In a recently published report titled 'Bystander Approaches to Sexual Harassment in the Workplace',  Paula McDonald, Queensland University of Technology and Michael Flood, University of Wollongong, demonstrate the potential for bystander approaches to make a real difference in preventing and addressing sexual harassment as a costly and damaging workplace harm. Read on to find out more. [ + ]

When looking at workplace injury prevention, I often see a gap in between the work done stopping any kind of injury occur in the first place and the treatment provided once an injury has turned into a WorkCover claim. [ + ]

On 12 June 2012, the International Agency for Research for Cancer (IARC), which is part of the World Health Organisation (WHO), changed its classification of diesel exhaust from Class 2A (probably carcinogenic to humans) to Class 1 (carcinogenic to humans). [ + ]

When manhole lids get stuck, workers have traditionally resorted to the use of various tools, with the potential to injure personnel, equipment and assets. To address this issue and improve employee safety, Melbourne-based company iota thought of developing a device which would enable workers to lift jammed lids and allow them to carry out work from a safe distance. [ + ]

The Safety Show returns to Sydney this October from 23 to 25 October 2012. The trade show will provide visitors an opportunity to learn about the latest developments and find the latest OHS products, services and ideas. [ + ]

For Simon National Carriers, an Australian provider of transport, third-party warehousing and distribution services, equipment safety and reliability were key considerations for achieving efficiency gains. [ + ]

The patented IC Safety System developed by New Eye Company consists of two components: a pair of IC Safety Frames and an inner Astralon optical foil that includes the wearer’s prescription lenses, offering distortion-free optical correction in all workplace environments. [ + ]

On the three-year anniversary of the Fair Work Act 2009, the latest AMMA Workplace Relations Research report, on its operation and impact on the resource industry, has shown an ongoing deterioration of the Australian workplace relations (WR) environment. [ + ]

NSW Trade & Investment recently issued a safety alert after a mine worker suffered serious injuries, including the loss of his leg, after falling about 14 m down a mine shaft. [ + ]

The recent Fair Work Australia ruling in the Endeavour Energy v CEPU, ASU, APESMA case has again sparked a debate on drugs and alcohol testing in the workplace. Most of us agree that drug testing is vital in maintaining a safe and drug-free workplace; however, there still remains much-debated controversy about the most appropriate method for drug testing. [ + ]

An invasion of bumblebees may sound like something best dealt with by an exterminator but for some towns this isn’t a viable solution. Bumblebees is an often derogatory term used to described the yellow, fluorescent-striped uniform-wearing miners who are perceived as infiltrating family-based communities, bringing with them inflated housing and food prices, drunken bad behaviour and lack of engagement with the local community.  It is easy to have some sympathy for these townships and communities; however, a balance needs to be struck in order for Australia to remain a prosperous nation enjoying world-leading employment, health and lifestyle. [ + ]

For many businesses, scissor lift systems are a second line consideration and not seen as a part of the business that has the potential to raise efficiencies. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear why this view may be limited. [ + ]

Since July 2011, New South Wales has witnessed a total of 55 incidents where cranes, machinery and other mobile plant have come into contact with power lines. This has prompted WorkCover to issue an alert reminding businesses, industry and workers of the dangers arising when operating mobile plant near energised overhead power lines. [ + ]

Falls cost employers millions of dollars each year in lost time, compensation and third-party liability suits. For the period 2003-04 to 2008-09, there have been 180 fatalities as a result of falls from height, 10.67% of total fatalities recorded during this period, according to Safe Work Australia statistics. More specifically, in 2008-09, 33 deaths occurred as a result of falls from height (39% being from the ‘Construction’ industry). ‘Fall from a height’ is the third largest killer of people in the workplace behind ‘vehicle incidents’ and ‘being hit by moving objects’. Of the 33 ‘fall from a height’ fatalities recorded in 2008-09, nine were from buildings and structures; six from ladders; four from trucks, semitrailers and lorries; and three from scaffolds. [ + ]

The process for harmonising rail safety throughout Australia’s states and territories has commenced with South Australia passing the Rail Safety National Law (South Australia) Bill 2011 (SA Bill) through both houses of parliament. [ + ]