Sustainability Report 2005-2006

Department of the Environment and Water Resources, 2007

Social Performance

Health and Safety

LA7: Injuries and absenteeism

Goals 2005-06

None set

Performance 2005-06 and trends

Injuries

DEH does not keep statistics on standard injury frequency rates, as lost time injury frequency rates offer greater insight into OH&S risks and incidents. The lost time injury frequency rate for the period was 1.8 claims per month (36 per year), or 1.75 lost time injuries per 100 staff per year.

Comcare accepted 37 compensation claims from DEH in 2005-06, up slightly from 36 in 2004-05 and 35 in 2003-04. These figures do not include claims from Australian Government Antarctic Division (AGAD), which had 17 claims accepted by Comcare for 2005-06.

The highest incidences by type of injury for 2005-06 were: falls/slips/trips 50%; other and unspecified 30%; and body stressing 17%. Muscular and skeletal injuries were the most common claim from AGAD.

The cost (incapacity only) of these claims (including AGAD) for the year to 30 June 2006 was $663 117, up from

$126 779 in 2004-05 (AGAD not included) and $104 100 (AGAD also not included). The highest claim cost injuries for 2005-06 were falls/slips/trips (muscular and skeletal disorders for AGAD).

There were no workplace fatalities at any DEH sites in 2005-06, including contractors.

In 2005-06, 204 OH&S workplace assessments were conducted (all by external consultants), up from 184 in 2004-05 and 173 in 2003-04. Of those 204 assessments, 98% recommended the supply of additional equipment such as chairs, document holders, footrests and standing desks. Some staff have also been provided with voice-activated software.

617 Health Futures personal health assessments were taken up by staff in 2005-06.

Absenteeism

During 2005-06, each employee averaged 7.5 days of unscheduled absence (sick leave), up 19% from 6.3 days per employee in 2004-05 and 6.4 days in 2003-04. This equates to an unscheduled absence rate of 2.87% of the available (scheduled) working hours in 2005-06, up from 2.44% in 2004-05. These figures do not include AGAD, and also do not include unscheduled absences due to personal leave.

Commentary

The APS average lost time injury frequency rate for 2004-05 is not available, as available Comcare statistics cover a range of agencies beyond the APS and record either accepted claims or injuries with 5 or more days of lost time. Neither of those measures permit calculation of an APS-wide average lost time injury frequency rate.

Goals 2006-07

Undertake a review of all OH&S policies and procedures across the department by 30 June 2007
Analyse and develop policies in relation to unscheduled absences by 30 June 2007.

Environmental performance reporting