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.

The harmonised safety laws across Australia are one step closer to becoming a reality and will bring about significant changes to the construction industry. With only six months to go until the new laws commence operation on 1 January 2012, businesses have a limited timeframe to become familiar with the new Workplace Health & Safety Act and regulations that will replace the current laws.

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.

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.

Too many people who work on construction sites think that it’s someone else’s responsibility to keep them safe. This is especially true for people who are required to work at height in these environments. But even the most conscientious and safety-focused worker can pay the ultimate price due to workplace safety neglect.

Safety professionals as well as business operators across different industry sectors and geographies are increasingly realising the significance of technology in workplace safety.

When it comes to working at heights, simplicity equals safety. It’s easy to be seduced by high-tech harnesses but the acid test for your height safety equipment is whether it can be used by anybody.

The recent decision by the Minimum Wage Panel of Fair Work Australia increases minimum wage rates by 3.4% and the default casual loading for award and agreement free employees from 21% to 22%.

WorkSafe Victoria has released a new guide on the use of angle grinders after 31 serious workplace injuries involving them.

GRW Industries’ CoolMe vest is a cooling garment to limit the effects of heat stress and promote rapid recovery for workers in extreme heat conditions.

The decision about a suitable workplace drug testing method can be a difficult one for many safety sensitive industries, according to an Australian supplier of drug and alcohol screening programs, Medvet Laboratories.

Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital is currently undergoing a $1.07bn redevelopment that will consolidate 53 buildings into modern purpose-built facilities.

Eye protection in the workplace is an essential part of the growing health and safety issues seen across all Australian industries.

WorkCover NSW has published a safety alert after a worker suffered fatal injuries when a plenum made from EPS panels collapsed while he was working in a blast freezer.

Safe Work Australia, an Australian Government statutory agency, has released a research report on carbon nanotubes.