Working safely in confined spaces
12 April, 2012 by Tony Jones*Working within confined spaces poses many risks to health and safety. Each year, many people are seriously injured or killed due to adverse conditions in confined spaces. Although it is not always possible to prevent these incidents, employers have a duty to minimise the health and safety risks associated with working in confined spaces.
MSA SmartArm-mk2 portable modular arm
10 August, 2011 byThe SmartArm-mk2 portable modular arm can be used by those managing and wishing to comply with safe work practices when conducting work or repairs in confined spaces.
Fanquip purging fans
03 June, 2010 byThe Fanquip purging fans are designed to expel gases typically found in confined spaces where toxic and carcinogenic gases can be present.
Confined space safety failings cost a life and $500,000 for tank cleaning company
07 January, 2010WorkSafe Victoria has warned companies and workers of the dangers of working in confined spaces following the conviction and $500,000 fine served on a tank cleaning company after the death of one of its workers.
Educating OHS students about confined spaces
11 November, 2009Protector Alsafe and Victoria University (VU) collaborated to provide an opportunity for a group of Diploma of OHS students to have a ‘hands-on’ approach in the investigation of a mock confined space incident.
Fire engineer advocates using lifts in emergencies
04 February, 2009Contrary to traditional OHS views regarding emergency evacuations, a fire engineer advocates the value of using lifts as well as stairs in the evacuation of a building.
NOPSA calls for better management of offshore workforce competence
10 December, 2008NOPSA reccommends a formal competency management be put in place to improve safety for workers on offshore petroleum facilities.
International award for mine safety research
20 November, 2008Researchers at the University of South Australia were awarded the prestigious (IEA)/Liberty Mutual Medal foir their landmark study on OHS for the Australian mining industry.
NZ trenching fatality stirs safety call
18 November, 2008A trenching collapse that killed a construction worker in New Zealand has sparked a call by safety regulators for a more proactive approach to ensure the safety of constrction workers. Callum Molloy Ltd was fined for failing to get geotechnical advice on the stability of the material surrounding the trench walls, failing to cut the trench back to a safe slope and starting work without notifying the Department of Labour.
Simple safety steps might have prevented fatality
15 October, 2008A worker, one week into a new job, was killed when a machine he was inside for cleaning was activated. The machine was not isolated or locked out to prevent activation.
Safety alert on mobile homes and demountables
07 August, 2008Living or working in caravans, mobile homes and demountable buildings (including converted shipping containers) can lead to a potential health risk of exposure to formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs), according to a safety alert issued by Comcare.
Safe design CoP launched
16 June, 2008A new code of practice on the safe design of buildings and other structures was launched at Subiaco Arts Centre (WA) recently.
Worker representatives vital for offshore safety
12 May, 2008Health and safety representatives play a pivotal role in keeping offshore oil and gas facilities safe and it is important they fully understand their role and the relevant legislation, according to Australia’s National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority (NOPSA).
Queensland appoints mine inspection staff
25 March, 2008The Queensland government has recently appointed four new mines inspection staff to help strengthen and improve the safety and health performance of the mining industry.
Investigation into alleged ARREO breaches
18 February, 2008An investigation is underway into alleged breaches of a health and safety law which allows court-authorised union representatives to visit workplaces to enquire into safety concerns.
