That essential morning coffee may be just what the doctor ordered: coffee could help ward off adult onset diabetes, says Finland's National Public Health Institute. [ + ]

BOC has opened its South Pacific Operating Centre (SPOC) at its Australian headquarters in North Ryde (New South Wales). SPOC remotely operates 22 major plants at 12 major sites across Australia and New Zealand, to optimise operations and ensure supply with maximum efficiency. [ + ]

The recent compromise of worker safety at a uranium mine in the Northern Territory raises questions over whether attempts to streamline the approach to mine safety will continue to remain a dream of the industry rather than a practical reality. [ + ]

Welding and cutting operations present a variety of hazards, not only to those carrying out the operation but in many instances also to others in the vicinity. [ + ]

Work related road crashes cost Australian industry $400-$500 million annually with the average cost to society for each fatal crash around $1.7 million, an industry expert told a leading workplace safety. [ + ]

Far from being a far-flung futurist's fantasy, biometrics is solving some major concerns in the building and construction industries. in particular, the fingerscan which tackles problems such as: time and attendance, occupational health and safety (OH&S), shrinkage, security and staff management. [ + ]

Victorian President of the Safety Institute of Australia, Geoff Dell has called on all businesses to review their practices regarding the operation of forklift trucks. [ + ]

An incident in which 47 people were affected by carbon monoxide fumes from a concrete cutting machine has resulted in a Chippendale plumbing firm being fined $220,000 for breaching the Occupational Health & Safety Act 1983. [ + ]

Bill Weems and Phil Bishop
Workers and emergency response personnel must be trained to recognise the risks of suspension trauma. [ + ]

Between bacterial outbreaks, viral pandemics, irradiation and the continuing controversy surrounding food additives and genetic modification, it seems that the safety of what we consume regularly comes into question. [ + ]

A scaffolder who was seriously injured when he fell 20 m down a lift shaft on a Sydney building site has led to construction company Bovis Lend Lease Pty Ltd being fined $175,000. [ + ]

About 40 workers constructing a massive gas pipeline in remote Western Australia were undergoing medical tests after stumbling across a hidden asbestos dump. [ + ]

New evidence of a possible link between anti-perspirants and breast cancer has emerged. [ + ]

WorkCover NSW Chief Executive Officer Jon Blackwell announced an amnesty for workers who hold Certificates of Competency without completing a proper knowledge or practical assessment. [ + ]

Danish researchers claim they have produced a plant that can help detect landmines by changing its colour from green to red when its roots come in contact with explosives. [ + ]