A wake up call
Staging Dimensions’ recent court proceedings relating to an on-site accident in which a contractor was injured at work unloading a truck and required surgery to an ankle (see story page 6) should be a sober reminder to all business event planners that occupational health and safety policies and procedures should be the business of every employee.
According to the general manager of Staging Dimensions, Russell Bennett, the company has been embroiled in investigations since the accident which occurred in December 2005, and has already had to absorb costs relating to this through lost staff productivity and mounting legal expenses. The company estimates it has already spent in excess of $70,000 which will almost certainly increase by the conclusion of the hearing.
Russell Bennett has been a long-time professional in the business events industry, and it is positive to see that he is being so upfront about the situation the company is presently in.
As Mr Bennett points out, OH&S procedures must be documented and discussed with staff. Further, if you do not have written evidence that contractors have been trained in OH&S procedures then you may be liable for any injuries that they sustain. He says the minimum fine in Queensland for OH&S breaches are in the range of $50,000 to $350,000. For any small business that kind of figure is very scary indeed.
Our resident legal writer, Matthew Crouch has written a number of articles on occupational health and safety, and liability, particularly relating to the use of contractors, and on more than one occasion has implored business event companies to ensure they have the correct practices and procedures in place to avoid litigation.
Perhaps now, being the start of the new year, all business event practitioners should re-examine their internal policies and procedures relating to occupational health and safety to ensure they are doing everything possible to avoid a protracted legal battle.
Our condolences
It was with sadness that mice.net was told of the passing of Debbie Tawse, the head of Celebrity Speakers in New Zealand, late last year.
Debbie was known the length and breadth of New Zealand in business event circles, and continued to be at the helm of the business right up to the time she lost her battle with cancer. In September she attended the Conventions & Incentives New Zealand annual conference held in the Bay of Island, where she enjoyed time with many people she had worked with for so many years.
Celebrity Speakers was acquired by the Saxton Management Group around this time, and is now being managed by Louise Ryburn.
Everyone at mice.net magazine sends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Debbie Tawse.
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