Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S)
VicWater goes remote for COVID-19
Due to increased isolation precautions to minimise contact and assist in containing the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the VicWater office will be closed until further notice. Our staff remain active during this time and will continue operations in a virtual workplace environment. We thank you for your understanding during this unique situation. Peter Morison…
Read MoreVicWater and COVID-19
Dear members, Following the official government responses to the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus in Australia, I am writing to advise you of the action VicWater is taking to protect the wellbeing of our staff and members. Until further notice, we will not host meetings and other gatherings involving face-to-face interactions. This means that all…
Read MoreIncreased representation and opportunities
Many Victorian water corporations have established traineeships or internships to encourage and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people into water sector jobs. While there is still more work to be done, increased representation on water corporation boards is providing greater visibility of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within the industry, and leadership cultural…
Read MoreCreating an Inclusive Environment
The focus for industry action is on creating safe and inclusive workplaces that make employees feel confident and comfortable to identify as LGBTIQ+. Water corporations are doing this through a combination of awareness training, celebration days, and executive sponsorship. All 19 water corporations supported the launch of the Pride in Water network. The value of…
Read MoreFlexible workplaces supporting parents and carers
The link between having caring responsibilities and having flexible work arrangements is not always clearly identified. However all Victorian water corporations have established policies and procedures around parental or carers’ leave which is a relevant indicator of industry progress. In addition, some water corporations have specific programs in place to support employees on extended carers’…
Read MoreMore focus needed to reach targets
Despite the progress that has been achieved to date, we know that a more dedicated focus is needed if the industry is to reach the 10% collective target for disability. Work is progressing through VicWater to set up ‘WaterAble’, a network for people with disabilities and their allies to promote and support disability inclusion and…
Read MoreExecutive Safety Leadership Program
Benchmark yourself against a model of world-class executive health and safety leadership. Designed for CEOs and executive leaders who are ready to take the next step in their health and safety leadership, this two-day program provides an understanding of what world-class executive health and safety leadership looks like on a day-to-day basis. Program limited to…
Read MoreNew Victorian Workplace Manslaughter Legislation
Maddocks presents the New Victorian Workplace Manslaughter Legislation Session New provisions apply from 1 July 2020 to create the statutory offence of workplace manslaughter, inserted into the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic) (OHS Act). Individuals will face up to 20 years imprisonment while Body Corporates can be fined up to $16.5m (a tenfold increase on…
Read MorePlanning for Amenity Health and Safety Buffers Submission
16 December 2019 Planning for amenity, health and safety buffers Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning 8 Nicholson Street East Melbourne Victoria 3002 Via email planning.systems@delwp.vic.gov.au Re: Planning for amenity, health and safety buffers – Planning Policy Framework and clause amendments Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the proposed Planning Policy Framework…
Read More