WHS legislation and management frameworks are intended to jointly define a systematic means by which we keep ourselves and others safe. Although this notion is fine in theory and constitutes the cornerstone of contemporary WHS management, it is my observation that reality can sometimes be somewhat different from such an intention. Indeed, in many instances, I believe we are arguably legislating and managing for accidents rather than to prevent them.

After it was identified as one of the major issues on house construction sites, WorkCover NSW has launched a campaign with local builders and subcontractors to prevent falls through stair voids and produced a special safety video to help get the message across. [ + ]

Some of the most advanced high-precision, high-safety hydraulics are being deployed on the new $72 million Brisbane Riverwalk project to lift, shift and position the complex and heavy concrete castings involved. [ + ]

FPA Australia has developed the Fire Protection Accreditation Scheme (FPAS) to validate the competency of individuals conducting 'inspect and test' work activities on fire protection systems and equipment in Australia. [ + ]

At the recent OHS Leaders Summit 2014, a panel discussed the new voluntary certification process for OHS professionals which is being launched in June this year as part of the OHS Body of Knowledge project, funded by WorkSafe Victoria. [ + ]

ABB's safety PLC has provided the platform for Sandvik Materials Technology to add zoned safety guarding to a large cold rolling mill at its Sandviken plant in Sweden. [ + ]

Every dust problem is unique - from the volume of dust to its size, its type, its location and the surrounding environment. It's vital to fully understand all factors, and to get expert guidance in choosing the right solution from the full range of options. [ + ]

Let's face it - accidental falls on the job happen. Even workers with extensive working-at-heights experience can lose their balance, trip or misstep. The danger of falling at height is real and can bring devastating consequences. [ + ]

Noise or an unwanted sound is a hazard that must be managed in the workplace.

Many petrochemical plants handle invisible gaseous hydrocarbons. Most of these gases pose some sort of safety issue. They may be toxic or can cause health issues in case of long-term exposure. Others are highly flammable, explosive even, and most of them will have a negative impact on the environment if they enter the atmosphere in large quantities. That is why leak detection is of vital importance in these petrochemical plants. [ + ]

Residual impurities are not only detrimental to product functionality and safety, they can also impact on subsequent processes in the production chain, such as coating, bonding, welding, hardening, measuring, testing and assembly - all of which require clean surfaces. [ + ]

Sometimes taken for granted, your hands are vital, complex tools that perform tasks with precision and need to be taken care of. However, with today’s myriad industrial hand protection options on the market, how do you tell a quality glove that will provide you with the protection you need?

One of the key reasons for the alarming cost of stress-based lost time and claims payout is that many managers feel ill-equipped to have conversations that they perceive as an "invasion of another's personal space". [ + ]

Telematic devices (or onboard computers that are managed in the back office) enable transport companies to have a better view and a more real-time view of what is actually happening on the roads, not only from an operations point of view but also from a driver alertness and fatigue management point of view. [ + ]

An Enerpac EVO synchronous lifting system has been deployed by Sync Lift Systems Ltd to safely raise, re-level and restore for occupancy an entire 2800 tonne three-storey building that sank up to 300 mm during the devastating Christchurch earthquake of 2011. [ + ]