Workers evacuated after fire broke out in Sydney CBD
Sydney – Major roads were closed and thousands of people evacuated after a huge fire broke out in the basement of a building at Barangaroo around 2pm.
work safety
New study to focus on reducing musculoskeletal problems in workers
A new study being conducted by researchers from the University of Queensland will look at ways to reduce musculoskeletal problems in office workers. Researchers aim to identify which intervention would be more beneficial for workers and employers – an ergonomic assessment plus health promotion, or ergonomic assessment plus exercise training.
Preventing mosquito-borne diseases in workplaces
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland calls on workplaces to do their share in helping stop mosquitoes breeding to protect workers from mosquito bites.
North Queensland Return to Work Conference registration ongoing
Registrations for the upcoming North Queensland Return to Work Conference and Expo 2014 are pouring in and Workplace Health and Safety Queensland is calling on all interested participants to register now.
Safety alliance renewed
WorkCover NSW and the University of Wollongong (UOW) have renewed their safety alliance to prevent workplace injuries for staff, students, visitors and contractors. The partnership will involve implementing effective injury management systems. The alliance, which was signed in 2011, aims to address work health and safety challenges that a university presents. WorkCover’s Work Health and …
WA miner’s memorial officially launched
The Kalgoorlie-Boulder miner’s memorial has officially opened at the Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s WA museum.
Workplace Quit Smoking Program
Workers and businesses are encouraged to participate in the free Workplace Quit Smoking Program, which is a key activity of the Workplaces for Wellness Initiative.
Miners’ memorial nearing completion
A memorial to honour workers who have died in mining accidents in the Goldfields since 1892 is now nearing completion. ABC News reported that the miners’ memorial will hold more than 1400 names of workers.
Pay drops for safety managers as pressure to do more increases
A recent safesearch survey on safety managers revealed that some of them have experienced significant drops in remuneration. The survey was conducted to more than 1000 WHS and health safety and environment individuals at 130 predominantly ASX 200 companies. Salaries of WHS Managers in Western Australia dropped by 20.8 percent from $227,073 last year, to …
Company improves safety standards after worker’s death
Photo: SafetyCulture Library An almond processor announced the completion of its investigation into the death of a farm worker in north-west Victoria in 2013. The 55-year –old worker was operating a tractor at an almond orchard at Robinvale south of Mildura, when he died in August last year. The police and WorkSafe investigated the incident …
Businesses reopen after asbestos scare
Photo: SafetyCulture Library A few of the businesses which closed when loose asbestos was discovered in a building in Dickson have already reopened. According to ACT Work Safety Commissioner, Mark McCabe, the prohibition notice was lifted on two of the five businesses in the commercial building along Woolley Street, Dickson after testing for asbestos traces …
Construction workers to face mandatory alcohol and drug testing
Photo: SafetyCulture Library Construction workers on all new government-funded projects will have to face random drug and alcohol testing, the Herald Sun reports. Widespread concerns on drug use in construction sites have prompted the crackdown. Companies bidding for government projects would also have to commit to have security measures in place. Premier Denis Napthine believes …
Registration ongoing: 2014 Comcare National Conference
Registration is ongoing for the 2014 Comcare National Conference on 9-11 September. The annual event will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and attracts over 600 delegates from releated industries across the country. “In 2014 we will explore how workplaces are centre stage when it comes to influencing, educating and supporting health …
Safety alliance between WorkCover and Wollongong Council renewed
WorkCover NSW and Wollongong City Council renewed their safety alliance to improve safety and injury management for Council staff. “Wollongong City Council is one of the largest government employers in the State and almost all staff are connected in some way to the more than 200,000 people living within the local government area,” said John …
Safe Work Australia Awards finalists announced
Safe Work Australia has announced the 37 finalists of the 9th annual Safe Work Australia Awards. Safe Work Australia Awards recognise and celebrate excellence in work health and safety at a national level. The finalists are winners of their respective category at their work health and safety regulator awards last year. Category 1 – Best …
Safety inspection program to focus on labour hire workers
An inspection program which will focus on the safety and health of labour hire workers in Western Australia will be conducted by WorkSafe WA. Safety inspectors will look at the safety conditions of labour hire workers and will also visit labour hire agents. “Whenever an inspector visits a WA workplace for any reason, the employer …
Director fined for work safety breaches
A director of a construction company was fined $1750 plus legal fees due to a workplace incident which happened in June 2011 at Dry Creek. The defendant pleaded guilty to the offence and cooperated with SafeWork SA during the investigation. The defendant was prosecuted for failure to take reasonable care to avoid adversely affecting the …
WorkCover reopens Sheep and Beef Cattle Industry Rebate
Photo: SafetyCulture Library The Sheep and Beef Cattle Industry rebate was reopened to assist farmers in adopting better work health safety procedures. The safety rebate of up to $2,000 was first made available in October 2013 and received 1700 applications. Because of the interest shown by sheep and beef cattle farmers to improve safety in …
WorkCover Queensland’s Small Business Guide
A small business guide has been developed by WorkCover Queensland to assist small businesses in complying with their obligations and educate them on WorkCover matters. The guide offers useful tips in making a claim, reducing their premium, and links to more information online. “As part of WorkCover Queensland’s commitment to working together with small business …
Research on crush injury prompts call for safety
Photo: SafetyCulture Library A research showing that almost four dozen people had received crush injuries while working with moving large machinery or heavy vehicles prompted WorkCover NSW‘s call for safety. According to research, 46 people working near or in large machinery or heavy vehicles received crush injuries in the 12 months from August 2012 to …
Workers and employers reminded to ensure safety when returning to work
WorkSafe WA issued a reminder to ensure safety when returning to work after the festive season. Commissioner Lex McCulloch said employers and workers should not be complacent as nine Australians have already lost their lives in work-related incidents so far this financial year. “People returning to work after the festive break need to be especially …
