Archived News for OHS Sector Professionals
A study conducted by Southern Cross University shows that fathers of new born babies experience cumulative fatigue which in turn may pose a risk in the workplace.
The study, conducted by Southern Cross University senior lecturer Dr Gary Mellor, investigated the relationship between fatigue and work safety behaviour of fathers with newborn babies.
The research, published recently in the American Journal of Men’s Health, found that fathers do experience increased fatigue during early fatherhood and are unable to recover due to poor sleep and furthermore that fatigue was related to decreased safety behaviour at work.
Resource kit to be developed on workplace safety for volunteers
Following recent criticism of the impact of the new work safety laws on volunteer workers, the Federal Government has announced it will develop, in cooperation with peak organisations that utilise volunteers and Not-For-Profits, a new resource kit on national workplace and safety laws as well as establishing a stakeholder working group to oversee measures to cut red tape.
Annual Safe Work Australia Awards finalists announced
Safe Work Australia has announced the finalists for the 7th annual Safe Work Australia Awards, with Chair Tom Phillips commending them for their efforts in reducing workplace death, injury and disease in Australia.
Business investing in new technology for safety: AIGroup report
A report released by the Australian Industry Group, Business Investment in New Technologies, has found that improved workplace safety is a major motivation for investment in new technologies - particularly among construction companies and manufacturers.
Safe Work Australia advises on printer particle emissions
Safe Work Australia has released of two reports on the risks and health effects of printer particle emissions in the workplace.
CFMEU calls for improved reporting on ACT building site incidents
The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) has claimed that up to half of the accidents and injuries that occur on building sites in Canberra are not being reported as required under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.
Tweedy departs WorkSafe Victoria after funding cuts
WorkSafe Victoria’s CEO Greg Tweedly has announced his resignation weeks after the Victorian Government moved to cut funding for the body by $470 million.
Unions call for WA to sign up to national laws
UnionsWA has attacked the state’s workplace safety laws after the Supreme Court reduced the fines for a company and its directors who were found negligent in the workplace death of a 22 year old worker.
ACTU launches workplace heath and safety campaign
The ACTU has launched a national awareness campaign to inform workers of their rights and employers of their obligations under harmonised health and safety laws that have taken effect in some states.
New work health and safety laws take effect
New harmonised work health and safety laws have come into effect in New South Wales, the ACT, Queensland, the Northern Territory and Commonwealth jurisdictions.
Safe Work Australia may modify anti-bullying Code of Practice
Safe Work Australia is considering engaging an expert on workplace bullying after nearly a quarter of submissions on a range of OH&S issues referred to the draft bullying code.
Werris Creek coal mine closed due to poor safety and bullying
NSW Trade and Investment has ordered an indefinite suspension of production at the Werris Creek Open Cut Coal Mine, operated by Whitehaven Coal Ltd, near Tamworth.
ATSB annual report highlights problem areas
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has released its 2010-11 Annual Report, summarising the year's activities and highlighting a number of areas of continuing concern for transport safety.
Reports on printer particle emissions released
Safe Work Australia has released two reports on the risks and health effects of printer particle emissions in the workplace.
Queensland to move on sham contractors
The Queensland Government has announced it will regularly audit the employment-related provisions in contracts for State Government-funded construction projects to help ensure ‘sham contracting’ does not take root in the Queensland construction industry.
The audits were among several recommendations contained in the report of the Industry Reference Group on sham contracting ordered by Industrial Relations Minister Cameron Dick.
Mr Dick said the Industry Reference Group had found no evidence of systemic ‘sham contracting’ practices on Queensland worksites.
“However, the group recommended a high level of vigilance to ensure the practice does not creep in, and this is why we will be implementing all the recommendations in the report.”
Building Minister Simon Finn said employers who use ‘sham contacts’ to avoid paying superannuation and recreation and sick leave will not be tolerated.
“Unscrupulous employers can also use the practice to avoid paying workers’ compensation premiums which could ultimately undermine the viability of the scheme.
“This is why we will be keeping a close watch on industry contracting practices to ensure they remain fair and equitable for workers.
The Department of Public Works will introduce a regular auditing process of the industrial relations provisions in selected major projects in early 2012.
The IRG report, carried out by senior union and employer representatives and industry experts, recommended:
• the government undertake a formal review of employment-related provisions in contracts for government-funded construction projects
• ensure compliance with industrial relations obligations on Government funded projects
• undertake an audit program on significant construction projects
• liaise with the Commonwealth Government via the Fair Work Ombudsman and Australian Tax Office to ensure that building and construction industry workers are receiving their proper superannuation entitlements
• establish a Project Monitoring Group to provide industry stakeholder input into the implementation of the IRG report recommendations.
Mr Dick said the report, which had the broad support of the industry, would enable employers to be aware of their responsibilities and assist in protecting Queensland workers from unscrupulous employers.
The Industry Reference Group included: the Australian Workers Union, the Builders Labourers Federation, the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union, the Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union; employer groups including the Housing Industry Association and the Master Builders Association; the Queensland Workplace Rights Ombudsman; and related Queensland Government agencies.
More information about the Industry Reference Group’s recommendations can be found at www.justice.qld.gov.au.