Archived News for OHS Sector Professionals

Prosthetic penises and fake urine are among new tools that are helping miners to pass site drug screening.

Fiona Stanley uniforms spark staff stoush

Compulsory uniforms at Perth's Fiona Stanley Hospital have created problems for almost everyone that wears them, according to the Health Services Union (HSU).

Samsung screens new style of safety

Samsung has unveiled its new Safety Truck; a prototype that allows drivers behind a truck to see the road ahead.

Tougher tests turn to dangerous situations

A new driving test rolls out in Queensland this week, focusing on dangerous manoeuvres such as right-hand turns and high-speed merging.

China deal sees skills needs scrapped

Chinese tradies will not have to undergo the usual skills tests to work in Australia under a “side” deal in the new Australia-China free-trade agreement, unions claim.

Mr Fluffy lists to highlight scope of deadly legacy

Progress is being made to rid the ACT and News South Wales of the toxic legacy of Mr Fluffy insulation.

Insurance plan to dodge Government reform

Authorities are warning that life insurance changes will cost financial planners as much as $250 million a year in lost fees and commissions.

Agent Orange claims could be heard again

The WA Government has agreed to examine new information and reports of generational health problems from a government policy to use an Agent Orange-linked chemical in the Kimberley.

Missing sound adds to 'death ship' mystery

The mysteries onboard the coal carrier Sage Sagittarius are getting deeper, with reports that a key audio recorder has gone missing.

Smart chairs and talking sofas for proactive OHS

Australian researchers want to ease the burden of back pain with their new invention – the smart chair.

Ambo campaign highlights big ice risk

Paramedics across Australia say violent, paranoid and unpredictable ice users are creating a new level of danger at work.

Engineers slam state of NSW building

A report from the authorities at Engineers Australia says “the building system in New South Wales has broken down”.

Government bails on post-baby program

The Federal Government will not extend a funding agreement with states and territories that funds care for women with perinatal depression.

Robot workers put jobs at risk

A new report says technology will make 5 million Australians redundant in the next 15 years.

Shorten shoves date forward to face broad claims

Labor leader Bill Shorten wants to fast-track giving evidence on his action at the Australian Workers Union (AWU), while Prime Minister Tony Abbott seizes the chance to criticise.

Comcare's hard-line brings compo appeals

Federal workplace insurer Comcare says a tougher approach to workers compensation claims is behind figures showing it has won more than 70 per cent of disputed cases.

Authorities take closer look at Hunter coal trucks

Safety authorities will be watching Hunter Valley coal mines closely, after a spike in cases of dump trucks coming into contact with overhead powerlines.

Contamination claim in fire-fighters' inquiry

The inquiry into conditions at Victoria’s Fiskville Country Fire Authority (CFA) training base has heard that water was deliberately contaminated as part of a biological experiment.