Annual Report 2004-05

Occupational Health and Safety

Defence is committed to achieving and sustaining the highest practical occupational health, safety and wellbeing standards for its people. In support of this aim, the Defence Occupational Health and Safety Committee and the Occupational Health, Safety and Compensation Branch focused their attention, during 2004-05, on the following key initiatives:

• the development of an integrated Occupational Health and Safety Management System, guided by the Defence Occupational Health and Safety Strategic Plan 2004-06; and
• the implementation of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Scheme in partnership with the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

Key initiatives

Develop an integrated Occupational Health and Safety Management System

The Defence Occupational Health and Safety Management System framework was endorsed in June 2005 comprising several key elements, including leadership, incident prevention and incident management.

The Services and Groups continued to align their individual Occupational Health and Safety initiatives with the Defence Occupational Health and Safety Strategic Plan.

The Navy advanced its safety management with the launch of 'Safety Management System Navy' in September 2004. Specific achievements implemented under this system included a rewrite of the Navy Systems Manual; a comprehensive overhaul of the Navy's hazard management processes; a safety road-show to all major Navy establishments; and the development of an occupational health and safety self-audit tool for use by Navy vessels and establishments.

The Army's Occupational Health and Safety Management System, 'ArmySAFE', was launched in May 2005. 'ArmySAFE' will lead to major improvements through the establishment of a dedicated health and safety directorate; establishment of the 'ArmySAFE' Advisory Service (for specialist advice, the conduct of audits and directed incident investigation); and re-design of training to include relevant occupational health and safety competencies.

The Air Force continued to implement its Occupational Health and Safety Management System (RAAFSAFE) through the development of a web-based audit tool, and development of a revised suite of training courses for both Safety Advisers and Safety Coordinators.

The Corporate Services and Infrastructure Group developed an interim Management Information System to manage all information on the Group's emergencies, hazards, incidents, audits and inspections. The Group also developed a safety manual to address occupational health and safety matters for its people (including contractors) and products and services.

The Defence Materiel Organisation developed a tenderer Occupational Health and Safety Management System questionnaire; including the introduction of supplier safety-capability appraisals; implemented a mandatory annual Occupational Health and Safety Management System audit of business elements; and improved occupational health and safety contract monitoring.

The Defence Science and Technology Organisation completed a review of health and safety performance through an annual assessment process. The organisation also continued to develop a holistic employee wellbeing program and successfully implemented a research Task Safety Risk Management Program (aimed at integrating safety risk management into its business processes).

Implement the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Scheme

New rehabilitation and compensation arrangements for the ADF were established with the commencement of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Act 2004 on 1 July 2004. The Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 applies to ADF service on, or after, 1 July 2004.

For injuries or illness related to ADF service prior to 1 July 2004, the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 and the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 continue to apply. Through the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Act 2004, administrative and financial responsibility for ADF claims under the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 was transferred to the Department of Veterans' Affairs under the newly established Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission.

The new scheme provides for a strong focus on the rehabilitation of ADF members. Defence and the Department of Veterans' Affairs are working together on the development of a new ADF rehabilitation system. Implementation of the system is scheduled to commence at the end of 2005, with full implementation completed by the end of 2006.