Archived News for OHS Sector Professionals - February, 2015
Call for bigger toxic inquiry
The Australian Workers Union wants an investigation to look into claims that Victorian Lands Department staff were exposed to toxic chemicals like cyanide and Agent Orange.
Water urged to fight superbug breeding
Experts say the water industry must get involved in the fight against “superbugs”, as the waste of modern medicine becomes a brand new health risk.
Authorities swing in on WA crane injury
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) will investigate an incident that saw two men injured at the Roy Hill Port construction project yesterday.
Call for culture to drive truck safety
A new study shows truck driver safety may rely more on psychology and business culture than on technical issues.
Next set of inspectors preparing
WorkSafe Victoria has welcomed its latest batch of budding OHS inspectors.
Coal counted in resourceful community
A joint report from 28 different medical groups says the annual health bill from the Hunter Valley coal industry is in the hundreds of millions.
Hoses could help Legionnaires' flow
The humble backyard hose can be a lifesaver in summer, but new research shows it is also loved by the bacteria that cause Legionnaires’ disease.
RBA moved to get in touch with the blind
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is undertaking significant reform, prompted by an unlikely source.
ATO desk pain and neck strain not paid
The Australian Taxation Office has found itself in a sticky compensation battle, after the desk and chair heights of one employee were changed without her knowledge.
High-tech helmet helps fiddly fingers
Tech-savvy snow-lovers will be keen to get their heads into the world’s first intelligent snow sports helmet.
Mine lobby wants protesters to pay
A NSW mining lobby wants charity status removed from protest groups that fight to interrupt industries in the name of conservation.
Bat blockade begins amid land-clearing
Protestors have launched their week-long “bat attack” on the Maules Creek mine site.
Dump plan gets Ziggy's stamp
One of Australia’s best known nuclear scientists says a nuclear waste dump could earn South Australia billions of dollars.
ACT to study depth of deadly legacy
The ACT will fund Australia’s first detailed long-term health study into the risks of living in houses contaminated with loose-fill asbestos.
Climate effects will claim lives soon
One Australian expert says climate change is going to become a serious public health and safety risk.
Exploding switch has hurt UK too
The explosion of an electrical switch that killed two people in Perth last week could be an ongoing problem.
Fridge fight shows builders' union woes
Fair Work Building and Construction says a CFMEU official kicked workers out of a lunch shed and threw their food on the ground on a site in Queensland, because they were not union members.
Hepatitis find brings berry recall
Five cases of hepatitis A have been blamed on frozen mixed berries, leading to a nationwide recall.
Light to shine on darkness behind the badge
Over 17,000 employees will be interviewed as part of a landmark review of sex discrimination, sexual harassment and predatory behaviour in Victoria Police.