Improved standards in the WA meat industry

The introduction of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Hygiene and Vermin plans in the meat industry in 1996 has resulted in massive philosophical, structural and procedural changes in the industry.

Regular monitoring and microbiological sampling is being carried out by company representatives. However, to ensure standards are met and maintained, departmental officers carry out regular audits of all meat processing premises. Premises can be registered after a successful audit.

As of June 1997, 33 abattoirs, 36 smallgoods premises and 21 boning rooms were eligible to participate in HACCP operations.

In addition, over the same period, 3,826 visits to meat premises, 59 abattoir assessment and 142 smallgoods/boning room assessments were carried out by the Department.

Food monitoring to protect the public

WA has a rigorous food monitoring program. During the year, 1,480 samples were submitted for analysis. Microbiological analysis was undertaken on 868 with the remaining 612 being examined for a variety of chemicals.

Whilst there were 39 recall notices from the Australian New Zealand Food Authority in the year, none were due to foods produced in WA and the vast majority (30) did not directly affect food for sale within Western Australia. Recalls included baby food, cream-filled biscuits, canned water chestnuts, chocolate products, ice cream, processed meats, cheese and oysters.

A total of 2,630 notifications for suspected and confirmed cases of enteric diseases were screened with follow-up investigations being requested from local government Environmental Health Officers. Diseases investigated included Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shigella and Listeria infections.

Watching mosquitoes for disease

Fortnightly mosquito surveillance for Ross River virus was carried out at 36 sites in the high risk area between Mandurah and Busselton.

In addition, fortnightly surveillance of Australian encephalitis (AE) activity was carried out at 24 towns and settlements across the AE susceptible area of the State (Kimberley, Pilbara and Gascoyne).

Based on these surveillance programs, seven health alerts were issued through the media and mosquito control measures were carried out in strategic areas (e.g. Peel Region). The health alerts encouraged the public to adopt preventive measures against mosquito bites in the northern half of WA where high rainfall resulted in elevated Ross River virus and AE risks. AE cases were restricted to two.

A detailed submission was made to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) concerning likely mosquito-borne disease risks at Amarillo Farm, a housing development proposed by Homeswest in the Peel region. This submission has led to an important change of policy by the DEP to include mosquito-related issues in their environmental assessment process for developments in the future.

Emergency management for health

In a first for the Health Department, a full-time executive officer for emergency management was appointed.

Emergency Management will coordinate response and follow-up assistance to an affected community in the event of a major emergency, in partnership with other health agencies and groups.

A total revision of the State Health Emergency Management Support Plan (Westplan - Health) was completed. The plan has been endorsed and distributed Statewide.

During 1996/97, a ‘fail safe’ 24-hour a day paging system ensured that each of the more than 200 calls through the system were acknowledged.

The year also saw the establishment of an after-hours emergency response team for hazardous chemicals emergencies. Departmental officers are on-call 24 hours a day to attend emergencies and provide advice on public health issues as part of the State Hazardous Materials Emergency Management Team. Eight events were attended between September 1996 and June 1997.

Stable fly awareness

Under the Stable Fly Awareness Program the Department, in conjunction with Agriculture Western Australia, has continued research and surveys into the stable fly problem in the outer metropolitan areas. As part of the research process, comprehensive surveys of poultry manure litter have been conducted in the horticultural areas surrounding Perth. This seasonal issue will continue to be monitored by the Department and local government.

Poisons control

The Community Based Methadone Program was inaugurated in April 1997 after the initiation of a legislative process to authorise specially trained medical practitioners to prescribe methadone and community pharmacies to dispense it. Authority was given to eight farmers to grow special varieties of low THC hemp for a three year cultivation trial. If the trial is successful, the fibre from the plant can be used in the manufacture of clothing and paper. A new community-based program was launched with selected pharmacies dispensing methadone to opiate dependent drug users.

Management of sites contaminated with chemicals

The Department has been advising the Department of Environmental Protection and the Environmental Protection Authority, who are the regulators of contaminated sites in WA, on public health issues arising from contaminated sites. Essential input has been provided into the establishment of site-specific clean-up criteria. The contaminated sites about which there has been most public concern include McCabe Street, the Omex site, Bellevue, Albany foreshore, Stephenson and Ward’s incinerator and the Swan Portland Cement site on Burswood peninsula.

A guidance document for cancer risk assessment related to chemicals and contaminated sites was also completed. Chemicals with a potential to cause cancer are present at a number of contaminated sites. The document describes a system which is used to define safe levels of these chemicals so that sites can be cleaned up accordingly.

Pesticide use

A review of pesticide regulations was undertaken, leading to changes in a number of areas reflecting modern pesticide usages and practices. The toxicity and health risk of copper sulphate, a substance commonly used as a fungicide by home gardeners and viticulturists, was reviewed and recommendations made on appropriate packaging and labelling.

Termite control

A major review of termiticides in buildings was concluded in 1996/97 following the withdrawal of organochlorine pesticides in 1995. The report concluded that use of the two replacement chemicals, chlorpyrifos and bifenthrin, has not resulted in a major impact on the health of homeowners or the efficacy of treatments to buildings.

The Australian Standard 3660.1 of 1995 (Protection of Buildings from Subterranian Termites) was amended and published in December 1996. A newsletter was forwarded by the department to all industry members to clarify problem areas.

Public safety

Control on overcrowding in public buildings has been a focus of attention. All speedways were inspected and upgraded in conjunction with local government to ensure public health and safety at public events. The Department is also responsible for monitoring public safety at events including rave parties, sporting and outdoor concerts.

Water testing in Aboriginal communities

A Working Party was established early in 1996 to examine the issue of water testing in Aboriginal communities. The Working Party conducted trials on two field water test kits in 1996/97. Considerable interest in the trials has been expressed throughout Australia due to the potential of the kits to allow on-site monitoring of the quality of the water in remote locations. An interim report was submitted to the Minister earlier in 1997, with a final report expected to be completed before the end of 1997.

An Environmental Health Officer with the Shire of Menzies carries out a Survey of Environmental Health Needs at the Tjuntjuntjarra community.

Management of wastewater

New legislation to control the standard of temporary toilet facilities on building sites was finalised in 1996/97. A Working Party, established in 1994, developed a new standard for temporary toilets on building sites because existing practices were unacceptable in terms of hygiene and amenity.

Radiation in the home

A survey and report on background radiation and radon gas levels in 2,000 homes throughout Western Australia were completed. The survey found that the average radon concentration is slightly higher than the national average in the participating homes but not of any level to cause health concerns.

Asbestos disposal

A task group was established to improve options for the disposal of asbestos. The disposal options, as prescribed in the Health (Asbestos) Regulations 1992, were reviewed in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection, WorkSafe and local government representatives. A number of recommendations and procedures to improve current disposal practices were presented.

Occupational health

Occupational Safety and Health Model Policy Statements were produced to assist health service unit managers. Training sessions were also held for Health Department employees throughout the year. Occupational safety and health guidance notes on infection control, work-related stress, driving safety, hazardous substances, X-ray film processing, personal protective equipment and clothing and asbestos management were developed during the year.