SafetySolutions Feature Articles

Study shows individual training is the key to hearing protector effectiveness

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:43:08 +0000

A US-based study on the effectiveness of hearing protection devices has shown that one-on-one training is the most effective means to ensure proper protection for wearers.

Safe Work Australia Council inaugural meeting review

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 04:14:47 +0000

A number of key decisions were made regarding OHS legislation and strategies at the inaugural Safe Work Australia Council meeting recently that will affect businesses and workers across the country.

WorkSafe Victoria premiums for 2009/10

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 03:04:44 +0000

A recent announcement from WorkCover Victoria has indicated that the average workcover premium for the forthcoming fiscal year will remain the same as this year.

New regulation to make major hazard facilities safer

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 03:33:35 +0000

New fees are being introduced for operators of major hazard facilities in New South Wales in order to minimise the safety risks in these facilities.

Safety alert on water pipes

Thu, 28 May 2009 04:29:09 +0000

The recent electrocution of a plumber working on metallic water pipes has prompted WorkCover NSW to issue a revised safety alert to all trades working on metallic water services.

Ten tips for preventing stress in the workplace

Wed, 20 May 2009 04:44:10 +0000

Stress can make the workplace unsafe. To contribute to a safer workplace, a number of steps should be taken to reduce the stress in it, as workplace advocate Return To Work Matters points out.

Safety responsibilities cannot be outsourced

Mon, 18 May 2009 02:38:47 +0000

Companies employing subcontractors should be conscious of their responsibilities to provide a safe environment for all people working on their behalf, not just employees, and that safe work practices are being carried out by all of them.

Fall arrest inspection tagging — safety help or safety hazard?

Fri, 15 May 2009 01:55:39 +0000

It might come as a surprise to discover that workplace accidents can occur just as easily from employers trying to do the right thing as they can from not following correct procedures.

Workers compensation rates falling short of national targets

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 03:09:14 +0000

The ASCC's Compendium of Workers Compensation Statistics Report provides an analysis of accepted workers compensation claims among Australian employees from 2000–01 to 2006–07 and names the industries that require further safety improvements.

Legal consequences of safety failings

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 02:20:50 +0000

During the month of April, several major workplace health and safety cases will be before Victorian courts as WorkSafe ramps up its campaign to reduce preventable deaths and injuries.

Paper mistakes and electrocution — a broken safety system

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 23:43:31 +0000

A recent court ruling on a workplace fatality highlights the importance of linking a safety system's administration to workplace realities and not blaming the deceased for the incident.

Survey reveals PPE manufacturers need to give more support to OHS managers

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 01:33:34 +0000

A PPE survey reveals that insufficient information is being provided by manufacturers to help safety professionals and workers make the right choices about the appropriate PPE needed for different jobs in the construction industry.

Lifting bins and common sense: if it's too heavy, leave it

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 02:58:35 +0000

A court ruling against a worker's civil claims against his employer after suffering a workplace injury highlights the importance of the need for employers to ensure employees have the requisite training on working safely.

Gillard's new report: the blueprint for national OHS harmonisation?

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 01:44:17 +0000

The recent Workplace Relations Minister’s Council (WRMC) meeting indicates that progress towards the harmonisation of Australia’s OHS laws is being made.

Unions must 'up the ante' on safety, says professor

Sun, 08 Feb 2009 22:19:06 +0000

Following a five-year research program into Australia’s OHS inspectorates, a professor is calling on unions to exercise greater influence in the pursuit of better workplace safety.

Contracting out of OHS obligations

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 01:21:31 +0000

Recent court rulings highlight the importance of employers' responsibilities to implement OHS procedures and not just rely on their contractors' safety procedures.

Fire engineer advocates using lifts in emergencies

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 01:45:20 +0000

Contrary to traditional OHS views regarding emergency evacuations, a fire engineer advocates the value of using lifts as well as stairs in the evacuation of a building.

Comcare safety survey

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:59:27 +0000

Comcare has reviewed its support services for health and safety representatives, identifying a need for training programs to help provide adequate knowledge of the OHS legislation.

OHS implications of obesity for workplace designers

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 02:48:45 +0000

A recent ASCC study on Australian workplace design has revealed the OHS implications of our country's growing obesity problem.

Small and medium construction must build safety into the mix

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 01:38:29 +0000

WorkSafe Victoria will be focusing on the construction and utilities industries in 2009, after that sector was responsible for nearly half of the state's recorded work-related deaths last year. WorkSafe has released a list of safety priorities based on last year's incidents.