Archived News for OHS Sector Professionals

Economists have called for health insurance to become mandatory, as part of the greatest health care overhaul since the introduction of Medicare.

Plain packages appear to play down allure

Research has revealed a significant drop in the number of new teenage smokers, with the reduction attributed to plain packaging laws.

Vic power fix to cut fire risk

The Victorian Government is calling for technology to be installed across its electricity distribution network to reduce the risk of fire from fallen power lines.

Victoria spends big on anti-terror measures

The Victorian Government has unveiled plans to spend close to $50 million on new counter-terrorism capabilities for police.

EPA says wrong river looking good

The NSW Environment Protection Authority appears to have bungled part of its investigation into water pollution on the Central Coast, by conducting water quality tests on the wrong river.

Costly Brazil spill reaches coast

Toxic sludge from Samarco’s burst dam in Brazil has reached the Atlantic Ocean, in what could be the worst environmental disaster the country has seen.

FIFO bid meets local resistance

A FIFO camp licence extension in WA continues to force a wedge between the state’s Liberal and National parties.

Ship shift expected to fall

The Senate is expected to vote down a proposition to deregulate the coastal shipping industry.

Uber moves could bring legitimacy, compensation

Reports say Uber could be legalised by the NSW government under drastic new reforms.

Organ warnings for pain pills outlined

Some of the most popular painkillers in Australia will soon carry new warning labels to make it clear they can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Fifty Shades as window to views on violence

An important research project has found what young women thought after they saw the film “Fifty Shades of Grey”.

Gloucester leader wants gas buyback for health

The Mayor of Gloucester has called on the NSW Government to buy back AGL’s coal seam gas (CSG) licence for the area, saying he cannot ignore the negative impact on residents.

BHP gets first bill for Brazil spill

Brazilian mining company Samarco has agreed to a $366 million damage bill after its tailings dam burst, spreading toxic waste over hundreds of kilometres, killing 10 people, and flattening entire villages.

Call for independent asbestos check in WA

The West Australian Opposition says there must be a full independent inquiry into the potential exposure of 138 Water Corporation employees to asbestos.

Road death rates shift in new figures

New stats show the rate of road deaths involving heavy rigid trucks around Australia.

Union says ALC misguided on RSRT talks

The Australian Logistics Council (ALC) and the Transport Workers Union (TWU) are standing-off once more over safe rates of pay.

WorkSafe wants focus on the home

Worksafe Victoria has launched a campaign to focus on safety issues of an under-realised workplace – the home.

Insurance influence could see lower safety pay

A workers’ compensation expert says bonuses that the insurance industry is paid by some state governments could actually result in injured workers' claims being rejected.

NT doctors call for end of open speeds

A large section of the Northern Territory’s medical community is calling for the end of open speed limits.

Ship shift draws union rage

A major maritime union wants to Federal Government to stop aluminium producer Alcoa from using a foreign-crewed ship to move cargo from refineries in Western Australia to its smelter in Victoria.