Archived News for OHS Sector Professionals - August, 2012
Office workers from all professions are experiencing unprecedented levels of neck, back, shoulder and arm pain as an unintended consequence of the paperless office, according to new University of Sydney research.
The study, published in this month's edition of WORK: a Journal of Prevention, Assessment and Rehabilitation, found that moves since the 1980s to improve occupational health and safety and workstation design may have been completely reversed by changing work practices, including longer duration of computer work and less task variability.
The survey of more than 900 office workers found a direct correlation between the amount of time spent at a computer and the likelihood of experiencing musculoskeletal pain over a 12 month period.
Queensland to hold roundtable to look at new WHS
The Queensland Government has held a roundtable discussion with industry groups to examine the national Workplace Health and Safety Laws introduced at the start of the year.
Government launches anti-racism campaign
The Federal Government has launched Australia’s National Anti-Racism Strategy, with Attorney-General Nicola Roxon and Minister for Multicultural Affairs Senator Kate Lundy calling on all Australians to stand against racism.
Queensland passes NHVR law
The Queensland Government has passed legislation establishing Australia’s first National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, which is now due to commence operations at the beginning of January next year.
Australians less likely to make mental health claims
Australians are significantly less likely to claim GP visits for psychological illnesses on workers’ compensation than they are for physical work-related injuries, according to research conducted by the Institute for Safety, Compensation and Recovery Research (ISCRR).
Comcare releases sedentary work practices toolkit
National workplace safety agency Comcare has released its sedentary work practices toolkit, a collection of information, guidance materials and templates that can help workplaces develop and apply a strategy to reduce prolonged sitting in the workplace.
NSW streamlines workers compensation obligations for councils
The New South Wales Government has announced reform that will make it easier for Government-owned entities, local government and public universities to lodge security deposits to cover workers compensation obligations.
Ridge nominated for safety award
Western Australia’s newly appointed head of resources safety, Simon Ridge, has been nominated for the Next Generation Mining Australia Summit’s Occupational Health and Safety Leader of 2012 Award.
Tasmania urges WHS participation
The Tasmanian Government has urged greater participation by employees and employers in a number of events being held around the State in the lead up to the introduction of new workplace health and safety laws at the beginning of next year.
Workers would rather quit than deal with issues
An alarming 46 per cent of Australian workers would rather quit their job than contend with a workplace issue, according to suicide prevention group R U OK?
ADF review calls for sexual misconduct unit
A review of gender discrimination within the ranks of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) has concluded that the formation of a sexual misconduct unit is necessary to combat the prevalence of gender discrimination within the armed forces.
ACT public servants claim $90 million over three years
ACT public servants claim $90 million over three years Public servants in the Australian Capital Territory have claimed an estimated $90 million over three years in workers compensations in illnesses and injuries in the workplace.
Comcare announces 2012 National Conference
National occupational health and safety agency, Comcare, has outlined further details of its 2012 National Conference.
WA seeks comment on OHS regulations
The Western Australian Government has called for comment on the costs and benefits of the proposed national Work Health and Safety (WHS) reform as they apply to the State’s workplaces.
WorkCover NSW to hold injury prevention webinar
The WorkCover Authority of NSW has announced it will hold a free webinar later this month to help businesses better understand how to manage hazardous manual tasks in their workplaces.
Safework SA opens Augusta Zadow Scholarships
The South Australian Government has announced $20,000 in scholarship funding is now available for those working to better the working conditions of women throughout the state.
WorkSafe launches housing campaign
WorkSafe Victoria has announced a team of inspectors will be visiting housing construction sites across the state as part of the 12-month Operation SafeSite campaign.
WorkSafe Victoria hits out at construction safety
WorkSafe Victoria inspectors are increasingly finding high risk construction work being performed on sites without a suitable safety plan.
CSIRO tackles cattle gate safety
The CSIRO has partnered with farmer and inventor Edward Evans to prevent farmer death and injury by helping to produce a new, safe cattle gate.
Greens pledge to make Canberra 'the work safety capital'
The ACT Greens have released their Industrial Relations election initiative, aiming to make Canberra the ‘work safety capital’ of the country.
Skilled migrants in low paid jobs risk depression
A study conducted by the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research (WAIMR) has found that skilled migrants to Australia who are unable to find jobs that utilize their education and qualifications are substantially more likely to suffer from mental health issues after three and a half years.