An opinion on the problem with using unisex PPE when working in high-risk environments from the founder of She's Empowered. [ + ]

Recent accidents from working-at-height activities highlight the need to re-enforce the basic principles that must be observed to ensure that the risks from falls are to be minimised through the correct design, installation, testing and recertification of working-at-height anchorage systems.

The latest hipster trend that is sweeping across the country is popularising facial hair of any kind. And while this may be positive news for beard barbers, it also presents a safety risk that must be remembered by hipsters who require respiratory equipment in the workplace. [ + ]

As drug use becomes more prevalent, the impact it has on business and the economy overall is becoming harder to ignore. Many industry sectors are now at significant risk of failing to meet their WHS obligations — and it is no longer just transport, construction and other trades in the firing line. [ + ]

Could repairing health and safety issues in the workplace lead to increased morale among workers? Stacey Wagner provides her opinion. [ + ]

New findings suggest policies, not testing alone, are the key to reducing Australia's estimated $8bn workplace drug and alcohol bill. [ + ]

Chemical safety is in the spotlight for farmers who handle dangerous substances as they head into spring and apply seasonal crop sprays. [ + ]

The disposable glove market is trending towards nitrile gloves for hand protection in favour of alternative options such as latex. [ + ]

An intuitive driver's seat that can be adjusted with a wave of your hand may be the ergonomic answer to sitting for long periods while driving. [ + ]

The revised model code of practice for Managing the Risk of Falls in the Workplace is explained. [ + ]

In 2014 Safe Work Australia published some good news statistics: 2011–12 — serious workers compensation claims with "muscular stress while lifting, carrying, or putting down objects" listed as the mechanism of injury were down on the previous year by 21%. Even better, this was no statistical aberration; it reflected a general downward trend since 2000–01. [ + ]

Workers compensation procedures can be a burden to both affected workers and businesses, but digital tools are emerging to help navigate through a complicated system. [ + ]

Whether your workers work at your site, within your factory or are out on the road, the obligations to ensure their health, safety and welfare are always present. With lone workers, however, the way in which you fulfil those obligations and the controls and monitoring that is available to you change significantly. [ + ]

Extreme noise levels — and the potential for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) — are encountered by workers throughout industry despite the ongoing industry-wide attention and investment in hearing conservation programs and engineering solutions. [ + ]

As you read this, around one in six Australian workers are experiencing mental illness. In some occupations, particularly those that involve mental stress or trauma, the rate is even higher. [ + ]