MARCH 2013 EDITION

IN T

HIS

ISSU

E > Recognition of Excellence Award – June 2012 Recipient

> EPSA’s Community Support Program • Andy’sRidetoConquer Cancer – he made it! • Jen’s15kmRun for the Kids

> Careers at EPSA

> Employee Benefits Program

> Gettingtoknowyou... Allie Jarvis, HSE Project Officer

> Service Recognition – Peter Wootton 30 Years

Sharyn Sullivan Office Manager Engines Brisbane

Chris Brophy Sales Representative Engines Perth

Lisa Hodge Branch Administrator Rental Sunshine

Jenni Sharp Branch Administrator Rental Darwin

Brad Krilich Commissioning Technician Engines Sydney

Simon Buckley Branch Manager Rental Sunshine

Phil Hedt Project Manager Engines Melbourne

Townsville Branch All Employees Rental Townsville

Wayne Spooner Service Technician Rental Perth

Luke Theobald Applications System Analyst IT Department, Head Office

Lee Ho Ong Project Manager Engines Perth

Kevin Lee Electrical Engineer Engines Brisbane

Grace Heggan Receptionist / Administrator Head Office

Jan Warner Accounts Payable Supervisor Finance, Head Office

It gives me great pleasure to announce the recipient of the EPSA Recognition of Excellence Award for June 2012 is Luke Theobald, IT Applications System Analyst.

Luke has been an important part of the IT team at Hallam for almost three years and during his time at EPSA, has supported the IT Service Desk. More recently, his role as Applications System Analyst has seen him provide network and application support to a number of large scale IT projects.

Some of the comments we received about Luke:

• Luke consistently goes above and beyond for all employees. His dedication, professionalism, genuine honesty and willingness to help people are qualities most admired. He is always offering to help, consistently follows up and ensures I am "going ok" with my technical issues. A number of Hallam employees have commented on how professional, courteous and helpful Luke is. He consistently performs well and no task is too much trouble.

• Luke is very much an integral part of our team and his customer service is excellent. He is polite, courteous and very helpful.

• Luke has shown a clear example of Operational Excellence and is well recognised as an important part of the IT team.

• Luke has done a sensational job preparing the new website - during the tender preparation, tender evaluation, working with the

chosen designer and now in putting together all of the content in a way that makes it easy for the designer. Overall he is great - very diligent, and committed to the success of EPSA.

AspartoftheRecognitionofExcellenceAward,Lukereceives a framed certificate and a $1000 cash/voucher

prize.

Onceagain,congratulationstoLukeTheobald for being our Award

recipientinJune2012.

Recognition of Excellence Award – June 2012The nominees for the June 2012 Recognition of Excellence Award are to be congratulated for being recognised by their peers under the Operational Excellence and Safety and Environment categories:

MARCH 2013 EDITION 2

Andy’s Ride to Conquer CancerOn the 27th & 28th October 2012, our Financial Controller,AndyLimniostackledthebiggestrideof his life and we are pleased to report he made it!

So lets’ hear from the new Cadel Evans and find out just what happened on his ride to conquer cancer….

“I am pleased to announce the inaugural Melbourne Ride to Conquer Cancer has been completed and boy, what a brilliant event it was. I'd like to describe some of what happened over the two days (27th/28th) October as it certainly was a challenge.

Key Stats Kilometres travelled: 204.3 Calories Burned: 10,085 Top Speed: 68.4kph Hills encountered: Lost count!Average speed: 22.3kph (don't be fooled by this number!) Total funds raised (individual): $8,625 Individual ladder fundraising position: 49th Total Riders: 1,609 Total funds raised: $6.2m (an Australian record; the highest ever raised for a fundraiser of its type anywhere in the country)

The day got off to a brilliant start with lots of fanfare and hype surrounding how big an achievement this event was by all those who participated. Unfortunately, I was involved in a nasty head on smash with an oncoming cyclist only 12kms into the ride. I ended up with bruised ribs, a sprained thumb, bad bruising on my left arm, and an idiot crashed into me from behind who accused me of causing the accident! It was carnage with bikes scattered everywhere. He was extemely abusive and relentless in his accusations, was ready to punch on and even lodged a complaint for a damaged wheel! So needless to say, the first hour was full of drama.

I soldiered on and my goodness, anyone who knows Templestowe, Eltham and Lilydale would know very well how mountainous it is. It was BRUTAL and there were countless riders walking the hills. Boy was I in pain. My ribs were killing me and my left arm was almost dead. My front wheel was also slightly buckled from the crash and my

front brakes weren't working too flash. I managed to reach the end of the first 102km and I must admit, I didn't think I'd be able to ride the second day. I was really hurting. Thankfully my wife came along for the ride (in the car of course) and gave me a lot of moral support. I hardly slept on the Sat night and was convinced at 6am I couldn't continue. 15mins later, I geared up and off I went. Don't ask how. It just happened. The return leg was just as brutal but for some reason, I managed to just focus and zoned the pain out and ploughed through and even beat my team mates by 2hrs to the finish line. It was a great feeling and the welcome reception was "Tour de France" like! I even managed to get a pic of my mugshot on the website.

I must make a special mention to the Harley Davidson Motor cycle club who were brilliant as volunteers in traffic management. Their encouragement was awesome so David E, please pass on my thanks to your buddies. All the crew and volunteers were just sensational and got us through the ride.

From the bottom of my heart, I'd like to say THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to all those who supported me and donated to this cause. Your contribution will make a difference. The Peter Mac Institute is working miracles.”

Well done Andy!

Jen Plant's 15 km Run for the Kids – supporting the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal in MelbourneThis year, Jen is participating in the annual fundraising event – “RunfortheKids”insupportoftheRoyalChildren’sHospitalinMelbourne.

The Good Friday Appeal is the public face of fundraising for Victoria’s Royal Children’s Hospital. It has provided more than $245 million to the hospital since the Appeal began in 1931. 90 cents in every dollar raised is used by The Royal Children’s Hospital to purchase medical equipment and to fund research.

Giving on Good Friday – ‘that they may grow’ is a Victorian tradition, with television sets tuned in to the 18 hour long telethon; perhaps for the chance to hear a special donation read

out, or to learn of the miracles that happen at the hospital. It is all about helping those who are our smallest and most vulnerable.

The great strength of the Appeal lies with the thousands of people from all walks of life who volunteer their time, expertise and creativity to organise fundraising activities throughout the year. It is a non denominational, non political organisation that exists solely to raise funds for The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.

The “Run for the Kids” is a cause close to Jen’s heart.

“This is my 6th start in the Herald Sun Run For The Kids. My nephew Ethan was born in September 2003 at 27 weeks gestation. He underwent open heart surgery to repair a hole in his heart at the Royal Childrens when he was five weeks old. Sadly, Ethan lost his hard-fought battle when he was three months old. Without this wonderful hospital and caring staff, my sister wouldn't have had those three

precious months with her little boy. This year as always, I am running for Ethan.”

Support Jen and her run for Ethan by donating to the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal by visiting Jen’s Everyday Hero fundraising page: https://give.everydayhero.com/au/jenplant

EPSA’s Community Support Program has donated $500 in support of Jen’s fundraising event and we wish her the best of luck for her marathon running event on Sunday 24th March!

EPSA’s Community Support ProgramEPSA proudly supports and encourages our people to actively participate in fundraising activities that benefit the community we live and operate in.

3

MARCH 2013 EDITION 4

IT Crowd update

E-FORMS DEVELOPMENT TEAMWe’ve officially created an E-forms Development Team comprising of George, Michael, and Luke. The team aims to evaluate e-form ideas and prioritise development. Creating e-forms can become a fairly complex process and please be patient as the team works through the current backlog. Meanwhile if you have any ideas to share, we have set up a forum topic to discuss them.

iPHONE ROLLOUTThe much anticipated iPhone rollout is finally underway. Renegotiating our Telstra contracts unfortunately took much longer than expected, however we now have the best deal for EPSA. The next delay involved Telstra processing paperwork and enabling these phone plans on their systems. As some of you know, during that time we did rollout a limited number of iPhones but only as a replacement due to hardware issues.

When will I get my iPhone?There are many iPhones to set up, so please be patient while the IT Service Desk rolls them out.

What do I do with my old phone?When you receive your iPhone, please keep your old phone aside or hand it over to reception. We think it’s best to send them all back to IT in one box later.

Do I still need my 3G USB?The beauty of the iPhone is that now you can tether your laptop off the iPhone for data and it acts like a 3G USB. So the answer is no, you will no longer need a 3G USB. As with your old phone, please hand these over to reception.

DISASTER RECOVERY AT LARAPINTAOver the Australia Day long weekend, Larapinta had a power outage and there was no clear time frame from the power company on when power would return. By the Monday afternoon, power was still out, we made the decision to enact DR for Larapinta or otherwise on Tuesday there would have been no access to normal systems. It was the first time we’ve enacted DR, so we learned a few things that will improve our process. In summary, the servers did come online at Hallam and afterwards we were able to restore them back to Larapinta once power was restored. All in all, that’s a successful DR event in our books.

Special thanks to Michael for rising to the challenge on a long weekend and Gwynn and his team for assistance.

WiFi ROLLOUTWe’ve been busy testing the WiFi device; it’s important to do so to protect our network. Security is a big issue and we have to get it right. We’ve also had contractors attend some branches to evaluate cabling, installation, and positioning of the WiFi devices. Some branches have devices installed already and we hope to complete the rollout over the next few months.

What can I do with WiFi?With WiFi, we can have cable free conference rooms. We don’t advise to work off WiFi permanently though. If you have access to a network port, use it because it’s always going to be faster.

Can I connect an iPhone or iPad to WiFi?Yes you can. This would offer some relief for the monthly data allowance your phone has been allocated. It would also give it access to our internal intranet sites without the need for VPN.

From left to right, George Brackley, Michael Worthy and Luke Theobald

What's OnMake 2013 a healthy year by taking part in or supporting a worthwhile activity. EPSA actively encourages, promotes and supports employees participating in fundraising events.

World’s Greatest Shave – 14th to 17th MarchGet sponsored to have your head shaved (or coloured) for the Leukaemia Foundation’s annual event: www.worldsgreatestshave.com

Brisbane Twilight Running Festival – 24th MarchThe Twilight Run includes half marathon and 10km options that take participants under the moon and stars through St.Lucia: www.twilightrun.com.au

Herald Sun Citylink Run for the Kids – 24th MarchThousands of runners take over the streets of Melbourne for this annual family day out, raising funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal: www.r4k.com.au

Mother’s Day Classic – 13th MayA national walk or run that raises money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation: www.mothersdayclassic.org

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea – 24th MayYou can host an event anytime throughout May or June. Join in to support the fight against cancer: www.biggestmorningtea.com.au

Sydney City Mile Dash – 15th JuneCancer Council NSW hosts this annual fun run on the picturesque shores of Sydney Harbour. A one-mile speed race challenge, the City Mile Dash is a great way to pass your lunch away while supporting the fight against cancer in men: www.citymiledash.com

MS Brissie To The Bay – 23rd JuneBrisbane’s biggest charity bike ride offers a number of routes from a family-friendly 10km around the city’s riverside to a challenging 100km course out to Wellington Point and back, all to raise funds to help people living with Multiple Sclerosis: www.brissietothebay.com.au

Red Nose Day – 28th JuneJoin in the fun by raising money for SIDS and Kids to provide much-needed funding for research and support services for those affected by Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): www.rednoseday.com.au

Winter Sleepout – 4th to 12th AugustThe Mission Australia Winter Sleepout raises funds for and awareness of homeless Australians. People are encouraged to leave the comfort of their homes and spend one night as a homeless person to see how difficult it really is:

www.wintersleepout.com.au

Jeans for Genes Day – 3 AugustJoin the millions of Australians who slip on their favourite jeans and donate or buy a badge to raise much-needed funds for children’s medical research: www.jeansforgenes.org.au

Employee Benefits Program - A new look for 2013

5

Our Commitment to internal recruitmentEPSA’s preference is to fill all vacant positions in its business segments with existing people. We are committed to offering all position vacancies internally prior to advertising externally, and to actively promoting positions to internal candidates.

To achieve this, EPSA will:1. Advertise all internal vacancies for a minimum of one week;

2. Commit to interviewing all internal applicants for the position; and

3. Where candidates are unsuccessful, counsel them and implement programs to prepare them for future opportunities.

Wherever possible, internal candidates will be appointed to the vacant positions and will then be provided with adequate induction, training and management support to succeed their new role.

RecommendationsWe are always on the lookout for qualified people to join our team in many locations around Australia. Do you know of anyone who may be interested in a dynamic career with EPSA?

Where a person employed by EPSA recommends a person for a vacant position and who is ultimately employed in that position, the EPSA person will receive a $250.00 reward for their recommendation. This is available to all personnel and is payable upon successful completion of the new employee’s qualifying period.

Check out EPSA’s new Website and Careers pageThe new EPSA website is up and running – www.energypower.com.au

The web development team considered input from the entire company to ensure the new website structure was customer-friendly. “It’s important that your website contains information that is easily accessible and useful,” says Luke Theobald, IT Systems Analyst. “You have only a few seconds to capture a visitor’s attention and provide the wanted details.”

Luke worked closely with HR to develop a Careers page that would allow prospective candidates to “tap in” to current vacancies, apply directly to EPSA and receive a response within 24 hours.

What do you think of the Careers page?

CAREERS at EPSA At EPSA, we are committed to bringing out the best in our people through: ongoing training and development, offering a safe, pleasant and harmonious working environment, encouraging open and effective communication between all levels and offering employment that is secure and satisfying.

MARCH 2013 EDITION 6

Getting to know…… Alison (Allie) Jarvis, HSE Project Officer - Wheatstone60 seconds with Allie:

1. What’s the smartest thing you’ve been told? "You can achieve anything if you want it bad enough" - a statement I believe to be true.

2. Favourite colour and why? Purple - I think originally because it was my birth stone... Grapes are purple, lilac smells fantastic, and Jacaranda trees in flower are totally awesome! Go figure!

3. What’s the one simple thing you’re really good at? "Talking" - to anybody, anywhere and about anything and everything.

4. A talent you wish you had? " To play the guitar, and play it REALLY well".

5. What smells take you back? ”Fresh cut grass, the sidewalk just as it starts to rain. Johnsons Baby Powder (hey I'm a Grandma!) and apricots... There was a fantastic tree in the back yard of my youth.

6. Most prized possession? A piece of jewellery I had made after a burglary.

7. Favourite holiday destination? A cruise ship to anywhere warm - but for a specific destination I would have to say - Key West, Florida...

30 Years of Caterpillar – Peter Wootton

Peter Wootton, EPGI Sales Representative with Engines VIC/TAS, has achieved what many have not…a life long career with Caterpillar.

On the 5th August 2012, Peter achieved his 30 year career milestone with EPSA and William Adams.

A morning tea took place at the Hallam office to present Peter with a commerative plaque and engraved watch. Upon accepting his gift from Phil Canning, Peter was “very humbled and appreciative of the support he had been given over the last 30 years”. Peter has enjoyed working for EPSA and “the people I work with make it better every day.”

Congratulations on this fantastic achievement Peter!

7

Health & WellbeingHow to eat well at work (Taken from BUPA’s “Shine” Magazine, January 2013)

Different working situations present their own healthy eating challenges. Healthy Food Guide magazine nutritionist Claire Turnbull offers advice on how to keep on track with your healthy eating, whatever your routine.

OFFICE OR RETAIL JOBEating well when you're working a '9 to 5' job with limited time for breaks can pose challenges. The easy availability of tempting and unhealthy food, limited cooking facilities to make healthy lunches, and the need to grab something quick at lunchtime can mean it's easy to end up eating more kilojoules each day than you need.

Solutions • Work out roughly how much food you need to

eat during your working day, then pack it up to take with you. If you typically have lunch and two snacks at work, your daily food should include one or two pieces of fruit, at least one or two serves of vegies, some healthy carbohydrates (grainy bread, crackers, rice, and pasta) and some protein, such as fish, chicken or eggs.

• Cook a little bit extra at night to make a tasty lunch the next day. Transform a roasted chicken dinner into the next day's lunch by adding leftover chicken to a spinach or rocket salad with roasted vegies. Leftover mince from a chilli con carne or bolognese. Have it for lunch on a slice of grainy toast.

• Have a desk drawer or locker stash of food. Store nuts, seeds, canned soups, microwaveable rice cups, canned tuna and salmon and individual tubs of chopped fruit in juice. Include chutney and a low-fat dressing to add flavour.

• If you don't have time to eat breakfast in the morning, keep a box of cereal at work.

• If chocolate is your weakness, move the office supply out of your eye line. Out of sight...

• Working late can mean you often turn to takeaway food. If possible, choose a stir-fry style meal, with lean meat or fish, vegies and steamed rice. Even better, if there is a freezer at work, store your own ready meals or leftovers in there.

• If you often buy your lunch or snacks, look online to see if you can find the nutritional information for your favourites. Aim for lunches with less than 2000kJ and 10g total fat, and snacks with less than 600kJ and 5g total fat. Include as many vegetables and fruits as you can.

• If business lunches are a part of your job, try to break the mentality that you need to 'make the most of it'. When you get to the table, have a glass of water before you drink any alcohol (even better, skip the alcohol altogether) and order a lighter meal, such as a garden salad with grilled chicken or steak to keep you feeling satisfied.

PHYSICAL LABOURThose who have active, physical jobs, face the challenges of being out all day, working over mealtimes or being stuck on site with limited cooking facilities and easy access to junk food and sugary drinks. The easy option is to grab food on the go. But eating that way makes it harder for your body to work efficiently and it's more likely you will end up crashing when you get home. To avoid fatigue and get the most from your day, eating right is essential.

Solutions • Pack an esky or bag full of healthy supplies

for the day; containing: one or two bottles of water

• two pieces of fruit, a healthy lunch - leftovers, sandwiches, frittata, meat loaf, wraps, stuffed pita pockets or leftover stir-fry; one or two healthy, filling snacks such as cereal bars, soups, hard-boiled eggs, dried fruit & nut packs or tubs of low-fat yoghurt.

• If you do have to buy food, head to the supermarket and get ingredients to build your own sandwich: bread rolls, shredded chicken or lean meat from the deli, and salad leaves. Or try ready-made tabouli; or green, pasta or roasted vegie salads from the deli section, then add shredded chicken.

• At the bakery, choose bread-based items instead of pastry (they are likely to be lower in fat). Opt for a filled roll or sandwich made with grainy bread.

• Choose water whenever possible and avoid sugary drinks. Sports drinks are generally for those doing very heavy labour who sweat heavily (particularly in the summer months). Sports drinks can have as much as 14 teaspoons of sugar in a bottle and as many kilojoules as a chocolate bar.

MARCH 2013 EDITION 8

Office Etiquette Survival GuideLearn the dos and don’ts of professionally navigating the workplace.

Even if you think you have office politics down pat, it can never hurt to brush up on your workplace etiquette. Below are some basic etiquette rules for business professionals. Article written by Sarah Reid www.yourlifeworks.ninemsn.com.au

It might seem obvious to some, but Tracey Hodgkins from the Australian Experimental Learning Centre (AELC) in Perth says that many people have "no idea" what constitutes acceptable office etiquette. Brush up on yours today.

Face-to-face contactHodgkins, who has run workplace etiquette courses at the AELC since 1999, stresses the importance of face-to-face contact with colleagues. "Instead of e-mailing someone two metres away, be sociable and get up and speak to them," she says.

As for keeping up office appearances, be polite, but don't feel you have to ask everyone in the office how they're going each day. "If you're genuinely curious, go ahead, but if you don't mean it, don't pretend," says Hodgkins. If in doubt, smile.

E-mail"E-mails should be composed like letters, not text messages," advises Hodgkins. Use correct spelling and avoid abbreviations (like "tks" and "yo") and emoticons (like smiley faces and kisses). Also, incorporate face-to-face manners into e-mails. "Remember you're e-mailing a person, not a robot. Words like 'hello' and 'thank you' will go a long way."

E-mailing jokes or "forwards" may set you up as the office time waster so resist the urge. And be careful what you type, because e-mails can be accessed by your employer. Steer clear of using Facebook, eBay, YouTube and other non-work related websites when clocked on. Did you know e-mails can get you fired?

Dressing"Correct attire will depend on your company dress code, but no matter where you work, cleavage should not be on display — it makes both males and females uncomfortable," says Hodgkins, adding that tight trousers on men can be equally offensive.

"Take a look around the office and dress slightly better than the norm," advises Hodgkins. Not so much that you will be perceived as being "above" colleagues, but just enough to infer that you take your role seriously. "If you look drab, you will be perceived that way," Hodgkins says.

GossipingIn a word — don't, warns Hodgkins. If a colleague initiates a bitch session, Hodgkins advises you decline politely, but firmly. "Say, 'I'm so sorry but I don't feel comfortable talking about that — I hope you understand.'"

Phone manner"The correct way to answer the phone is to say hello and state your name and title/department," says Hodgkins. As for mobiles, Hodgkins admits they're a crucial work tool for many, but some rules can still be observed. "Loud, irritating ring tones and message alerts cause the most problems, but you also have to be aware of how loud you're speaking," she says. And personal calls should be just that — personal. Nobody wants to hear about last night's efforts to de-worm your cat. Texting is also generally frowned upon.

RelationshipsOffice romances are bound to occur in some workplaces, and if they do, conduct them professionally, says Hodgkins. "This means no favouritism, deep and meaningful chats in corners or sex in cupboards."

General behaviourDon't expect to get along with everybody, says Hodgkins. "You don't have to like everyone, and you're being paid to work in a team, so don't let personal problems get in the way."

Also, be aware of people's personal space. "If a colleague you need to see is on the phone, come back — don't stand there waiting for them to finish," says Hodgkins. This goes for perfume wearers, too. Always consider how your scent, noise or presence may affect others. If in doubt, ask your team.

9

MARCH 2013 EDITION 10

What are hand tools?> An extension of our arms and hands Equipment designed to do the task our fingers can not

> Something to make the tasks easier and more efficient

> Something designed to speed up operations

> Any portable piece of equipment to assist our hands

> Something we would all be lost without if we did not have them

Do you make sure our hand tools are kept in the best possible condition?

• Visually checking before use

• Using them for their intended purpose

• Having the correct tools before starting a task

• Cleaning them before and after use

• Storing them in the correct container or rack

POWER TOOL SAFETYEvery tool has rules and precautions that apply to it. In the case of power tools, many of these are the same for each tool every time. Learn these by heart and you’ll always be off to a safe start.

• Always read, understand and follow the Instruction Manual before attempting to use any power tool in any way. Also read the nameplate information and follow the warning labels on the tool itself.

• Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields, a dust mask for dusty operations, and wear hearing protection if you’ll be using the tool for an extended period of time.

• Dress right. Remember looks don’t count when it comes to safety first!

• No loose-fitting clothing, no neckties, no jewellery, no dangling objects of any kind. Long hair must be tied back out of your way. Non-slip, toe capped footwear is recommended.

Never use power tools if you are tired, sick, distracted, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Make sure your work area is neat and clean and free of any debris that might get in your way or be ignited by hot tools, chips or sparks. Make sure your work area has plenty of bright, shadow-free light.

Before you plug in any power tool, make sure the power switch is off.

Be sure all appropriate guards are in place and working.

Always turn off and unplug the tool before you make any adjustments or change accessories. If it’s been altered from original manufacture – Don’t Use it!

Never use power tools in wet or damp conditions.

Never use a tool that is damaged or malfunctioning in any way.

Never use any accessory except those specifically supplied or recommended by the manufacturer. They should be described in the tool’s Instruction Manual.

Need an extension cord? Make sure it’s a heavy duty cord and don’t use indoor rated cords outside. If the tool has a three-pronged plug, make sure you use a three-pronged extension cord plugged into a three-pronged outlet. Make sure cutters or blades are clean, sharp and securely in place. Never use bent, broken, or warped blades or cutters.

> Never overreach when using a power tool.

> Stay firmly planted on both feet.

> Never rush what you are doing.

> Always pay close attention.

> Don’t let anything distract you.

Think ahead! • When using hand-held power tools, always keep a firm grip with both hands. Losing control creates a hazardous situation. Do not use any tool that is too heavy for you to easily control. Always use the right tool for the right job. No substitutions allowed!

Always unplug, clean and store the tool in a safe, dry place when you are finished using it.

Employees and employers have a responsibility to work together to establish safe working procedures. If a hazardous situation is encountered, it should be brought to the attention of the proper individual immediately.

Hand safety Too many employees were not wearing PPE, and too many employees who did wear PPE were either using the wrong PPE or using it incorrectly.

Regarding hand injuries specifically, one study showed that 70% of injured workers did not wear gloves, and the remaining 30% wore gloves that were inadequate, damaged, or wrong for the type of hazard being protected against.

Everyone needs to select PPE on the basis of the specific conditions and potential hazards of the task to be performed.

On the topic of hand safety, list all the ways your hands might be injured on the job and therefore where gloves may prevent injury. Depending on the jobs done in your workplace, the list might include:

• Cuts, lacerations, punctures, and even amputations

• Abrasions from rough surfaces

• Broken fingers or other bones of the hand

• Chemical burns

• Severe skin irritation (dermatitis) from contact with certain chemicals

• Thermal burns from touching very hot objects

• Absorption of hazardous substances through unprotected skin

Choose the right gloves for the jobOf course, wearing gloves will help protect against many of the hazards listed above. But not just any kind of glove will do. Match the hazards they've identified with the right kind of glove.

Safety SnapshotHands and Tools - a match made in...

11

Safety Compliance Audits are coming…The first of many national external safety compliance audits will commence in March, starting with Karratha, Perth and Kalgoorlie, followed by Darwin, Hallam, Sunshine, Brisbane, Rockhampton and Townsville. Ian Fraser from Environmental Essentials along with Lee Cations will be visiting and auditing these branches between March and September this year.

In order to prepare your branches for these audits, here are some tips to get your workspace in tip top shape:

• Ensure cords and electrical appliances are tested and tagged to the relevant standard

• Ensure all pedestrian walkways are clear and free of debris, plant and equipment

• Ensure all First Aider / Fire Warden / Emergency Evacuation posters are on prominent display and most importantly, accurate.

• Ensure all employees know how to access ConnX, how to log an incident, their qualifications and training records in case the auditor wants to see First Aid records, for example.

• Ensure all emergency exits are clear and free of blockage (i.e. no pallets sitting in front of emergency exit door).

• Ensure visitor badges, sign in books and swipe passes (if applicable) are provided to the auditors upon arrival. Remember, they need to be shown the branch emergency evacuation procedures.

• Have a Take 5 / JHA completed book ready in case the auditor wants to view a particular project’s safety procedures

• Ensure Toolbox Talk checklists and Forklift Pre-Start checklists have been completed, are available for easy access and stored in date order.

• Ensure there are zero trip hazards, floors are clean and all safety signs are mounted.

Model Work Health Safety Reform in SA and TASWith South Australia and Tasmania on board, Australia is a step closer to nationally harmonised workplace safety laws, providing workers across Australia the same standard of health and safety protection regardless of where they work, or the work they do.

To progress nationally consistent laws, Safe Work Australia, an Australian Government tripartite agency focused on improving work health and safety arrangements across Australia, developed a model Work Health and Safety Act that was to be adopted by each state, territory and the Commonwealth.

From 1 January 2013, South Australia and Tasmania commenced using the new work health and safety legislation - which includes the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 and the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012, supported by Codes of Practice – and will align themselves with New South Wales, Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, the Northern Territory and the Commonwealth.

The Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012 have identified control measures that must be applied to specific work activities and hazards, for example machine guarding and noise exposure. The Codes of Practice provide practical information or guidance on how to meet the requirements of the regulations. The Codes are not mandatory; however they provide information to help workplaces achieve safe systems of work.

In the long term, harmonised work health and safety laws will reduce red tape and compliance costs for businesses that operate across state borders. It will also provide workers with the same protections and safety standards and recognise their licensing and training nationally.

Why conducting a Take 5 in your workplace is so importantTake 5 assessments are an important part of all health and safety practices within EPSA. You may have seen the Safety Alert distributed late January via the company forum; it reported a near miss involving a forklift and the unloading of a generator. A Take 5 was not completed and would have alerted the operator that the practice undertaken to unload the generator was unsafe.

When used correctly, a Take 5 will assist you to assess the severity of a hazard in your workplace and help you determine which risks need the most urgent attention. The Take 5 booklets come in two different formats – a pocket, flip book style or an A4 Pad.

At a minimum, before commencing any task that may pose a risk to your health and safety or that of others in your workplace, you should follow the five ‘Take 5’ steps: STOP, THINK, IDENTIFY, PLAN and PROCEED.

Refresher Take 5 and JHA training will be rolled out to all employees in every branch from the 31st March 2013.

FatigueWhat types of workers are most likely to experience fatigue?

The most likely types of workers to experience fatigue include:

1. Shift workers;

2. Workers with excessive working hours; and

3. Workers with significant demands outside of the workplace.

Remember that workers in high-risk workplaces create a higher risk if they are affected by fatigue.

Keep a look out for these types of workers in your workplace.

Shift workersShift workers are particularly prone to fatigue as their natural biological rhythms are regularly disrupted, especially those that work the night shift.

Shift workers are also at a greater risk of suffering from many other health and wellbeing issues including:

• obesity• cardiovascular disease• mood changes• gastrointestinal problems, e.g. constipation

and stomach discomfort• higher risk of motor vehicle accidents and

work-related accidents• Family problems e.g. divorce.

Workers with excessive working hoursWorkers with excessive working hours sacrifice the time they need for rest and recuperate, which makes them more likely to be fatigued at work.

To assist in managing the effects of working extended hours, make sure that your staff / colleagues have regular breaks from the workplace, i.e. by using their annual leave entitlement.

Workers with significant demands outside the workplaceWorkers who have significant demands outside of their workplace are more likely to be fatigued at work, e.g. those with a carer’s responsibility for an ill family member.

New FacesA warm welcome to the new faces at EPSA; there have been quite a few of them since September, 2012.We hope your time with EPSA is most enjoyable

September 2012Russell Vallis Project Manager Engines Perth

Michael Gardner Project Supervisor Engines Sydney

Alison Jarvis HSE Project Officer Wheatstone Perth

Joel Linke Commissioning Technician Engines Sydney

Lyle Weatherson Sales Representative Rental Melbourne

Neil Beeching CAD Operator Engineering Melbourne

October 2012

Brett Fraley Commissioning Technician Engines Sydney

Michael Khachiki Contracts Manager Engines Sydney

November 2012Dennis Lo Control Systems Engineer Engines Sydney

Bernard Walsh Sales Representative Rental Brisbane

Jack Shuker Electrical Engineer Engines Sydney

Michael Henderson Storeperson / Trades Assistant Engines Brisbane

Paul Kuri Sales Representative Engines PNG

Jen Plant Credit and Claims Supervisor Finance Melbourne

Matthew Burns Service Technician Rental Adelaide

December 2012

Leo van Rensburg National Supply Chain Manager Engines Brisbane

John Skoumbourdis Sales Representative Rental Sydney

Steve McCormack Project Manager Engines Brisbane

January 2013Martin Wintergerst Mechanical Engineer (Trainee) Engines Melbourne

Mukesh Sharma Project Manager / Estimator Engines Brisbane

Maria Granic Accounts Payable Officer Finance Head Office

Lee Phillips Project Engineer Wheatstone Adelaide

February 2013Scott Medling Branch Manager Rental Karratha

Lisa Gulley Marketing Assistant / Administrator Marketing Head Office

Welcome

12

Six simple rituals to help you be awesome at work❶ Define your "Top 3" Every morning ask yourself, "What are my top three most important tasks that I will complete today?" Then, prioritise your day accordingly and don't sleep until the top three are complete. What's your "Top 3" today?

❷ Drink a glass of water when you wake up Your body loses water while you sleep, so you’re naturally dehydrated in the morning. A glass of water when you wake helps start your day fresh. When do you drink your first glass of water each day?

❸ The 50/10 Rule Solo-task and do faster by working in 50/10 increments. Use a timer to work for 50 minutes on only one important task with 10 minute breaks in between. To perform at your peak spend these 10 minutes getting away from your desk, going outside, calling friends, meditating, or grabbing a glass of water. What’s your most important task for the next 50 minutes?

❹ Move and sweat daily Regular movement keeps us healthy and alert. It boosts energy and mood, and relieves stress. Consider a morning walk/run or a yoga class. How will you sweat today?

❺ Express gratitude Gratitude fosters happiness, which is why it's not a bad idea to keep a gratitude journal. Every morning, write out at least five things you're thankful for. In times of stress, pause and reflect on ten things you're grateful for. What are you grateful for today?

❻ Reflect daily Bring closure to your day through 10 minutes of reflection. Ask yourself, “What went well?” and “What needs improvement?” So... what went well today? How can you do more of it?

Like what you see or want to see something specific? Email your feedback to megan.carmody@energypower.com.au and/or any articles you wish to see included in the next edition of HR EmPower.