Changing Work: Culture - COVID - Climate
The world and work are changing, and this year's ASM theme looks to explore the key issues that have emerged for occupational medicine – Culture, COVID and Climate, as well as providing opportunities for knowledge and skill development across a range of topics relevant to our daily practice.
The diverse program will feature workshops, site visits and expert presenters, with much of the content streamed to suit the new normal in conference delivery. We are pleased to again be partnering with the Australasian Faculty of Occupational & Environmental Medicine (AFOEM) to bring to you a high quality program.
ASM2022 proudly sponsored by:
Virtual Program
Sessions with these icons are part of the program for online access and will be either broadcast to watch live or recorded and provided to delegates to watch later.
Streamed
Recorded
FULL PROGRAM
NOTE: All times are Brisbane local time (AEST)
12:00 PM
General Council Meeting
2:00 PM - 4.00 PM
History of Occupational Medicine Witness Seminar
A/Prof Cate Storey & Prof Niki Ellis
Development of occupational health in Australia since 1955: Are we there yet?
Over the past 50 years, occupational and environmental medicine has evolved to become a distinctive practice involving a highly specialised team of professionals. Why did this specialty emerge when it did? What has been achieved? What do current practitioners see as the path for the future? Are we there yet?
The Witness Seminar will provide an opportunity to ponder these and other questions as we invite members of our professions to recall their place in historical events and the developments in workplace health over the past 50 years.
6:30 PM
WELCOME RECEPTION
Victoria Park, Alabaster Room
The Welcome reception will be held at Victoria Park and will provide a great opportunity for delegates to get together face-to-face after a long absence. The event is proudly supported by eReports.
CHAIR: Dr Edward Foley
9:00 AM
Welcome to Country | Conference Welcome | Presidents' Welcome
9:30 AM
KEYNOTE: From the coalface to WorkCover CEO
Bruce Watson, CEO, WorkCover QLD
Bruce Watson has led WorkCover Queensland since 2016, during which time he has driven technologically advanced claims management, underpinned by his commitment to outstanding customer experience.
As a self-described humanistic leader, he values care and empathy as critical for optimal outcomes. Previously, as CEO of Mine Wealth and Wellbeing Super Fund for 11 years, these values contributed to the organisation's significant success while receiving recognition as a "Top 50 Best Place to Work".
With his characteristic inspirational style, Bruce will share his career journey and provide insights into the experiences that have shaped his career and life more broadly, and have helped him to lead others through challenging and changing times.
10:30 AM
MORNING TEA BREAK
CHAIR: Dr Bruce Hocking
CLIMATE
This session will focus on climate change and the OHS impact on various workforces
11:00 AM
Emergency service workers and extreme climate events
Dr Reem Mina, Lead Occupational Physican, Fire and Rescue NSW
Climate change is causing more frequent and more severe environmental disasters such as huge bushfires and floods. Emergency services will be stretched meeting these extraordinary demands for their services in the future. Fire and Rescue NSW is the largest emergency service in Australia. The presentation will briefly outline the preparations within FRNSW for managing firefighters in these extreme events. The paper will focus on the periodic assessment of firefighter health and fitness. The importance of cardiovascular fitness will be discussed.
11:35 AM
Clean hydrogen applications and HSE management
Chris Dolman, Clean Energy Business Manager, BOC South Pacific
Hydrogen is emerging as a major alternative clean fuel to replace fossil-based fuels as part of CO2 emissions reduction. The presentation will outline various aspects of hydrogen production and usage in Australia.
Particular attention will be given to various OHS hazards and their control. These hazards include material compatibility, flammability, cryogenics and compression.
12:10 PM
The future of food - insights for the agricultural and food industry
Prof Robert Henry, Professor of Innovation in Agriculture, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, University of Queensland.
Food makes the world go around, but what does the future of food production look like? With COVID-19 shedding light to the value of automation in the food industry, the industry as we know it could be changing rapidly in the near future.
Professor Henry will be speaking to:
- the future of working in agriculture or food science, and what impact this will have on the workforce
- providing examples of innovation in the field of agricultural work and food production
- considerations of new workplace health and safety issues in the view of these changing industries
12:45 PM
LUNCH BREAK
1:30 PM
SITE VISITS
The Annual Scientific Meeting is well known for its practical, hands-on approach to learning. A variety of site visits will be offered on the Monday and Wednesday afternoons of the conference, Bookings for individual site visits will be offered closer to the conference dates. The visits provide insight into the varying nature of work and the issues facing employers, employees and health professionals. See the Site Visits page for more details.
VIRTUAL SITE VISIT
Nyrstar Hobart Smelter
The Nyrstar Hobart smelter is one of the world’s largest zinc smelters in terms of production volume. The facility uses the RLE process for zinc production. Hobart’s key products are SHG zinc, die cast alloys (branded ‘EZDA’) and CGG (continuous galvanising grade) alloys. In addition, the site produces by-products of cadmium, copper sulphate, paragoethite, lead sulphate, leach concentrate and sulphuric acid.
The site has been significantly upgraded and modernised, with improvements in the gas purification and acid plants in the roasting facility and in the leaching and purification processes; the introduction of mechanised zinc stripping in electrolysis and the automation of the casting plant
This site visit will give delegates the opportunity to closely observe common processes and assess them through the lens of an occupational consultant. You will be asked to complete a report in line with a given scenario and will be able to participate in discussion with your fellow delegates as to the various aspects of interest and approaches you might undertake.
1:30 PM
WORKSHOPS
CPR Update - 2.5 hrs
A popular feature of the ASM, this session provides an opportunity to meet certification requirements, in line with the specifications for HLTAID001. The course will cover:
- Response to an emergency situation
- Performance of CPR procedures
- Communication of details of the incident
- Defibrillation
Participation is at an additional cost.
Face-to-face only.
Pre-employment health checks workshop - 2.5 hrs
Dr Vern Madden & Dr Amanda Sillcock
The conduct of pre-employment medicals is a fundamental skill for many medical and nursing practitioners providing occupational health services.
This session will include:
- A practical session demonstrating and involving delegates in the main aspects of a pre-employment examinations. This will include aspects such as documenting the assessment results and communicating the outcomes to usefully inform the employer's actions.
- An interactive discussion regarding the more esoteric aspects, including human rights and equal opportunity issues, as well as the importance of suitable job descriptions as a basis for pre-employment health assessments, and other key considerations for notifying the employer.
6:30 PM
Proudly supported by:
Nurses' Dinner
Proudly supported by Resile, this special event for Occupational Health Nurses' continues the tradition started at the ASM2018 to show some appreciation for the hard work and give an opportunity for fun and connections with your fellow nurse's.
This year, we welcome you to come along to Bianca's Italian Restaurant in Fortitude Valley for a 3-course set menu featuring simple, classic Italian dishes perfected with a nod to the Australian climate and dining sphere, honouring fresh produce and seasonality. Working from the foundation up, Bianca creates all their pastas and breads in-house, so you can be sure you are getting the best.
Attendance for nurses' is free and guest tickets can be added to your booking at the discounted rate of $50.
Venue: Bianca
Address: Shop Am5 Ada Lane
46 James Street
Fortitude Valley, QLD
Cost: Free for nurses, $50 for guests
Book now via TryBooking: CLICK HERE
7:30 AM
Journal Club
Organised by Dr Thea Leman in conjunction with other AFOEM trainees and involving mediated group discussion, this is a great opportunity to build your critical appraisal skills while exploring the latest evidence in workplace health.
Topic: Ivermectin Prophylaxis Used for COVID-19
CHAIR: Dr Edward Foley
COVID-19
For the past 2-years, the management of COVID in relation to workers and workplaces has been a major issue. This session will reflect on learnings from that experience and discuss the ongoing implications of living with COVID.
8:45 AM
The Legacy of Long COVID
Dr Richard Heron, Vice President Health and Chief Medical Officer BP
Long COVID is now recognised as a significant issue for working populations and workplaces, with symptoms persisting beyond four weeks from initial infection including fatigue, dyspnea, cardiovascular abnormalities, and effects on cognition and mental health. As CMO of an organisation employing over 60,000 workers, Richard Heron has had to come to grips with the long term implications for his workforce and will reflect on this experience.
9:20 AM
COVID incident control: considerations for airport, quarantine and healthcare workers
Dr Liz Rushbrook, Executive Director of Medical Services at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital
Dr Liz Rushbrook is a specialist Medical Administrator with a wide range of hospital and military experience, currently serving as the Executive Director of Medical Services at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. She also took on the role of Incident Controller COVID-19 Response for one of Queensland’s largest HHS, Metro North. Based on this experience she will discuss:
- the protection of airport and quarantine workers during COVID-19
- the development of a health care worker risk assessment for workplace adjustments during COVID-19
9:55 AM
Vaccinations and industrial relations - legal aspects
Danny Clifford, Director, Clifford Gouldson Lawyers
As the COVID-19 situation evolves, employers are considering their options and obligations around employee vaccinations, including policies for mandatory vaccinations.
Danny Clifford is an Employment and Workplace law specialist, with extensive experience in this area.
During this session, he will:
- Describe the developments around mandatory vaccination policies for workplaces
- Discuss recent legal cases and highlight the factors to be considered in determining the legal basis for such policies
- Provide tips for creating and implementing an applicable workplace policy
10:30 AM
MORNING TEA BREAK
CHAIR: Dr Edward Foley
DUST DISEASES
11:00 AM
Report on the National Dust Diseases Task Force
Dr Graeme Edwards, Work and Health Risk Management
The Australian Government established the National Dust Disease Taskforce (NDDT) in July 2019 to develop a national approach for the prevention, early identification, control and management of accelerated silicosis from engineered stone, and broader occupational dust diseases. The Taskforce published its final report in July of 2021, including recommendations that support a range of regulatory and non-regulatory actions designed to have an impact in the short to medium-term on improving worker health and safety.
As a member of the NDDT, and an expert in the field of dust diseases management, Dr Graeme Edwards, will provide insights into the work of the Taskforce, the progress made and the challenges ahead.
11:35 AM
Silicosis and autoimmune disease - a screening registry of artificial stone workers in Victoria
Prof Malcolm Sim, Occupational Physician & Emeritus Professor, Monash University
We are in the midst of an epidemic of silicosis among artificial stone workers. Prof Malcolm Sim will present respiratory, autoimmune and mental health findings related to a screening program for current and past stonemasons in Victoria. He will also address the adequacy of current silicosis screening techniques.
Session objectives:
- To increase understanding of silicosis and other health effects in artificial stone workers
- To increase understanding of the purpose and uses of occupational screening and disease registries
- To increase understanding of screening techniques for workers working with materials containing crystalline silica
12:10 PM
Imaging and dust diseases - current evidence, best practice
Dr Catherine Jones, Radiologist, I-MED
Imaging has a central role in the diagnosis and monitoring of occupational lung diseases including disease resulting from exposure to coal dust and engineered stone. Dr Jones is a longstanding certified NIOSH B reader and has made a significant contribution to pneumoconiosis surveillance. She will provide an update on the role of imaging in early detection of occupational lung disease, within the context of other surveillance methods and future opportunities.
12:45 PM
LUNCH BREAK
CHAIR: Dr Vern Madden
CULTURE
1:30 PM
The psychological cost of not speaking up
Naomi Armitage, Director/Psychologist, Humanology Group
Fostering a culture of health and safety is no longer seen as a nice to have, but a necessity and foundation for overall performance of a business. In this current climate more than ever before the ability for organisation’s to manage health and safety risk by designing psychologically safe work environments is critical.
Research has identified Psychological Safety as a key factor underpinning success across the whole organisation from the mental health and wellbeing of individuals, to the safety performance of teams and in creating a speak up culture.
Psychological Safety is a key organisational variable that has direct correlation to individual wellbeing, safety performance, productivity and innovation. The presenter will share some recent applications of Psychological Safety in the workplace which demonstrates the power of Psychological Safety in action and the implications for future health and safety organisational interventions.
2:00 PM
First Nations people’s engagement with and experience of the workplace
Dr Brett Shannon, Registrar / Research Assistant, Phoenix Occupational Medicine
In Australia and internationally, there is a growing body of research examining the experience of First Nations people in the workplace and the implications for them and the broader community. Many First Nations people experience racisim and report working in culturally unsafe workplaces, which in turn impacts wellbeing and job satisfaction. Dr Brett Shannon will share the findings of his own research and recommendations for workplaces and occupational health providers.
2:30 PM
Gender inequality - still a long road ahead
Melanie Cooper, Global Lead, Inclusion and Diversity, Rio Tinto
Recent high profile events in Australia serve as a reminder that there is still much to be done to address gender inequality in the workplace, including the significant impacts on health and access to healthcare. This session will explore these impacts and how, as occupational health professionals we can better recognise and act on gender inequality in the workplace.
3:00 PM
AFTERNOON TEA BREAK
PARALLEL STREAMS
3:30 PM
Your day in court – expert evidence - 2.5 hrs
Facilitator: A/Prof John Gall, Era Health, Melbourne, and Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Australia
As medical experts we may be called upon to providing evidence in tribunals and courts. This can be a stressful exercise, but understanding our role and the requirements of the system will help alleviate this and ensure we add value to the process. The expert witness is a witness for the tribunal or court; they are not a witness for one side or the other. Impartiality is therefore required and it is important to stay within one’s field of expertise. Appropriate interaction with the constituents of the court is necessary as is the provision of answers that are free from medical jargon. Remaining calm may be a challenge but is essential.
The mock court will demonstrate how an expert may approach a hearing into a case. The cases have been designed to leave room for alternative opinions.
CHAIR: Emma McCartney
The Professional OHN & the Hidden Value of the OHN
Launch - ANZSOM OHN Competency Standards and Recognition Program
After more than 3 years of development and consultation with members and external stakeholders, ANZSOM is pleased to launch a program that will help secure the recognition and reputation of occupational health nurses as essential practitioners in the field of occupational health.
Creating a mentally healthy workplace: a case study at Transdev Melbourne
Sandra Code, Health & Wellness Manager, Kinetic Melbourne
Managing a hybrid workforce: a health and safety perspective during COVID and beyond
Ariane Delessert, Occupational Health Coordinator, ExxonMobil
7:00 PM
CONFERENCE DINNER
Queensland Gallery of Modern Art, Roof Terrace
The Conference Dinner is the key social function of the ASM and a great networking opportunity. This year’s Conference Dinner will be held at the prestigious Queensland Gallery of Modern Art, located on the Brisbane River.
Dinner Speaker: Heroes create heroes
Dr Dinesh Palipana OAM, Lecturer and Researcher, Griffith University
To be a hero is not easy. However, heroism breeds heroism. In a time where society is changing faster than ever, we need heroes more than ever.
CHAIR: Dr Dominic Yong
9:00 AM
Hugh Denehy Oration - Education in OHS
Prof David Goddard, Monash University
The Hugh Denehy oration was presented for the first time at the 2006 ANZSOM Annual Scientific Meeting to celebrate the memory of one of ANZSOM's founding members, and one of its greatest proponents.
David Goddard will present this year's oration and will reflect on his passion for teaching, including how his experience in occupational medicine has contributed to his approach, which in 2001 led to his being awarded the Monash University Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Distinguished Teaching.
9:45 AM
Kevin Sleigh Memorial Presentation - Ramazzini winner 2021
Dr Zen Yap, Occupational Physician, Next Generation Occupational Medicine
The Ramazzini Prize is awarded annually for the best scientific paper related to occupational and environmental medicine presented by an Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (AFOEM) trainee. The purpose of the Ramazzini presentation is to assess trainees on their presentation and communication skills in the context of presenting research to a scientific audience.
Dr Zen Yap was awarded the prize in 2021 and we welcome her to the ASM to present her paper which discusses findings from a systematic review exploring the social determinants of health and surgical outcomes for chronic lower back pain.
Zen's attendance at the conference is proudly supported by Sonic HealthPlus. Commencing in 2020, Sonic HealthPlus has supported the Ramazzini winner to deliver their presentation in honor of our esteemed colleague and committed educator and mentor, Dr Kevin Sleigh.
10:15 AM
MORNING TEA BREAK
10.45 AM
PROJECT LAUNCH & CONTRIBUTED PAPERS
Parallel Streams
The Organising Committee of ASM 2022 is now calling for papers. This is an opportunity to share your work with colleagues and to progress good practice in occupational medicine. The theme of the conference “Changing Work: Culture - COVID - Climate” will accommodate a broad range of topics.
NOTE the new deadline for submissions is Friday 31st December 2021.
CHAIR: Dr Angus Forbes
Occupational Health Value Proposition
Dr Azhar Khan, Occupational Physician
With the changing nature of work, the ageing workforce and emerging public health risks, including disease pandemics, there has never been a greater need to make a persuasive business case for occupational health. Responding to this, and embracing the opportunity to adopt and adapt the extensive evidence statement developed by the UK Society of Occupational Medicine, ANZSOM has developed an Australian and New Zealand Value Statement to help members and stakeholders advocate for occupational health services and OH professionals. The resulting document will be launched to members at this presentation, coinciding with the launch of the updated SOM document later that evening in the UK.
Contributed Papers
Dr Jonathan Cook - Highly concentrated PRP – platelet rich plasma with very small embryonic like stem cells for treatment of resistant musculoskeletal conditions
Dr Janine McMillan - Lumbar spinal fusion surgery outcomes in a cohort of injured workers in the Victorian workers’ compensation system
Tim Dettman - A pilot employee strength training program and the impact on physical and mental wellbeing
Dr Tim Stewart - The "Heart Sink" patient returns to work and other challenging situations
CHAIR: Dr Sid O'Toole
Contributed Papers
Dr Harry Chow - Association of respirable crystalline silica exposure with autoantibodies detection in artificial stone benchtop workers
Dustin Bennett - Workplace risk assessment to best inform the management of dust diseases
Dr Devan Kumarasamy (virtual) - Changing work culture during the COVID-19 pandemic in the oil & gas Industry
It Pays to Care: Bringing evidence-informed practice to work injury schemes helps workers and their workplaces
Dr Mary Wyatt, Occupational Physician
Improving work injury schemes - we have the evidence, our shared challenge is implementation
Recent media has highlighted the human and economic costs of work injury scheme dysfunction and highlighted the pressing case for change. But what are the changes needed, what systems need to be in place to support those changes?
Over the last 10 years the evidence-base for effective recovery and return to work principles has grown substantially.
The Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (AFOEM) of The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) has reviewed the evidence and developed policy outlining the key principles needed to improve recovery and return to work.
12:30 PM
LUNCH & AWARDS
1:15 PM
SITE VISITS
The Annual Scientific Meeting is well known for its practical, hands-on approach to learning. A variety of site visits will be offered on the Monday and Wednesday afternoons of the conference, Bookings for individual site visits will be offered closer to the conference dates. The visits provide insight into the varying nature of work and the issues facing employers, employees and health professionals. See the Site Visits page for more details.
PARALLEL WORKSHOPS
Musculoskeletal workshop
Lower back pain - 2.5 hrs
A/Prof Michael Yelland
Associate Professor Michael Yelland is a general and musculoskeletal medicine practitioner and an honorary Associate Professor at the School of Medicine at Griffith University. His teaching, research and clinical interests focus on evidence-based diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal pain. In this practical session Michael will:
- Demonstrate and guide participants in the assessment and diagnosis of lower back pain
- Provide an update on the current treatments for lower back pain
Dr David Fish will also be present to discuss key aspects of the AFOEM clinical examination.
Workshop
Assessing fitness to drive for commercial vehicle drivers - 2.5 hrs
Dr Bruce Hocking, Occupational Physician and panel
Driver health is an important and complex issue for the transport industry as well as for health professionals involved in assessing and managing fitness for duty.
This workshop will update delegates on the outcomes of the recent review of the Assessing Fitness to Drive standards as well as other initiatives in the commercial vehicle driver health space.
Delegates will also be encouraged to contribute to discussion about ANZSOM's potential role in providing education to improve understanding of driver health and support implementation of fitness to drive standards.
8.00 AM - 4.00 PM
CANCELLED - Unfortunately due to COVID restrictions, this course can no longer be offered
Post-Conference Course: Authorised Health Professional Training - National Standard for Health Assessment of Rail Safety Workers
Dr Armand Casolin, Chief Health Officer, Sydney Trains & NSW TrainLink