October Newsletter 2011

Work Safe Week & Harmonisation Update for Victoria

Did you get to a Work Safe session or 2 last week? The events were hosted in both capital cities and regional areas were designed to support the many areas of safety.

On 28 September 2011 the Victorian Government called on the Commonwealth to defer for 12 months the implementation of nationally harmonised occupational health and safety laws. Click Here for the Media Release.

However the message from WorkSafe was clear they will continue to enforce Victoria’s existing Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007 and Compliance Codes and therefore ensuring policies and procedures are reviewed in line with this Act will assist with the changes when agreed.

Useful links:
The Seven Pillars of Safety – a safety framework for Medium size businesses when AS4801 and Safety Map are too complex.

Small Business Support including Free Consultation
For further details regarding complying in your workplace, contact us on 1300 856 930.

Top 10 Tips for minimising risks when hosting work parties
For businesses, the party season is a time to celebrate with your stakeholders and staff, recognising relationships and great efforts. It is also a time when hosting parties can cause major headaches...

Read more >>

Good News Hard to Come by in the Last Quarter- But it's There if You Look

The HR Coach Research Institute has recorded a slump in business confidence of 7% in Australia equating to a 15% dip in 6 months. Despite this unemployment remains uncompromisingly low and currency fluctuations have offered some long sought respite to Australian exporters.

From a human resource point of view organisations may benefit in the coming months as the war for talent seems to be abating slightly. Across the board indications are that employee expectations are steadying, as are the internal employment indicators in the business sector.

Across the ditch in New Zealand the outlook is bleak however positive attitudes and the net effect of the Rugby World Cup will no doubt improve many results over the quarter.

To read the complete October HR Quarterly Dashboard Reports click country:
Australia >>
New Zealand >>

The Growth of Women in Micro Business White Paper Release

Finding good news stories and positive growth trends in developed economies has become difficult in the past few months. Year on growth of over 10% for nearly a decade is something that should be celebrated and concentrated on. Leading this growth are women, now responsible for more than three times the new businesses compared to men.

The HR Coach Research Institute, recognizing this, recently commissioned a white paper to explore the micro business sector. Focusing on the compilation, challenges and opportunities facing women in micro business, the HR Coach Research Institute hopes the white paper will ignite a national discussion.

"It is imperative that we do everything in our power to support local business and in particular new businesses” said Louise Broekman, Managing Director of HR Coach and Chair of the HR Coach Research Institute. "With women playing such an important role in the sector now, it is crucial that we work to minimize the challenges, emphasize the opportunities and celebrate their contribution.”

The white paper is available for FREE download, Click here >>

For further information and support with minimising your business risk through reviewing your policies and training your staff contact Garner Business Solutions on 1300 856 930 or Email business@garnersolutions.com.au