Archived News for OHS Sector Professionals
Nominations have been called for South Australia’s Smoke-free Air Awards.
The SA Government’s awards are for organizations and businesses which have done the most to increase and promote smoke-free areas.
There are two award categories:
Evidence lacking for cancer caused by chemicals exposure: report
Fears that involuntary exposure to chemicals in food and consumer products causes cancer are not supported by evidence, and anxiety about their dangers is diverting attention from proven methods of cancer prevention, a leading Australian cancer researcher says.
New chair appointed to NSW Mine Safety Advisory Council
The NSW Minister for Resources and Energy, Chris Hartcher announced the appointment of John Hannaford as Chairman of the NSW Mine Safety Advisory Council (MSAC).
Mr Hannaford has held senior roles in State Government including;
WorkSafe Victoria seeks new CEO
WorkSafe Victoria is looking to appoint a new Chief Executive, following the resignation of Greg Tweedly earlier this month after the Victorian Government announced it would strip $470 million over four years from its budget to bolster general revenue.
SafeWork SA options paper on public holidays review
SafeWork SA has released an options paper addressing aspects of the current review of South Australia‟s public holidays legislation.
Australia lags in work-related cancer safety
The Medical Journal of Australia (MJA) has published a perspective expressing its concern with the ‘little progress’ being made on Australia’s regulatory approach to workplace carcinogen exposure.
Demand outstrips supply for OHS professionals
A recent survey conducted by Safesearch shows that universities are failing to keep up with demand for workplace safety professionals.
Worksafe Victoria starts regional blitz
Worksafe Victoria is due to inspect over 200 businesses across rural and regional Victoria as part of the agency's Safe Towns campaigns this week, with a particular aim to address breaches in workplace safety in Bendigo.
Rail safety draft regulatory impact statement released
The National Transport Commission (NTC) has released a draft regulatory impact statement for public comment, which outlines four options for regulating the hours of work and rest for rail safety workers.
WorkSafe Victoria cuts provoke angry response
WorkSafe Victoria is looking to appoint a new Chief Executive, following the resignation of Greg Tweedly earlier this month after the Victorian Government announced it would strip $470 million over four years from its budget to bolster general revenue.
ALC calls for changes to Road Safety Remuneration Bill
The Australian Logistics Council has called for amendments to the proposed Road Safety Remuneration Bill to meet a number of industry concerns.
WorkCover NSW focuses on road freight transport industry
WorkCover NSW has commenced a new project to reduce workplace injuries and illnesses and improve injury management in the road freight transport industry.
Safety audit app released
Work safety systems company, SafetyCulture, has release an iPad safety auditing app, iAuditor.
Study to focus on work risks by workforce subsector
A new study by senior research fellow Dr Peter Smith at the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine at Monash University will examine whether groups such as immigrants and older workers are more vulnerable to injury in the workplace, and why this is so.
ABCC legislation passes Parliament
The Federal Government has passed the Building and Construction Industry Improvement Amendment (Transition to Fair Work) Bill, bringing the abolition of the Australian Building and Construction Commissioner a step closer.
Comcare fines TPI following death of worker
Transpacific Industries Pty Ltd (TPI) has been fined $170 500 following court action from Comcare, the federal health and safety regulator, after the death of a TPI worker at the Alcoa Wagerup Refinery in Western Australia in September 2009.
Report on Queensland mines shows safety improvements
The Queensland Mines and Quarries Safety Performance and Health Report 2010-11 is available at: www.mines.industry.qld.gov.au/safety-and-health/safety-performance-health-reports.htm
Health and Wellbeing Coordinator courses
Comcare is running a series two-day training programs in capital cities aimed at providing knowledge and skills to implement effective and comprehensive workplace health and wellbeing programs.
Printing company fined for sacking over pregnancy
Sydney printing company Wongtas has been fined $20,000 by the Federal Court for discriminating against a pregnant worker by demoting and then sacking her.
WorkHealth checks find diabetes and heart disease risk soaring
Victorian business owners have been put on notice to take immediate action to support the health of their workers after new research shows one in four employees have a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a life-threatening yet preventable disease.
Getting the 'work, rest, play' balance right
Researchers at the University of South Australia have produced a book, Time bomb: work, rest and play in Australia today, which examines the impact of the combined stresses of managing jobs, home and community life.