Archived News for OHS Sector Professionals - August, 2013
Plans are underway to amend and update the laws governing the transport of dangerous goods and chemicals on Australian highways and rail lines.
Liability debated in love lamp injury
The debate over liability in a New South Wales worker’s compensation battle continues this week, with ComCare saying it should not have to pay the bill for an employee who was injured during sex on a work trip.
Safety taken to YouTube ahead of Canadian inspection
The message to stay safe on roads and at work is being re-vamped for the modern age, with the release of a series of YouTube videos promoting transport safety in Australia.
Study probes workplace happiness, mental health
Positive mental health in the workplace and suicide prevention is at the heart of a new study being conducted by the University of Melbourne.
Train safety week on the rails
Relevant industry bodies in Australia and New Zealand have launched Rail Safety Week, an effort to promote the message of rail safety to local communities across Australasia.
Claims of ministerial ignorance on air safety
A South Australian senator has slammed the federal minister for aviation for allegedly failing to respond to aviation safety recommendations.
Hairdressers, importers included in chemical security alert
Hairdressers are constantly in contact with dangerous and potentially deadly chemicals as a routine part of their job, but the same chemicals could have disastrous uses if they were to fall into the wrong hands.
Power boards probed
More warnings today about the dangers of hidden asbestos risks in building maintenance, with Workplace Health and Safety Queensland reminding builders to check temporary power boards for the deadly substance.
Reasoned response to drugs at work
A regional safety group has claimed random drug testing in the workplace can be invaluable for employers and provide assistance for those with an addiction, when conducted compassionately.
Star standard for quad bikes pending
A growing number of injuries and deaths related to quad bikes have led to the creation of a star-rating safety system, similar to the one used for cars.
Wood-workers called on complacency
WorkCover New South Wales is calling for more rigorous safety standards for the timber industry, after a disquieting 700 injuries were reported from manual handling in the last three years.
Anti-burger rallies upsized
Workers are having a tough time reaching the site of a McDonald's fast food outlet scheduled for construction in Victoria, with protestors trying to halt work on a project they deem “unwanted”.
Asbestos cancer attacked with medical 'magic bullets'
Australian scientists have made progress on a new technique for fighting asbestos-related cancers.
Back to work after safety sit-down
Work has re-started on the site of port upgrades in central Queensland over the weekend, following the end of a four-day safety protest.