Amid concerns over the potential health effects of existing flame retardants for home furniture, fabrics and other material, scientists are reporting development of an “exceptionally” effective new retardant that appears safer and more environmentally friendly. [ + ]

A new survey shows nine out of 10 Australians think the most significant cause of obesity is too much time sitting down and not exercising. [ + ]

The Designer Drugs Session to be held in conjunction with T2013: the 20th International Council on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety Conference will profile synthetic cannabinoids as the new face of drug abuse, investigate the epidemiological background on the latest new drugs in Europe, present case studies on driver intoxication, and unveil new ways for screening and confirmation of the presence of these new drugs in drugged drivers. [ + ]

Parsons Brinckerhoff has introduced an in-vehicle monitoring system (IVMS) for its entire fleet of motor vehicles in Australia. [ + ]

Luis Garcia, a Certified Functional Safety Expert with more than 20 years of experience in the field, has authored a paper on the impacts of the IEC61508 changes, providing an in-depth view on the scope of this new standard and how to best work with these new requirements. This Q&A with Garcia covers Route 2H Implications on IEC 61508. [ + ]

Construction firm Hansen Yuncken has recently introduced a ‘glove and clip policy’ to encourage broad acceptance of the need for hand protection. [ + ]

The Wormald team installed advanced MX Technology fire detection systems at each of Deakin University’s three campuses, which are interconnected using the university’s intranet. [ + ]

Every day, workers around the world are risking their lives as they are exposed to the risk of flash fire, electrical arc flash and molten metal splash. In the split second when such a dangerous situation does occur, providing the right FR clothing can make the difference between avoiding a disaster involving serious injury, or death. [ + ]

For electrical maintenance workers and contractors, working hands-on with hazardous and potentially dangerous energy sources, conductors, circuit parts and other energised parts is a common component of their everyday routine. While there is no substitute for maintaining safe working conditions, accidents - especially electric arcs - can happen in an instant, no matter how experienced a worker may be. 

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Deaths and serious incidents in the maritime and offshore facility sectors in Australian waters have skyrocketed in recent years, according to an Australian Transport Safety Bureau report released today, highlighting the urgent need for action by the federal government. [ + ]

OHS data is a powerful force to influence positive change in the workplace. Insights gained from OHS data lead to process and performance improvements that can positively impact overall health and safety as well as the organisation’s bottom line. However, these outcomes will only be realised if the OHS data is easily accessible, can be analysed quickly and can be converted into meaningful and actionable information. [ + ]

One of the best ways to prevent and control occupational injuries, illnesses and fatalities is to design out or minimise hazards and risks early in the design process. Prevention through design (PtD) is an engineering initiative, which was launched in the US by NIOSH, that attempts to mitigate hazards in the construction sector in the design stage. The concept has been around a while, but there are still some barriers to its adoption globally. [ + ]

These days, we hear references to wellbeing all the time. There are frequent discussions about work-life balance at social gatherings. Most people can relate to stress in the workplace and in their private lives. In fact, new statistics show that 80% of adults report feeling stressed at work. [ + ]

An online Introduction to First Aid (IFA) awareness course which has been launched by St John Ambulance Victoria will equip more than 11,000 existing Melbourne cab drivers with basic first aid skills. [ + ]

The Working at Height Association has funded the development of an Australia Standard for the manufacture and test of single point anchors through Standards Australia. Gordon Cadzow, Secretary, WAHA, provides all the background and progress of this standard and the critical next step to ensure properly functioning fall arrest systems. [ + ]