WORKPLACE INJURIES
In 2009–10:
· 216 Australians died from an injury sustained at work, and
· 640,000 Australians reported experiencing a work-related
illness or injury.
· 303,000 Australian workers were compensated for a workrelated
injury or illness.
It is estimated that over 2000 Australians die from a work-related
illness each year.
In 2012 Safe Work Australia estimated that the total cost of
workplace injury and illness to the Australian economy for the
2008–9 financial year was $60.6 billion. This represented 4.8 per
cent of the Australian Gross Domestic Product.

The message from Kotter regarding step seven is very clear, when undertaking a change process it is absolutely essential to stay focussed, even if it seems that the hard work has been done. In fact Kotter cautions that it is at this stage that an organisation can drop the ball, thinking all the hard work has been done and it is time to relax. This can sometimes breed a sense of complacency and halt the forward motion.

At this stage Kotter suggests that there should be more change not less. The organisation should capitalise on the successful change that has occurred and identify more opportunities to tackle additional and bigger change projects. It is important that more levels within the organisation are involved in the change effort with project management and leadership coming from below. For example, if it has been decided that a new method of reporting risks is required, this could be project managed by a group of team leaders. The key message here is for an organisation to continuously build on the change effort and look for opportunities to involve as many people as possible.

Selecting a tea was once an exercise in banality, as ala Henry Ford and his model T, you could have any tea you like as long as it was black. My how things change, as even a cursory check of the range of teas available today is enough to cause a massive mental meltdown.

Fear not. There’s only one type of tea you need to know about if you’re interested in improving your health, green and its multitude of shades, is the new black.

Researchers from Maastricht University in Holland examined the results of 11 studies using meta analysis and found that as little as three cups (250ml per cup) of green tea promoted weight loss, weight maintenance, decreases in total abdominal fat, visceral fat (fat around your organs) and blood triglycerides (blood fats). Similar research has shown that green tea also improves blood sugar regulation, influences fat cell turnover, increases metabolic rate and decreases appetite. Closer to home a seemingly simple, yet unique combination of Spearmint, Olive Leaf, Grape seed and Green Tea have been used to make a supercharged tea called “Spearole” tea that provides the same amount of antioxidants as three cups of tea and a glass of red wine.

Research by the University of Queensland has shown that drinking three cups of Spearole tea may help to reduce weight gain and decrease blood pressure. As a whole, the benefits of Spearole tea are quite astounding, however each ingredient has its own healthy benefits. Olive leaves contain anti inflammatory agents which help boost the immune system, by fighting bacteria and viruses. Grape seed can help with improving blood flow and the strengthening of blood vessels. Whilst spearmint is great for flavour, it also works as an excellent relaxant, and has properties which help fight infection, reduce inflammation, and are antiseptics.

Green tea is an effective obesity and cardiovascular disease fighter that complements the effects of exercise and can help you achieve your health and fitness goals. So supplement your structured eating and exercise regime with green tea, your friends will be green with envy.

Source: International Journal of Obesity; University of Queensland

The international standard for risk management, ISO 31000, states that risk management should be part of decision making in an organisation. ‘Risk Management helps decision makers make informed choices, prioritise actions and distinguish among alternative courses of action’. (AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009). Using risk management in decision making allows you to:

- Involve others in the decision making process and gain their buy in to the decision.
- Weigh up the best possible approaches.
- Make an informed decision which is more likely to have a meaningful outcome.

Often, people can rush into making decisions in an organisation. This can be due to pressures to achieve objectives, management demands for immediate results or in reaction to sudden events.  However, a rushed decision can result in poor outcomes which often need to be revised, requiring additional time and money to do so.  To avoid a negative outcome from reactive and rushed decisions, it is advisable to make business decisions based on good reasoning and sound judgement. Risk Management follows a logical decision making process that enables you to consider the risks involved with certain actions and how to control those risks.

The below diagram shows how you can factor risk management into your decision making.

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There have recently been significant changes to Australian Standard 3745 in respect to “PLANNING FOR EMERGENCIES IN FACILITIES” – (Workplaces).
These changes came into effect on the 25th Nov 2010 and therefore have an immediate impact on your current workplace even if you were compliant with aspects of the former standard prior to Nov 2010.

This revised Standard (AS 3745- 2010) applies to all workplaces, with the exception of Class 1a buildings (Private residences) as defined in the Building Code of Australia, unless that dwelling is also used as a workplace.
This Standard outlines the minimum requirements for the establishment, validation and implementation of an emergency plan for a workplace to provide for the safety of occupants of that workplace and its visitors leading up to, and during an evacuation.

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Just a quick update to show how serious I am about this trek in Nepal. I have been working hard as you can see by this photo taken at Mt. St. Leonards. It is very UP, 6kms of very up and 2 kms of just up.

If you would like to make a donation, there is still time before I fly out for the ultimate adventure.

TO DONATE …. CLICK ON THE FUNDRAISING LINK BELOW ….

http://www.gofundraise.com.au/BurlingtonD

Many Risk Managers are grappling with the idea of implementing a risk culture into their organisation.  We recently conducted a think tank with a group of Senior Risk Managers to discuss some of the concepts and issues related to embedding a risk culture within the organisation.  We will publish the outcomes of this think tank on our website shortly.

One of the items that was discussed however is how do you get senior management buy in to risk management if you haven’t already got it.

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