From VCOSS Clearinghouse

“2010 is set to be another exciting year for VCOSS in the area Community Sector Health and Safety!  With the final round of Occupational Health and Safety grants taking place in March, organisations will have their final opportunity to access grants of up to $5,000 to purchase health and safety equipment.

Stress Prevention and Management Training,  as well sessions on WorkCover and Health and Safety Representative training are all taking place in the first half of 2010.

For more information on any of the events below, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

5 DAY HEALTH AND SAFETY REPRESENTATIVES TRAINING

This five day training course is the WorkSafe approved course for elected Occupational Health & Safety Representatives.

Topics include:
• Employer responsibility/obligations
• Rights and powers of OHS Representatives
• Recognition, evaluation and control of hazards
• Use of regulations and compliance codes

This comprehensive five-day course equips elected Health and Safety Representatives with the skills to assist those they represent and their employer in tackling OHS issues in the workplace.

NB - Training is available to employees and volunteers of community organisations only

When:  (5 day training) Monday March 15^th to Friday 19^th March, 2010 – 9am – 4.30pm on all five days

Where: Australian Services Union - 116-124 Queensberry St, Carlton South

Download registration form here

Cost:    $200 or $100 for VCOSS Members (Fees can be waived for organisations unable to pay)

For more information please contact Erin Wicking on 9654 5050, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

FREE INFORMATION SESSION – MAKING WORKCOVER WORK FOR YOU

Come and find out all you ever needed to know about WorkCover insurance.  This FREE session will give organisations an overview of the WorkCover scheme including how premiums are calculated, the role of their agent as well as the role of WorkSafe Victoria.   This session will also give participants information on how to access the services offered by WorkCover agents as well as tips on how they can reduce their WorkCover premiums.

NB - Training is available to employees and volunteers of community organisations only

When:  Wednesday 3^rd March 2010 – 9.30am – 12.30pm (morning tea provided)

Where: VCOSS Boardroom, Level 8, 128 Exhibition Street, Melbourne

Download registration form here

Cost:    FREE

For more information please contact Erin Wicking on 9654 5050, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

STRESS PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT TRAINING -  COMING SOON

Dates and further information available soon. 

To receive notification of upcoming dates, please email your details to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

OHS EQUIPMENT GRANTS – FINAL GRANT ROUND OPEN SOON!

VCOSS has the opportunity to participate in the WorkSafe Prevention Fund Project over the last two years through the distribution of OHS equipment grants. The OHS Equipment Grants will allow not-for-profit community organisations to improve workplace health and safety by accessing funds to purchase equipment and/or modifications to address identified OHS hazards in their organisation.

Organisations can use the one-off grants (of up to $5000 including GST) towards the purchase of equipment and/or modifications that will eliminate or reduce risks to health and safety.

Applications for the FINAL round of equipment grants will be accepted from March 1^st 2010 until March 31^st 2010. To find out all you need to know about the grants priority areas, eligibility and how to apply, please click here

Organisations are asked to read all grant information on the Community OHS website carefully before contacting VCOSS.  Applicants MUST contact VCOSS to discuss items to be requested prior to beginning the application process.

For more information, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

FREE OHS AUDITS

Applying for a OHS Equipment Grant?  Access a Free Health and Safety Audit to find out what health and safety needs (including equipment) your organisation has.

VCOSS is offering FREE OHS audits to Victorian community organisations with up to 50 employees (EFT, not including volunteers) through the WorkSafe Victoria Small Business Safety Program. All you need to do is complete the registration form below and an independent consultant will visit your workplace for up to three hours to provide expert advice on OHS and help you put together a Safety Action Plan. The audits are worth approximately $500 and are completely free of charge!

Click here to download an application form for a free audit and email completed form to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   or fax to (03) 9654 5749.

There are only a few places available for 2010, so make sure you register now so you don’t miss out.