DPI to WorkCover – OHS Management to Change

New arrangements for the regulation of occupational health and safety across Victoria’s earth resources industries were announced on Tuesday 24 October by the Minister for Energy Industries and Resources, Theo Theophanous, with the transfer of the responsibility for OHS regulation from the DPI to the Victorian WorkCover Authority (VWA) to occur in January 2008.

Accompanying this announcement was the release of the long awaited report from the inquiry into OHS regulation of the industry, led by Neil Pope. The key recommendation of the inquiry is the transfer of the responsibility for OHS regulation from the DPI to the Victorian WorkCover Authority (VWA).

The recommendations from the report are (in summary):

1. VWA should resume direct responsibility for the administration and enforcement of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and its Regulations in the earth resources industries
2. The VWA should be delegated with responsibility for the assessment of occupational health and safety requirements of Work Plans
3. DPI should retain responsibility for the approval of Work Plans under the EIDA
4. DPI should retain responsibility for the issuing of Work Plans
5. The responsibilities being delegated to or resumed by VWA should be located within a distinct earth resources unit established within the Major Hazards group
6. This unit should maintain the current inspector to site ratio of 1:270
7. This unit should be staffed by current DPI Regulation Officers
8. A multilateral consultative forum should be established by VWA to advise on the smooth transition and provide an on-going forum for liaison
9. The DPI should retain sufficient resources to maintain its lead agency role under the EIDA, manage licensing and resource protection, and industry development
10. VWA and DPI work together to develop crisis management protocol

It has not been advised if all ten recommendations will be taken up by the Government, however the CMPA has been assured that the DPI will remain intact in terms of funding and staffing.

These recommendations are made on the basis, among other things, that:

• The DPI’s credibility of its role in OHS is seen as fundamentally compromised because of its location within an industry based department
• The concept of a ‘one-stop shop’ in terms of government is rarely the best approach to take
• This is the best means of achieving a thriving, successful industry that is a safe and health place to work

This will effect your business! The CMPA is yet to form a formal position on this matter, however will release a Supplementary Newsletter for members information over the coming fortnight.

The report is available in full from the CMPA along with the CMPA’s submission to the inquiry.

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