Welcome to our Autumn newsletter. In March we received the long awaited result from VCAT (Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal) regarding the residential re-development in the outer safety zone of a Major Hazard Facility.  We are delighted to report that VCAT accepted our precautionary approach to the potential safety issues of concern and approved the new builds with the identified controls in place without any further modifications. (Listen to Ep 2 of S3 of our podcast detailed below.)

Over the last couple of months, we have been working on some very interesting projects. We spent a week down in beautiful Tasmania completing the safety due diligence reviews for the Ports of Hobart, Bell Bay and Burnie.  We have also provided risk assessment services for a Gold Coast High Rise and completed an SFAIRP review for a tram upgrade project in Melbourne.

Richard and I have also been out and about presenting at a number of different forums this quarter. Richard presented at a Dam owners forum on ALARP for the Queensland Dam Safety regulator, as well as to Yarra Trams’ Community of Practice seminar on rail safety.  While I presented a paper at the International Public Works conference in Melbourne.  

The title of my paper was Implications of Major Hazard Facility Consequence Contours for Land Use Safety Planning.  The key take-aways from the conference for me were that there are so many issues that councils and public authorities have to deal with (they really do have a pot full of hazards), the potential consequences are increasing especially for natural hazards, and that there are some great innovative solutions that could be adapted to control some of these issues. 

For me, the due diligence approach that R2A adopts for all our risk work really is the way forward and would simplify so many issues for organisations like councils. 

As we fast approach the end of financial year, we have a number of public courses scheduled with EEA that are detailed below. But if you have any questions relating to your organisations engineering due diligence, please get in touch. Richard and I are always happy to chat.

Email admin@r2a.com.au or call 1300 772 333.

 Until next time,

Gaye Francis
R2A Partner

Engineering Due Diligence

• Wednesday 15 & Thursday 16 May (two half days), 1:00pm – 5:00pm (AEST)

Audience: This course is a more detailed course for Engineers. It's also suitable for risk and compliance staff of technology-based organisations.

For further information and registration via EEA: eea.org.au/courses/engineering-due-diligence

Criminal Manslaughter – How Not To Do it

• Thursday 25 July, 1:00pm – 5:00pm (AEST)

Audience: This course suits engineers and design professionals, and is particularly valuable for board members, senior decision-makers and technical advisers.

Further information and registration via EEA: eea.org.au/courses/criminal-manslaughter-how-not-do-it

Rail Safety National Law & OHS Legislation - Obligations for Engineers & Designers

• Wednesday 31 July, 9:00am – 12:15pm (AEST)

Audience: This course suits engineers across all disciplines, especially engineers involved in the rail industry. Other relevant roles include: Designers and Project Managers.

Further information and registration via EEA: eea.org.au/courses/rail-safety-national-law-and-ohs-legislation-obligations-engineers-and-designers

Did you know we also do tailored, in-house workshop briefings? Either contact us directly or chat with EEA. 

Find out more at www.r2a.com.au/private-due-diligence-briefing-workshops

We’re halfway through our third season of Risk! Engineers Talk Governance. 

• Ep 1 | Design Analysis Not Risk Analysis

• Ep 2 | Design Trumps Risk Assessment (VCAT success)

• Ep 3 | Our Due Diligence Process & Why It Works

• Ep 4 | Control & Reasonableness in WHS/OHS Legislation

• Ep 5 | Art & Engineering: How Being a Great Artist Relates to Engineering Roles
  

The podcast is available on all major platforms including Apple, Spotify, Google, Amazon. 

In this article, Gaye reflects after attending the International Public Works Conference recently in Melbourne that there are great opportunities for councils to help build more resilient and robust communities as part of the town planning processes.  

This article follows a recent podcast episode where Richard and Gaye discuss ISO 31000, the risk management standard, and its consequences in relation to Australian and New Zealand WHS and OHS legislation.

It’s been wonderful to liaise with Women in Trucking Australia who work with stakeholders to remove barriers and enhance training and employment opportunities for women seeking to establish careers as heavy vehicle drivers. 

We thank them for these amazing pictures of our Maternity Garments in action and look forward to further collaborating in the near future.