With low levels of literacy and numeracy in the workplace holding back companies and individuals from reaching their potential, a major report by the Australian Industry Group provides more details on the depth of the problem and considers new and more effective strategies to address it. [ + ]

ComOps has won a competitive tender to deploy its Salvus safety, risk and claims management software solution at Kordia, one of Australia’s largest telecommunications systems integration service delivery organisations. Salvus will replace the organisation’s existing manual Excel spreadsheet, database and paper-based system for recording workplace incidents and hazards, which was unable to keep up with the company’s fast-paced growth. At the same time, Salvus will enable Kordia to efficiently handle the tracking of incident and hazard reporting on behalf of its workforce, many of whom are located in regional and remote areas. [ + ]

Workplace bullying is a major occupational health and safety issue - it could not only cost billions to organisations but also affect the physical and mental health of workers. It could also impact the organisational culture and lead to a number of other problems including lowered workplace productivity and absenteesim. As bullying continues to grab the headlines, it’s time persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) ensure they have proper systems in place to deal with workplace bullying. [ + ]

There currently exists much inconsistency and regulatory burden across state boundaries with regard to workplace health and safety legislation. While the federal government has proposed ‘harmonisation’ of the legislation, there is still some confusion around the timing of the full implementation of the proposal. The slipping timescale should not be used as an excuse to delay the implementation of the intent of the new legislation. [ + ]

2012 is shaping up to be a very big year in industrial relations. Employers are waiting in anticipation for a number of developments which will no doubt present various opportunities and challenges for their businesses. This article looks at the top seven developments to watch out for in 2012. [ + ]

A multinational industrial, commercial and retail property owner engaged National Height Safety & Access Solutions (NHSAS) to audit 73 properties throughout Australia and New Zealand, to ascertain existing control measures. The audit involved a site review of existing administration processes through to the fall prevention and access systems. [ + ]

In Australia more than 2,000 people die from suicide every year and more than three out of four suicides are men. It is estimated that up to 200,000 Australians attempt suicide every year. Studies have shown that 5 to 6% of the population (1 in 20 or over 1 million Australians) will consider suicide over a 12 month period . [ + ]

Occupational skin disease ranks as the most common occupational disease in many countries around the world, with ‘contact dermatitis’ accounting for 90-95% of all occupational skin diseases. Epoxy resins are known to be a major cause of occupational skin disease and put the user at a high risk of contact dermatitis. [ + ]

The Fall Protection Manufacturer’s Association of Australia (FPMA), which was formed in 2005, is relaunching as the Working at Height Association Limited (WAHA) to expand its scope and remit with the aim of creating the industry body representing all those involved in safe working at height. [ + ]

Liquefied petroleum gas is highly flammable, invisible and heavier than air. If it leaks or escapes it will flow along floors and downhill into gullies, and will tend to settle in low spots, such as trenches or basements.

A recent case reminds employers of the importance of reviewing employees’ contracts, enterprise agreements and any applicable modern awards to assess an employee’s entitlement to any severance payments, including notice and redundancy.

Over recent years responsibility for fleet safety has shifted from drivers to organisations and even individual managers - making this a growing issue for Australian businesses.

Workplace fatalities and a marked rise in industrial injuries are costing Australian companies over $57bn, according to a safety research study released by Siemens.

 A recent study by CARRS-Q has found that young drivers who experience anxiety and depression are more likely to take risks on the road.

The recent Federal Court decision in Haros v Linfox [2011] FCA 699 has dismissed a claim by a former executive that Linfox had misled him during the recruitment process, both in the nature of his role with the company and the security of his employment.