A new report from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, titled Quieter cities of the future, Lessening the severe health effects of traffic noise in cities by emission reductions, shows how the negative health effects of noise can be reduced. [ + ]

Sick has been working with tyre manufacturer Continental to improve safety on its tyre-curing presses, which are in use at 16 locations around the world. Continental was seeking to equip the presses with a uniform, global safety concept while achieving optimum ergonomics and flexibility. [ + ]

An increasing number of refrigeration facility managers are specifying next-generation aspiration smoke detection systems because of the rapid response and immunity to false alarms that can be achieved when protecting environmentally hostile installations.  [ + ]

Although Australia continues to be a world leader in lead metal mining, smelting and processing, international scientists have raised urgent concerns in a new Environment International paper about a lack of understanding on the hazards of these operations. [ + ]

Officer pleads not guilty in the first prosecution of an officer under Work Health and Safety Laws in the Australian Capital Territory. [ + ]

While the use of synthetic drugs has grabbed the headlines of late, there is a growing recognition that prescription-based medicines are on the rise and indications are that drugs of this type are being more and more used for illicit purposes.

The long hours and sedentary work life of truckies have the potential to be lethal when it comes to their health, but a new program is helping drivers adopt healthier habits. [ + ]

A significant contributing factor in some workplace incidences is the inability for an employee to easily find and access up-to-date standard operating procedures and safety information relating to their role. Safety Solutions talks to Bruce Nixon, CEO of Holocentric, who explains how adopting a modelling approach to help align procedures for employees' roles, equipment and systems can help to overcome this challenge and result in a safer workplace.

UNSW researchers are a step closer to demonstrating that explosives - rather than water - could be used to extinguish an out-of-control bushfire. [ + ]

When it comes to keeping people and property safe, protecting against the risk of fire should be a top priority. It is important that every premises is fitted with a comprehensive fire safety solution, which can be tailored to go beyond minimum fire protection requirements. [ + ]

Rescuing trapped construction workers in emergencies such as a fire or a building collapse is the focus of new smartphone technology being developed by a team led by University of Canberra students. [ + ]

A form of bacteria responsible for respiratory illness, including the deadly pneumonia known as Legionnaire's disease, may be able to grow in windscreen washer fluid and was isolated from nearly 75% of school buses tested in one district in Arizona, according to research presented on 18 May at the annual meeting of the American Society for Microbiology. [ + ]

Data released by Safe Work Australia in the report 'Work-related fatalities involving trucks, Australia 2003 to 2012' shows an alarming number of Australia's truck drivers are being killed at work each year. [ + ]

The Royal Flying Doctor Service Queensland Services (RFDS) has partnered with Queensland Mines Rescue Service (QMRS) to develop a unique medical training program for members of mine rescue teams. [ + ]

Researchers at the University of South Australia have developed innovative 'lab-on-a-chip' drug-testing technology which could transform police roadside and workplace drug testing.