policy, xxviiiproduct registration, xxviii, xxix, see also Product Registration Programresources utilised, 47See also NICNAS

Chemical classification systems, 22

Chemicals review programs, xxviii, xxix, 51, 53-54

Christensen, Sten, xxx

CIC Technology, 41

Codes of practice, see National standards and codes of practice

Collins, Mark, xxx, 39

Comcare Australia, 40

Comcover, 41

Committee structure, xvii-xix

Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act (1997), 33, 40, 41

Community awareness programs/study, xi, 12,

Comparative Performance Monitoring Project, WRMC, vii, xxvii, 27, 28

Comparative Study of Approaches to Community and Health Awareness Campaigns, 12

Construction industry, 29

Construction Safety 2000 Initiative, Queensland, 12

Consultancy services, xxiii, 84-87

Consultative Committee, 43

Contact officer, 95

Cooke, Anthony (Tony), xii, xvi, xvii, xviii, xxx

Coronial information, see National Coronial Information System

Corporate overview, xx-xxiv, 42consultancies, xxiiicorporate performance, xxi-xxiii, see also Corporate servicesfuture directions, xxiii-xxivprogram areas, xx-xxisocial justice and equity, xxiii

Corporate services, 39-44accommodation strategy, ix, xxii, 39-40audit, see auditCertified Agreement, see Certified Agreementdescription of program area, 39employee assistance program, 43financial statements, 40information technology, see Information technologyinsurance, liability, 41internal policies, 40OHS Committee, 43performance xxii-xxiii, 39-43property management, 40resources utilised, 43staff services, 39work practices, 43

subject index100

Dangerous goods, storage and handling of, 20, 21, 22

Data on compensation-based statistics, see National Data Set

Databases, xxvii, 4, 10-11, 15-16

Davis, Monica, xxx

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, xxii, 41

Department of Employment, Workplace Relations and Small Business, iii, 28, 34

Departments of Labour Standing Committee, vii

Departments of Workplace Relations Advisory Committee (formerly Departments of Labour Standing Committee), vii

Diakiw, Reg, xxx

Discretionary grants, 88

diseases, work-related, see Work-related diseases, injuries or fatalities

Dixon, Elizabeth, xxx

Documents, categories of, 93

Driscoll, Tim, xxx

Education and Training Coordination Network, 18

electronic publishing, see Internet

Else, Dennis, vii-viii, xii, xvi, xvii, xviii, xxx

Employee assistance program, 43

Employees, see staff

Enforcement strategies, 12

Environment Australia, xxi

Equal employment opportunity, xxii-xxiii, 81

Existing Chemicals Review Program (ECRP), xxviii, xxix, 51, 53-54

Fast food industry, 19

Fatalities, work-related, xxvii, 4, 10, 16, 17, 27, 28-29, 30

Financial statements, 40, 57-79

Freedom of Information Act (1982), 33, 34Statement, 90-94

Freedom of information statistics, 34

Frith, David, xiii, xvi, xvii, xviii, xxx

Furler, Elizabeth, xvi, xvii, xxx

Glossary of terms, xxxii

Grants, discretionary, 88

Grants, research, xxvii, 5, 15-16

Grants Scheme, Resource, 34

Grayson, John, xiv, xvii, xxx

Groth, Ann, xxx

Gutteridge, Jill, xxx


Hartley, Margaret, xxx

Hazardous substancesadministration, xviii, xix, xxxstandards and codes of practice, 20, 21, 22

Health, 4, see also work-related diseases, injuries

Hill, Julie, xxx

Holland, Stephen, xxx

Human resource development strategy, ix, xxi

Industrial Chemicals (Notification and Assessment) Act (1989), 47

Information Coordinators' Network, 17

Information Exchange, 15-18description of subprogram area, 15library, databases and web site, 15-16media liaison, 17OHS in Vocational Education and Training project, 17-18performance, 15-18publications, 16-17

Information technology, viii, ix, xxi, xxiv, 41-42Reference Group, 42

Injuries, work-related, 27, 28, 29

Insurance, liability, 41

International Labour Organisation (ILO), 15

Internet web site, xxvii, 10, 12, 15, 16, 27, 28

Jones, Jean-Ann, xxx

Kettle, Nellette, xxx

Knevitt, Kathryn, xxx

Labelling of workplace substances, 22

Labour Ministers' Council (LMC), vii, 34, 39, see also Workplace Relations Ministers' Council

Legislation and regulations, 89

Leigh, Jim, xxx

Library, 15catalogue, xxvii

Lindberg, Andrew, xiv, xvi, xvii, xxx

L'Orange, Helen, viii, ix, xii, xvii, xviii, 39

Lovell, Geoff, xxx

McLean, Anne, xxx

Maddock, Lyn, xxx

Mannes, Dave, xxx

Mansfield, William (Bill), xiii, xvii, xxx

subject index102

Market research, 82-83

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), 22

Measurement of performance, see Performance measurement

Media liaison, 17

Media placement, 82-83

Mesothelioma Register, 30report 17

Millennium Bug (Y2K) problem, 4

Minister for Employment, Workplace Relations and Small Business, iii, xi, 34

Moore, Jim, xxx, 39

Mulholland, Sharon, xv, xvii

Murphy, Geoff, xxx

National Coronial Information System, viii, 29-30

National Data Set (NDS) for Compensation-based Statistics, vii, xxvii, 27-28, 30

National Forum, xx, xxi, xxx, 33-34annual report, 33description of program area, 33National OHS Improvement Framework, 33, 34parliamentary and ministerial activities, 34performance, 33-34privacy and freedom of information, 34Resource Grants Scheme, 34resources utilised, 35Year 2000 compliance, 33, 34-35, 40

National Guidelines for Integrating Occupational Health and Safety Competencies into National Industry Competency Standards, 17, 18

National Health and Medical Research Council, 5

National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme, see NICNAS

National Inventory of Practical Guidance Material database, 16

National Occupational Health and Safety Certification Standard, xxix

National Occupational Noise Standard and Code of Practice, xxix, 21, 22

National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC)annual business plan, ixcategories of documents, 93Chairman, vii, xiChief Executive Officer, vii, ix, xicommittee structure, xvii-xixconsultancies, xxiii, 84-87corporate overview, xx-xxivcorporate performance, see Corporate servicesestablishment, 90executive structure, 39functions, 90-92future directions, xxiii-xxivImprovement Framework (formerly Prevention Strategy), vii, viii, 33, 34meetings (1998-99), xvii-xviiimembers, xi, xii-xvi, xxxobjectives and priorities, vii, ix, xiOffice plan, xxii, 40organisation structure, xxx, 90outcomes and outputs framework, xxv-xxixoutside participation, 93powers of, 92reports/reporting, ix, 4, 11, 16-17


National Registration Authority for Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (NRA), xx, xxviii, xxix, 22, 51, 52, 53, 54

National standards and codes of practice, 20, 21, 22, 91

New South WalesDepartment of Health data, 30Roads and Traffic Authority, 10WorkCover Truckload, 10

New Zealand Department of Labour 22

NICNAS (National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme)administration, xx, xxichemical assessments, xx, xxix, 47establishment of, 47reports/publications (1998-99), 16-17

Noakes, Bryan, xiii, xvii, xviii, xxx, 77

Noise, occupational xxix, 21, 22

Occupational diseases, see Work-related diseases, injuries

Occupational Health and Safety (Commonwealth Employees) Act (1991), 43

Occupational violence, 4

O'Farrell, George, xv, xvi, xvii, xviii, xxx

OHS agreement, 43

OHS Committee activities 43

OHS management audit systems, xxii, 12

OHS policy on chemicals, xxviii-xxix, see also Agricultural and veterinary chemicals; NICNAS

OHS problems, identifying, xx, xxi, 1-5description of program area, 3monitoring and reporting on developing issues, 4-5performance, 3-5reports, 4research facilitation and coordination strategy, 3-4resources utilised, 5workplace-related diseases and fatalities, 4-5, see also work-related diseases, injuries

On-the-spot fines, 12, 16, 17

Organisational structure, xxx, 90, see also Corporate services

Orr, Helene, xxx, 39

Outcomes and Outputs, xxv-xxixframework, xxviperformance report, see Outputs performance reportand program areas, xxv

Outputs Performance Report, xxvii-xxixchemicals assessment, xxviii-xxixnational data, xxviiOHS research, xxviiistandards framework, xxix

subject index104

Patterson, Michele, xvi

Performance management system, ix, xxii, 42-43and staff performance agreements, 42-43

Performance measurement, xviii, xx, xxi, xxvi-xxvii, 27-30, see also Corporate servicesin the construction industry, 29description of program area, 27of health data, 30and National Coronial Information System, 29-30national data set for compensation-based statistics, see National data setperformance, 27-30resources utilised, 30

Performance report, outputs, see Outputs

Plimsoll, Jane, xxx

Plovits, Jocelyn, xv, xvi, xvii, xviii, xxx

Practical solutions, 9-12database development, 9, 10-11description of program area, 9drivers for CEOs, business owners and supervisors, 11-12generating and spreading workplace solutions, 10-11implementation arising from 1997-98 national solutions projects, 12OHS into the Road Transport Industry, 9, 12OHS management systems, 11-12performance, 9-12project outcomes, 9-12resources utilised, 12safe design, 9-10strategies, 9

Prevention performance, facilitating improved, xx, xxi, 15-23description of program area, 15See also Information Exchange; Small businesss; Regulatory solutions

Prevention strategies, xvii, xx, 4, 9

Print publishing, 15

Priority national standards and codes of practice, 21

Privacy, 34Act (1988), 33, 34

Problems, see OHS problems

Product Registration Program, xxviii-xxixagricultural and veterinary product submissions/assessments, xxviii, 51-52reforms to, xxix, 51

Program areas, xx-xxi, xxv, 1-54

Promotional activities, 17

Property management, 40

Public affairsmedia liaison, 17OHS promotions, 17WORKSAFE news, see WORKSAFE

Public Service Act (1922), 90

Publications, NOHSC, xxvii, 16-17, 19


Quay Connections, 17

Queensland: Construction Safety 2000 Initiative 12, 16

Regulations and legislation, 89

Regulatory solutions, 19-23and Australian and International regulatory reform, 22-23dangerous goods and hazardous substances 20, 21, 22deemed-to-comply provisions, 23description of subprogram area, 19, 21national standards and codes of practice, 20, 21occupational noise standard, 22performance, 21rectification of defects in process for declaring national standards, 23resources utilised, 23and Standards Australia, 22

Reith, Peter, xi

Reports, ix, 4, 11-12, 16-17

Research facilitation and coordination, 3-4

Research grants, xxvi, 5, 15-16

Research projects, vii, viii, xxviii

Research strategy, xix, 3-4

Road Transport Industry, OHS into (project), 9, 12

Road Transport Prevention Initiatives, 9, 12, 16

Rotary Clubs, xxviii

Rotary speakers pilot scheme, xxviii, 18-19

Rowe, Alan, ix-x, xii, xvi, xvii, xviii, xxx, 39

Seljak, Robert, xvi, xvii, xxx

Skelton, Greg, xxx

Small businessinformation delivery, xxviiiNational Commission activities, xviii

Small business initiatives, 18-19description of subprogram area, 18information resource material, 19integration of needs of small business into NOHSC activities, 19performance, 18-19projects, 18-19

Small Business Management Training: Integrating Occupational Health and Safety Competencies, 16, 18

Smith, Megan, xxx

Social justice and equity, xxiii

Solutions, see Practical solutions

Staff, vii, ix, xxii-xxiii, 39movements, 39NESB xxiii, 81numbers and status, 80-81participative work practices, 43performance agreements, 42-43problems, 43profile, 39

subject index106

Standards Australia, 11, 22

Standards and codes of practice, National, 20, 21-2, 91

Standards framework, OHS, vii, viii, xxvi, xxviii, 20

Stewart-Crompton, Robin, xvi, xvii, xxx

Stress, work-related, 4

Tepe, Susanne, xiii, xvi, xvii, xviii, xxx

Thatcher, Colin, xiv, xvii

Thesaurus, 16

Tighe, Peter, xiii, xvi, xvii, xviii, xxx

Toxicological research, 5

Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement, 22

University of Ballarat, 10

University of Sydney Department of General Practice Family Medicine Research Unit, 30

Vickers, Carolyn, xxx

Victorian WorkCover Authority, 18

Vocational education and training, 15, 17-18Working Group, 18

Web Coordinators' Network, 16

web site, see Internet

Williams, Tim, xxx

Work-related diseases, injuries or fatalities, xxvii, 4-5, 10, 16, 17, 27, 28-9, 30, 43

work-related stress, 4

Work-related Traumatic Fatalities Study, xxvii, 16-17, 28-9

WorkCover Truckload, NSW, 10

Workers' compensation, vii, 5, 16, 27

Workplace diversity, xxii, 81

Workplace Relations Act (1996), 42, 43

Workplace Relations Ministers' Council (WRMC), formerly Labour Ministers' Council, vii, viii, 5, 27Comparative Performance Monitoring Project, vii, xxvii, 27, 28

Workplace solutions, xxvii, 10-11

WORKSAFE news, xxvii, 17

WorkSafe Western Australia SafetyLine solutions, 10

Year 2000 compliance, x, 33, 34-35, 40

Y2K Millennium Bug, 4