Mental health issues are reported to affect 20% of the population, with depression and anxiety among the highest in prevalence and incident rates on the rise. The direct effects of emotional and behavioural disorders are clearly significant and distressing for the person, family and community.  However, the impact of mental health issues to workplaces and employers has been less clear and received less attention to date. The magnitude of the issue both in terms of costs and the dangers of mental health problems to organisations should not be underestimated: there is a greater need now more than ever for business and employers to consider how to make work a safer place to be. [ + ]

Engineers at Oregon State University are studying a new approach to organise and route truck transportation that could save millions of dollars, improve the quality of life for thousands of truck drivers and make freight transportation far more efficient. [ + ]

The importance of protecting employees and providing a safe work environment has seen an increase in the use of reflective and high-visibility tapes. Whether it is on work clothing or personal protective equipment (PPE), it is a common requirement and practice. [ + ]

DEHN has a range of products for personnel working in and at electrical systems and installations. [ + ]

A recently released report by SafeWork Australia shows that there has been no improvement in our national return-to-work rates for the past 15 years. [ + ]

People working in places with poor ventilation and higher temperatures need to be educated on how to recognise heat stress symptoms and minimise the risks associated with such symptoms. [ + ]

Each day of The Safety Show Sydney will feature six presentations covering an array of topics including how technology is changing the way we undertake on-site safety, emergency planning, contractor management, OHS program planning and funding, personal protective equipment industry updates and an overview of the latest legislation. [ + ]

SAI Global has designed an online scenario-based safety training course that meets critical criteria for OHS hazard audits. [ + ]

Researchers from Australia, Singapore and the US are joining forces, through an AU$20 million partnership, to help pre-empt and prepare the world for the next human pandemic. [ + ]

Oliver Footwear’s Managing Director, Phil Hughes, provides some basic guidance on selecting the correct safety footwear to protect your feet against common risks on a job site. [ + ]

NSW Mine Safety has published a draft guideline for selecting and implementing collision management systems in mines and is seeking input and comment from industry representatives. [ + ]

The skilled worker’s job in electrical safety certification is made easier with the use of rapidly improving and evolving technologies. Thermal imaging is one such technology.  Thermal imaging cameras are beginning to lead the way as a cost-effective and practical solution for eliminating many electrical risks. [ + ]

Fire protection specialist Wormald is urging business owners and managers to keep up to date with fire safety standards and regulations and to ensure their buildings are adequately protected against fire. [ + ]

In a tongue-in-cheek animation released today, Red Cross College highlights the serious issue of workplace safety and urges businesses from all industries to ensure their first aid training and kits are up to date. [ + ]

When it comes to cleaning up the next massive crude oil spill, an eco-friendly solution for the job may be low-grade cotton from West Texas. [ + ]