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Attendees:
Paul Deakin, Jack Tandy, Matt Windsor, Jake Joyce, Nick Reich, Alex Morris, Maxx Gilbert, Henry Osborne, Maciej Radny
Apologies:
James Walsh
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1. Opening
Paul Deakin opened the meeting and chaired proceedings.
2. Previous Minutes
The minutes of the previous meeting were reviewed.
Resolution:
Previous minutes approved without objection.
3. Management Injury Report – March
Matt Windsor presented the injury report for March.
Summary
• Injury numbers were broadly consistent with recent trends.
• There was a slight increase in the lost-time injury rate.
• Three injuries required medical treatment.
• One lower back injury from 7 March remains open, with the worker still absent after five weeks.
• Management is working with the insurer, case manager and worker on a return-to-work plan.
• A separate lower back injury from 28 January has now been closed after the worker transitioned out.
Injuries discussed
• Slip and drop incident.
• Injury while moving an industrial sewing machine.
• Strain while moving a large marble six-seater table.
• Shoulder injury caused by lifting a trolley overhead and twisting.
4. Industrial Sewing Machine Handling
The committee discussed the risks involved in moving industrial sewing machines, including awkward access, moving parts, and oil reservoirs.
Key discussion points:
• These items are consistently difficult to move safely.
• Staff need to check for oil trays, loose or hinged sections, and any moving parts before lifting.
• A “how-to” video was proposed to improve training and reduce risk.
• SisterWorks was suggested as a possible location to film a demonstration due to their use of similar machines and existing relationship with the business.
Action:
Matt to investigate and coordinate filming a safe-handling video for industrial sewing machines before the next meeting.
5. Marble Table Trolley
The committee reviewed the recent injury involving a marble table and discussed the usefulness of the marble table trolley.
Key discussion points:
• The trolley is useful for moving heavy tables over flat ground.
• It does not remove the need for lifting the table onto the trolley.
• It is less useful on stairs, steps, ramps, or in properties with poor access.
• The current trolley’s swivel wheels can make it unstable.
• A possible alternate model may offer greater stability, but concerns were raised about width and whether it would fit through doorways or on ramps.
• Cranbourne would benefit from having its own marble table trolley.
Resolution:
A second marble table trolley will be investigated for Cranbourne.
Action:
Matt to investigate the most suitable model, including wheel stability and width for doorways and ramps.
6. Trolley Lift Safety
The committee discussed risks associated with lifting trolleys overhead or using trolley lifts on stairs.
Key discussion points:
• Trolley lifts can become unstable when the item is too horizontal.
• Workers at the bottom of stairs can lose control if the weight shifts.
• Safe technique requires slow movement, clear communication, wide foot positioning, and keeping the load close to the centre of gravity.
• These points should continue to be reinforced during induction and practical training.
7. HSR Update
James Walsh was an apology due to SES duties.
Matt advised that Maxx Gilbert is now the HSR for Cranbourne and has been enrolled in the required HSR training course.
Note:
Maxx is expected to provide an update at the next meeting following training.
8. Three-Month Exam for New Staff
Jack Tandy provided an update on the Lifters Guild proposal for a three-month competency exam for new staff.
Purpose
• To reinforce learning after the initial five-day induction.
• To identify workers who may need further support.
• To improve competency, consistency and safety.
Proposed structure
• A practical assessment where the trainee leads the day.
• Observation by a trainer against a competency checklist.
• A written assessment covering operational knowledge, including driving, signalling, customer interaction, payments and damage guarantee procedures.
The committee agreed that OHS should provide input into the safety components of the assessment.
Actions:
• Jack to circulate the working draft document.
• A subcommittee meeting to be organised to finalise the safety and competency components of the three-month exam.
9. Electricity Incident – Abbotsford Depot
The committee discussed an electrical incident that occurred during projector installation at the Abbotsford depot, where power was lost for several hours.
Key discussion points:
• No one was electrocuted.
• The incident was not reported as a near miss.
• Committee members expressed concern about the lack of formal reporting and limited information available.
• It was agreed that more information is needed before the committee can properly assess the risk.
Action:
Matt to speak with Tim and at least one mover involved, then provide a summary of events to the group chat before the next meeting.
10. Roller Door Near Misses
The committee discussed several recent near misses involving trucks exiting through the depot roller door.
Key discussion points:
• Some drivers are reportedly not waiting for the green light before exiting.
• There is inconsistency about when the offsider should re-enter the truck.
• At Abbotsford, common practice is for the offsider to get in once the truck reaches the stop line, before proceeding on a green light.
• At Cranbourne, practice generally differs, with offsiders often entering once the truck is clear of the roller door.
• Suggestions included a flashing warning light, motion-triggered alert, or button-based warning system to notify pedestrians.
Outcome:
No procedural change was agreed at this meeting, but the issue remains under consideration.
11. Other Business
Elastic bands
• The shortage of elastic bands has been resolved.
• New stock has arrived and trucks can now be restocked.
Magnetic caution tape for lifts
• A magnetic retractable caution tape used to block lifts in buildings was discussed as a useful idea.
• The committee noted it could help prevent others taking a reserved lift during moves.
Stretch Club
• Stretch Club in Abbotsford is continuing weekly and gaining momentum.
• Cranbourne’s version has not had the same engagement.
Preventative physio
• The committee discussed the possibility of bringing in a physio or offering some form of regular preventative body-check or triage service.
• Oscar’s interest in contributing to this area was noted.
• The idea was well received and may be explored further.
Action:
Further discussion to be had with Oscar regarding preventative physio support and possible regular sessions.
12. Next Meeting
The next OHS Committee meeting is scheduled for approximately four weeks’ time.
Proposed date: 12 May 2026
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Action Items
• Matt to coordinate an industrial sewing machine safe-handling video.
• Matt to investigate and source a second marble table trolley for Cranbourne.
• Matt to investigate the Abbotsford electricity incident and provide an update.
• Jack to circulate the three-month exam draft.
• Subcommittee to meet and finalise the three-month exam content.
• Further discussion to be held with Oscar regarding preventative physio support.
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