Occupational exposure to mineral oils, in particular hydraulic or motor oil, increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis by 30%. These are the results of a study published in Arthritis Research & Therapy. [ + ]

The safety of journalists at work has been called into question by both the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the UK's National Union of Journalists (NUJ) with the launch of the IFJs’ report on the killing of media staff in 2005. [ + ]

WorkCover NSW and Fair Trading’s Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Authority are urging consumers and vehicle repairers to be aware of hazards when re-gassing Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning systems (MVACs) with flammable hydrocarbon gases. [ + ]

WorkCover NSW has appointed one of its most highly experienced senior managers to head the authority’s reorganised TestSafe Australia facilities at Londonderry and Thornleigh. [ + ]

A railway maintenance worker lost an eye at work, almost eight years after a 1997 consultant's report identified the work practice as 'high risk'. As a result of the accident, Australia's largest private rail freight operator has been convicted and fined $50,000. [ + ]

A labour hire company's OHS obligations are limited by the fact its awareness and knowledge of hazards at a work site can never equal that of the host employer, a South Australian industrial magistrate has found. [ + ]

Demolition and Asbestos work has been identified by Australia's and New Zealand's heads of workplace safety authorities as an area of significant risk requiring a coordinated approach within the construction industry. [ + ]

The Fluidsentry monitored hydraulic ‘HB series’ safety valve systems recently won the ‘Best Risk Solution’ in the 2005 Victorian WorkSafe awards. [ + ]

WorkCover NSW chief executive officer, Jon Blackwell has issued a safety alert for safety mesh used on roofs as part of a continuing campaign on falls from heights in the construction industry. [ + ]

A UK shipyard has sacked one worker and another is facing disciplinary action after testing positive for alcohol. [ + ]

A NSW employer has lost its appeal against a finding that it breached its duty of care in failing to install cages around its forklifts until after two workers had been injured. [ + ]

The dangers of forklifts in Victorian workplaces are being highlighted in new industry guidance material launched today by WorkSafe Victoria. [ + ]

The Victorian Minister for WorkCover, John Lenders, has launched a new WorkSafe campaign to prevent work-related death and injuries caused by falls from livestock trucks. [ + ]

A new study casts doubt on whether adopting recommended postures actually reduces or prevents musculoskeletal injuries among computer users. US researchers expected that the study would provide empirical evidence supporting the imple-mentation of ergonomic interventions to prevent upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (UEMSDs), noting that little had been published on the topic. [ + ]

A group of Linfox linehaul truck drivers is taking part in a research project that could ultimately save lives on Australia's roads. [ + ]