Archived News for OHS Sector Professionals
The Queensland Government’s Safety in Mines Testing and Research Station (Simtars) has developed a fully automated mobile mine gas laboratory that can be rapidly deployed in the event of a mine emergency.
The $600,000 mobile mine gas laboratory can provide gas monitoring capabilities in a few hours. It is fully-automated, self-sufficient for power and communications, and can operate in remote locations for extended periods.
The laboratory can be accessed remotely via the internet, enabling operation and supervision by personnel off-site. Equipped with a 20-point tube bundle gas monitoring system and ultrafast gas chromatograph it can carry out continuous automated analysis of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide methane and oxygen levels at up to 20 monitoring locations at a mine.
WA Resources Safety develops drilling safety draft code of practice
The Resources Safety unit within the WA Department of Mines and Petroleum is developing a draft code of practice to help identify hazards and risk factors associated with drilling operations.
Fire Protection Centre of Excellence launched
A new Fire Protection Centre of Excellence in Brunswick, Victoria will offer the latest in training and technology to those in the fire protection industry.
Ai Group hits out at Safe Rates
The Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) has reiterated its opposition to the Federal Government’s planned Road Safety Remuneration Bill, saying that it will not improve safety on Australian roads.
Road deaths continue to fall
Figures released by the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE) show road fatalities are at their lowest since 1946, marking 10 years of consecutive decreases.
Worksafe Victoria to conduct return to work workshops
Worksafe Victoria has announced it will conduct a free workshop to train employers in assisting their injured employees return to work sooner.
Queensland safety watchdog to crack down on scaffolding compliance
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has announced it will conduct a state-wide scaffolding compliance blitz starting this month.
Changes to diving and snorkelling industry safety requirements open for comment
Following consultation with the dive and snorkelling industry, the Queensland Government is proposing to adopt 12 recommendations made by the Recreational Dive and Snorkelling Industry Reference Group established by the Minister for Education and Industrial Relations, Cameron Dick.
Government encourages uptake of Wage Connect Subsidy
The Australian Government’s new Wage Connect Subsidy has assisted 516 long term unemployed Australians to a paying job this month.
WHSQ provides safety advice for metals manufacture
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) has released a new interactive online program for the metals sector of the manufacturing industry aimed at helping these employers achieve a safe workplace.
Warning on LPG risks
WorkCover NSW has issued a warning about the dangers of exposure to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
National Rail Safety Regulator to be appointed
The National Rail Safety Regulator Project Office is seeking to appoint a full-time National Rail Safety Regulator/CEO as well as part-time non-executive members who will assist the Regulator in ensuring sound governance, advise on high-profile and sensitive issues, and engage with government, industry and other stakeholders in developing the national co-regulatory rail safety framework.
SafeWork SA calls for Innovative Practice Grant applications
SafeWork SA has called for applications for its Work Health and Safety (WHS) Innovative Practice Grants (IPG) program, which funds projects for the development and dissemination of innovative safety practices that contribute to reducing work injuries, diseases and fatalities in South Australia.
HIA finds OHS laws could damage building industry
A report commissioned by the Housing Industry Association (HIA) into the effects of the national workplace safety laws on the South Australian housing industry has found that the laws could drive up costs of a new home by tens of thousands of dolars.
OHS laws could slash volunteer numbers
Ken Phillips, the executive director of Independent Contractors Australia, has warned of the imminent ‘gutting of volunteer community work in Australia’ as a result of the introduction of the Federal Government’s national harmonisation of occupational health and safety laws.
Study shows fatigued fathers a risk in the workplace
A study conducted by Southern Cross University shows that fathers of new born babies experience cumulative fatigue which in turn may pose a risk in the workplace.
Resource kit to be developed on workplace safety for volunteers
Following recent criticism of the impact of the new work safety laws on volunteer workers, the Federal Government has announced it will develop, in cooperation with peak organisations that utilise volunteers and Not-For-Profits, a new resource kit on national workplace and safety laws as well as establishing a stakeholder working group to oversee measures to cut red tape.
Annual Safe Work Australia Awards finalists announced
Safe Work Australia has announced the finalists for the 7th annual Safe Work Australia Awards, with Chair Tom Phillips commending them for their efforts in reducing workplace death, injury and disease in Australia.
Business investing in new technology for safety: AIGroup report
A report released by the Australian Industry Group, Business Investment in New Technologies, has found that improved workplace safety is a major motivation for investment in new technologies - particularly among construction companies and manufacturers.
Safe Work Australia advises on printer particle emissions
Safe Work Australia has released of two reports on the risks and health effects of printer particle emissions in the workplace.
CFMEU calls for improved reporting on ACT building site incidents
The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) has claimed that up to half of the accidents and injuries that occur on building sites in Canberra are not being reported as required under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.