Archived News for OHS Sector Professionals
A study conducted by the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research (WAIMR) has found that skilled migrants to Australia who are unable to find jobs that utilize their education and qualifications are substantially more likely to suffer from mental health issues after three and a half years.
Led by Associate Professor Alison Reid, the study found that skilled migrants often take jobs well below their capabilities due to the cost of migration, and often end up stuck in the role for a number of years.
"Often those jobs include cleaning, waiting in restaurants, labouring, working in factories or driving taxis - even if they were university educated or have other skills,” Associate Professor Reid said.
WorkSafe Victoria announces western blitz
WorkSafe Victoria has announced it will be focusing its Return to Work inspectors in the western Melbourne suburbs of Laverton, Hoppers Crossing and Werribee, aiming to ensure that employees are complying with their return to work obligations for injured workers.
Almost one third of young people experience or witness workplace bullying
A recent survey has revealed that almost one in three young people have been bullied or have witnessed bullying at work.
New executive for Resources Safety
The Western Australian Government has announced the appointment of Simon Ridge, the State's Mining Engineer, as the new executive director of Resources Safety, the body charged with enforcing safe work practices across the state's mining and resources sector. Mr Ridge was promoted to the role following the retirement of Malcolm Russell.
All aboard the safety bus in NSW
WorkCover NSW is currently touring western NSW to provide work health and safety advice to local businesses and workers.
High risk conversion deadline looms
South Australians who undertake high risk work are reminded that there is now less than one month remaining until the deadline for second year conversions to the new national Licence to Perform High Risk Work.
NT WorkSafe to hold public forum
NT WorkSafe has announced the Work Health and Safety Advisory Council will be held in Alice Springs on 13 August.
Workplace bullying inquiry to hit the road again
The Education and Employment Committee has announced it will be taking its workplace bullying inquiry onto the road once more, visiting Adelaide and Perth on August 7 and 8 respectively.
Construction industry suicide prevention program to go national
Minister for Mental Health Mark Butler has announced $5.24 million for a new suicide prevention initiative to be rolled out on construction sites across Australia.
Government publishes Fair Work Act review
The Federal Government has released the report of the independent review of the Fair Work Act, finding that the current framework is operating as intended and in accordance with legislation.
Volunteer WHS resource kit launched
The Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Bill Shorten today welcomed the launch of a new work health and safety resource kit for volunteers has been launched which will help remove uncertainty about how the new WHS laws apply.
TWU challenges Coles to debate on truck safety
The Transport Workers’ Union of Australia (TWU) has challenged Coles to a public debate on the continuing high number of deaths and injuries from truck crashes across the country.
Higher injury rates for casual workers
A report released by Safe Work Australia has found that casual workers recorded a work-related injury rate 50 per cent higher than non-casual workers in 2009-10 with females reporting a significantly higher rate of injuries per hour worked than males.
ACT to audit construction industry safety
The ACT Attorney-General Simon Corbell has announced plans for an audit of construction industry safety following a series of recent workplace accidents, including four deaths in the construction industry since December.
Shift work increases heart attack risk
Research published in the British Medical Journal shows that shift workers have a 23% increased risk of heart attack and a 5% increased risk of stroke.
WorkCover NSW releases Bullying Prevention Kit
WorkCover NSW has developed a Bullying Prevention Kit to help employers identify bullying and know what to do about it.
Online mental health tool launched
A new online mental health tool, myCompass, designed to support people living with a mental health issue has been launched.
Developed by a team of health professionals at the Black Dog Institute, and funded by the Australian Government, myCompass is an online tool that assesses user symptoms, then provides a personalised support program.
The interactive program includes online psychological tools, round-the-clock monitoring of moods and behaviours and motivational tips via email and SMS.
The tool is part of the Government’s recently launched e-mental health strategy.
myCompass developer Associate Professor Judy Proudfoot said the tool was evidence based and complimented traditional health services.
“myCompass has been designed to support people that may not seek help because of lack of time, lack of access to face-to-face, services or a fear of stigma,” said A/Prof Proudfoot.
“It provides a suite of simple strategies that will educate people to self-monitor and self-manage unhelpful thoughts and behaviour. It’s easy to access and simple to understand so you can improve your long-term mental health while you’re waiting for the bus or having lunch.
“Most importantly of all, clinical evidence shows that it works.”
Sexual harrassment in the workplace report released
Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, has released the Commission’s new research report, Encourage. Support. Act!: Bystander approaches to sexual harassment in the workplace, which examines the role bystanders can play in preventing and reducing the incidence of sexual harassment.
Shorten announces review of workers compensation legislation
The impact of workplace harm on workers and their families will be considered in a review of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (SRC Act) announced by Minister for Workplace Relations Bill Shorten.