In this issue:
| Welcome to Ramsay EnviroNotes |
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| Welcome to our inaugural edition of Ramsay EnviroNotes. The objective of our newsletter is to keep you informed and provide critical comment on current environmental topics relevant to your business. We would like to take this opportunity to wish you seasons greetings and we look forward to working with you in 2006. Peter Ramsay |
| Phase I investigations: The First Important Step |
| A thorough Phase I investigation is the first step in assessing the potential for contamination on a site. Unfortunately, some 'investigations' do not include a site inspection or adequately address all the necessary site history checks listed in the guidelines. As a result they can overlook key issues which present a significant commercial risk to clients. A failure to implement an effective Phase 1 investigation could result in significant financial liabilities and environmental exposures as operators or property owners may become responsible for the costs for clean up or site management measures. Whilst 'polluter pays' is a basic principle of the environmental legislation often the entity that caused the pollution no longer exists, leaving a new owner with the liability. State EPAs and the National Guidelines (NEPM) recommend that a Preliminary Site Investigation (Phase I Investigation) be undertaken initially on a site to appraise the environmental liabilities. The NEPM states that this should include a Site History Investigation and a Preliminary Sampling Program when the site history indicates that contamination may be present on a site. Sampling should be undertaken on a site unless the Site History Investigation determines that there is no risk of contamination. The site history of the property is developed through the examination of historical aerial photographs and other sources of historical information. The investigation is designed to assess the potential for the site to be contaminated. Where the history of the land is unknown or there is the potential for the land to be contaminated, preliminary sampling in addition to the site history is necessary to gain specific information on the condition of the site. This is the approach recommended by EPAs throughout Australia and is in accordance with national and international best practice as a site history investigation alone is not conclusive. Even in suburban or outer urban areas unexpected contamination can be present due to fill containing wastes being used on the site, past applications of pesticides or insecticides, or disused sheep dips or wastes from workshops. Mergers and acquisitions in particular have inherent environmental risks. A competent Phase I will identify potential liabilities so that sound commercial decisions can be made. |
| Marstel Opens Coode Island Terminal |
Marstel's Coode Island Terminal  Marstel Terminals
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| New Workplace OHS Obligations |
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Recent changes to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation around Australia have shifted responsibilities in OHS matters to employers (directors, managers and self employed persons). In New South Wales, changes to the NSW OHS Act assented on 15 June 2005 impose onerous obligations on building owners, managers and other controllers of premises. The new Victorian OHS Act came into effect on 1 July 2005, and also increases the responsibility and accountability of employers with regard to workplace safety. Employers must now ensure as far as practicable that a healthy and safe workplace is provided for all employees, contractors and visitors to the workplace. It has therefore become critical that property owners, managers and employers understand and comply with their OHS obligations within the workplace.
Our firm believes that to successfully manage safety, a proactive, honest and committed approach is a fundamental requirement. We regularly review our environment, health and safety system to ensure safe work practices are carried out on all projects. This system combines a comprehensive management strategy, with a strong safety culture.
Within the firm's business operations, all employees are encouraged to participate and provide input into how safety is managed. Safety meetings are held monthly, and Job Safety Analysis (JSA) and Work Safety Analysis worksheets are completed prior to any field work. Safety Audits are regularly conducted in the office environment, thus ensuring that all employees have a safe and healthy workplace.
Contractors working for Peter J Ramsay & Associates are also required to adhere to a high standard of safe working practices through a Contractor Safety Agreement (CSA). The CSA documents procedures that all Contractors must implement for work that they have been engaged to perform. This includes the preparation of JSAs by the contractor for each project. Contractors are also required to have in place a safe working culture within their organisation and the necessary insurance cover. Any contractors not meeting these requirements or adhering to the Agreement are not engaged or considered for future contracts.
Our firm adheres to the philosophy that positive, safe work practices enhance the company's ability to work effectively and deliver an outcome to the client that adds real value. It also protects our most valuable asset - our people.
Further Information
WorkSafe Victoria
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