Archived News for OHS Sector Professionals

Plans for a new $3 million National Workers Memorial have been revealed in Canberra, with the Federal Government funding the memorial to pay tribute to all Australians who have lost their lives to work related accidents and diseases.

Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten unveiled the winning design, saying it was important to recognise the contribution Australia’s workers have had in building the nation.

The memorial will honour and pay tribute to all working Australians who have died as a result of work-related accidents, incidents and disease,” Mr Shorten said.

Bendigo blitz uncovers breaches

WorkSafe Victoria has handed out 117 notices requiring businesses to act on breaches after the agency conducted a blitz on the Bendigo area.

Skin diseases costs released

Safe Work Australia has released two research reports on occupational skin diseases, finding that they cost up to $33 million per year.

SA OH&S laws set to be defeated in upper house

The South Australian Liberal opposition and Family First party have indicated they intend to block nationally harmonised workplace safety laws in the South Australian upper house.

WorkSafe Victoria announces strong half-year results

WorkSafe Victoria has announced results for the first half of 2011-12, with the key indicator of health - performance from insurance operations (PFIO) returning $118m, up from $61m in the previous corresponding period.

Research urges workers to break up sitting sessions

The Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute has published research that shows workers, drivers and call centre staff who sit for protracted periods of time could improve their health by breaking up their sitting time with frequent activity breaks.

WorkCover NSW launches Small Business Rebate Program

WorkCover NSW has launched a Small Business Rebate Program that offers rebates of up to $500 to help small business owners and sole traders purchase and install safety improvements.

General Manager of WorkCover’s Work Health and Safety Division, John Watson, said the program would help small businesses implement solutions to workplace safety problems.

“The Small Business Rebate Program will help more NSW small businesses implement safety improvements, leading to safer workplaces and reductions in injury and illness rates across the State.

“The Program covers a broad range of safety solutions, providing small businesses with the flexibility to fix specific risks in their workplaces while focusing on solutions to the most common risks in NSW workplaces; manual handling, slips, trips and falls, injuries from moving objects, chemical and hazardous goods and hazardous noise.”

The Small Business Rebate Program aligns with WorkCover’s flagship programs which aim to improve health and safety in the State’s highest risk industries.

The Small Business Rebate Program is open to NSW small business owners and sole traders with 0-20 full-time employees or equivalent and replaces the Safety Solutions Rebate Program. To be eligible for a rebate, small businesses must attend a WorkCover safety workshop, webinar, program, event or receive a workplace advisory visit. Applications must be lodged within six months of attending a WorkCover event with rebates provided after the purchase or implementation of an eligible safety improvement.

For more information on the Small Business Rebate Program and a list of eligible safety solutions, call WorkCover NSW on 13 10 50 or visit www.workcover.nsw.gov.au

Guide to Safe Handling and Use of Carbon Nanotubes

Safe Work Australia Chair, Tom Phillips, has announced the release of a new publication on the Safe Handling and Use of Carbon Nanotubes.

WorkSafe Victoria to hold free workshop

WorkSafe Victoria has announced it will hold a free two-hour workshop aimed at providing employers the tools and information they need to assist injured workers remain motivated during the return to work process.

Asbestos innovation projects funded

Applicants from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia have been awarded grants under the Comcare Asbestos Innovation Fund.

WorkSafe warning on benefits fraud

The prosecution of a woman who went back to work after suffering a back injury, but kept claiming workers’ compensation benefits has prompted a WorkSafe call to do things the right way.

New smoke-free regulations in Tasmania

All outdoor dining areas in Tasmania will be smoke-free from March 1 when new legislation takes effect.

DVD's advise on safety in SA mining and quarrying industries

The South Australian Minister for Industrial Relations, Russell Wortley, has launched a series of DVDs that promote safety in South Australia’s mining and quarrying industries.

Call for nominations for SA Smoke-free Air Awards

Nominations have been called for South Australia’s Smoke-free Air Awards.

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.