New Research Into the Use of Safety Gear to be Presented in Sydney

5 Oct 08

New research into the safety of everything from road bridges to female truck drivers, the use of safety gear in the construction industry and even work-life balance will be released at The Safety Conference in Sydney from October 28 to 30.

The factual focus of the research will be complemented by interactive workshops and a series of case studies that demonstrate the real-life impact of workplace safety programs and tragedies. The most hotly debated topic in the occupational health and safety profession – the role of human error in workplace injuries and fatalities – also looms large on The Safety Conference's agenda.

Hosted by the Safety Institute of Australia's NSW Division, the conference will cover seven themes, including transport, safety systems and practices, change management, human factors, injury management and injury management. New in 2008 is Safety Saving the Environment.

Conference chairman Barry Silburn said the program offered strategic and informative addresses from more than 60 international and local speakers.

Among them will be the heads of Comcare, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau and WorkCover NSW. The regulator is principal sponsor of The Safety Conference and representatives will discuss its plans for effective OHS regulation, long distance truck driver fatigue, problem solving, employer commitment, manual handling, injury management, staff fitness, and major hazard facilities.

A more personal perspective will come from Ambulance NSW's Keith Williams, who was a key member of the Beaconsfield mine rescue team.

Another real workplace incident will be investigated by delegates at The Safety Conference, who will examine what went wrong and decide on the causes with the help of experts and witnesses – an event that the Safety Institute of Australia will video for the professional development of managers responsible for workplace safety. A controversial discussion of the involvement of people in injuries and fatalities will come from North American author, Larry Wilson.

"Participants in the conference will see what has really caused over 99 per cent of all the acute injuries but, and this is a big but, what if you discover it isn't an easy pill to swallow?" Wilson said ahead of his October 30 address.

Apportioning blame will continue to feature in conference workshops for expert witnesses while a preventative approach will be the flavour of OHS training sessions.

Also up for challenge are the roles of all stakeholders – unions, employers, regulators and OHS professionals – in workplace safety. The WorkCover NSW Hypothetical will engage representatives in dynamic and interactive debate when moderator and broadcaster Adam Spencer delivers a series of challenges.

Conference chairman Barry Silburn said the program was designed to appeal to the spectrum of people involved in workplace safety, from managers through to OHS professionals and safety representatives.

"There's a great mix of practical information, the latest academic research and personal insights on offer at The Safety Conference in 2008," he said.

Sponsored by WorkCover NSW and Getex, The Safety Conference will run from October 28 to 30 at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park concurrently with The Safety Show Sydney. For more information, visit ManufactureLink's events page, or phone Australian Exhibitions & Conferences on 03 9654 7773.

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