One death at work is too many deaths, but in the last nine days WorkSafe has reported that five workers in Victoria have tragically died at the workplace causing devastation and untold pain to their loved ones. These deaths include a 64 year old contractor who was killed in an explosion at a housing development site at Harkaway, a 76 year old man crushed by a tractor at Loch, the electrocution of a a 25 year old electrician in Braeside, a 29 year old killed in Keysborough when a piece of equipment fell off a forklift crushing him and a 76 year old farm worker electrocuted while working on a pump in Anakie. News of so many horrific incidents occuring in so short a time frame, in Victoria alone, is alarming. 

Beyond Blue has reported that this week it will start using new teaching materials for the National Workplace Program to help workers at every level understand how to promote good mental health in their workplace. There are tailored sessions for leaders, managers, employees and HR professionals. Check it out at:

https://www.headsup.org.au/training-and-resources/educational-programs/beyondblue-resources

Frankston Council is currently conducting an online Transport Safety Strategy Survey.  According to the Frankston Council, the Survey will help inform the Frankston Council Transport Safety Strategy which identifies local transport projects and road safety priorities.  The Survey closes on 9 October 2015. You can participate in the survey at:


http://www.frankston.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay

Headsup has released a free training package for union delegates to help them recognise the signs and symptoms of a mental health condition and deliver information to workers about anxiety and depression and the workplace. The package also provides information about how the delegate can take action to support a worker.

There is a separate package for trade unions, professional services unions and service industry unions. Included in the package is an educator’s guide, a delegate’s handbook and a power point presentation. These can be downloaded from www.headsup.org.au/toolboxtalkunions. A resource pack is also available for training sessions and can be ordered from the Headsup website www.headsup.org.au

The package was piloted by the Forests Products Division of the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU)