Articles
Are flexible working arrangements under threat?
Most of us have worked from home at one point or another. With developments in technology, we can perform work at home, at the gym, at the soccer ground, from the car, from bed. And one of the joys of working from home or remotely is that there is no strict dress code: you can work in pyjamas, gym gear, jeans, fluffy socks - or can you?
[ + ]Kronic: a lesson in why we shouldn’t just rely on legislation and drug testing
Organic cannabis consists of many cannabinoids, some of which have been explored for their potential medicinal properties. In this process of exploration, a number of synthetic cannabinoids have been developed and examined. The active ingredients of Kronic are drawn from some of these synthetic cannabinoids, which are sprayed onto dried plant or vegetable matter.
[ + ]The Safety Show Sydney
The Sydney Safety Show offers industry professionals an opportunity to find the latest OHS products, services and ideas, and gives them a chance to see hundreds of new and innovative ways to improve workplace performance. It also enables visitors to keep up to date with new developments in OHS from the broad range of specialists.
[ + ]Put a safe foot forward
Smelly painful feet, skin rashes, ingrown toe nails, hammer toes and postural deformities are just a few of the many problems experienced by tradesmen wearing uncomfortable or ill-fitting boots on the job site. What most tradesmen don’t realise is that by not wearing safe and supportive work boots, they are not only jeopardising their safety when at work but also the longevity of their careers.
[ + ]Are you wearing the right PPE?
According to WorkSafe Victoria, from 1985 to 2008, over $19 billion was paid out in workers compensations claims as a result of injuries sustained in the workplace. And with over 29,000 cases of workplace injuries reported in Victoria in 2007/08 alone, it is little wonder that employers are continually reassessing their OHS standards and requirements to create a safer working environment.
[ + ]Height limiter system to prevent electrocution of workers
Working near power lines is a major national safety issue because of the number of deaths and serious injuries that occur each year. The Southern Grampians Council worked with a local manufacturer to develop a device that automatically stops machines and activates an alarm if they got too close to high-voltage power lines, reducing the risk of electrocution or serious burns.
[ + ]Survey finds high rate of non-compliance with PPE protocols
In a recent survey released by Kimberly-Clark Professional, 89% of safety professionals said they had observed workers not wearing safety equipment when they should have been.
[ + ]New ISO standard improves protective clothing for agricultural farmers and workers using pesticides
The new ISO 27065:2011, 'Protective clothing - performance requirements for protective clothing worn by operators applying liquid pesticides', addresses the protection of farmers and workers mainly during the application phase of handling pesticides, i.e. the work phase where most operator contamination occurs.
[ + ]Project: Saving the lives of rescue service personnel
Rescue teams and emergency medical services providers need effective personal protection equipment (PPE) to protect themselves from the dangers faced on the job in saving lives and protecting property. The snap decisions made by rescue teams can make a difference between life and death, rescue or recovery. This explains why it is necessary to select the best protective clothing and hazmat gear for each potential situation they will face.
[ + ]Preventing structural collapse during demolition
WorkCover NSW has issued a safety alert following an incident involving the collapse of a suspended concrete slab during the demolition of a multistorey building.
[ + ]Finding money for WHS
To find money for health and safety at work means thinking beyond legal obligations and looking for ways that health and safety can add value to, and be valued by, an organisation. It means being creative and looking both above and below the line - business decisions should be objective but are often influenced by underpinning management values.
[ + ]Safety alert on scissor lift table chocks
WorkCover NSW has issued a safety alert on scissor lift table chocks following a fatal incident when a person was crushed beneath a scissor lift table while repairing the hydraulic system.
[ + ]Oral drug testing v urine testing
Three million working days are lost in Australia each year due to alcohol- and drug-related issues, according to a 2007 media release issued by the Australian Psychological Society. Employees affected by alcohol or other drugs may present a safety risk, and employment of best drug testing practices is vital for effective and efficient functioning of organisations. However, the most suitable method for workplace drug testing still remains debated.
[ + ]Officer’s duties under the Work Health and Safety Act
The model Work Health and Safety Act will commence in each jurisdiction in Australia from 1 January 2012. One aspect of the legislation that is significantly different to current laws is the duty imposed on ‘officers’ of a person conducting a business or undertaking.
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