Articles
A fall in numbers: UK work-related fatal accidents in 2019/20
The United Kindom's Health and Safety Executive has revealed that 111 workers were fatally injured in 2019/20 — representing a fall of 38 deaths from the previous year. [ + ]
Construction: six health risk behaviours
US research has found that construction workers are more prone to certain behaviours — such as smoking and binge drinking — that could negatively impact their health. [ + ]
Fire safety in unoccupied buildings: a national snapshot
Fire safety testing is essential for building owners, whether a building is occupied or not. Here is a national snapshot of fire compliance requirements. [ + ]
Preparing building HVAC systems for a return to work
With COVID-19 restrictions easing and workers returning to their places of work, building HVAC systems must be considered as part of a safe reopening. [ + ]
Asbestos-cement water pipe management: call for comment
Until 7 August, the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency is calling for public consultation on its draft Asbestos-Cement Water and Sewer Pipe Management Guidelines. [ + ]
Artificial stone silicosis: an escalating international problem
Spanish researchers have raised concerns about increased incidences of silicosis and massive pulmonary fibrosis among those who have worked with artificial stone. [ + ]
PoC services: mitigating mobile workforce risks
Tony Hudson explains how push-to-talk over cellular (PoC) services can help businesses mitigate the occupational health and safety risks of mobile workforces. [ + ]
Night-shift workers at greater risk of injury, ill health
British research by IOSH has found that shift workers who work night shifts are 25–30% more at risk of injury than those who work day shifts. [ + ]
Masks against COVID-19: research supports universal adoption
Social distancing and face masks reduce the spread of COVID-19 in healthcare settings and the general community, according to a review commissioned by the WHO. [ + ]
If a vaccine is created for SARS-CoV-2: WHS responsibilities
A SARS-CoV-2 vaccine would necessitate a reconsideration of WHS policies, such as whether employees should undergo vaccination before returning to the workplace. [ + ]
Matchmaking manufacturers: to boost COVID-19 supply chains
A national matchmaking platform for manufacturers to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak has been expanded, to continue to provide solutions after the pandemic. [ + ]
Risky drinking in construction: a 2020 Australian study
High prevalence of risky drinking in the construction industry reflects mid-life pressures and demanding work roles, a 2020 Flinders University study suggests. [ + ]
COVID-19 mining inspections yield encouraging results
The NSW Resources Regulator has published the findings of its proactive inspection program, which examined mine operator responses to risks posed by COVID-19. [ + ]
Arc flash film drives home safety message
Queensland's Electrical Safety office has launched a case study film, warning electrical workers of the dangers of arc flash. [ + ]
COVID-19 student-to-teacher transmissibility is limited
A report investigating the spread of coronavirus in NSW schools has found that the disease has limited transmissibility from students to teachers. [ + ]