When the Australian marine terminal operator, DP World, was looking to improve its occupational health and safety (OHS) system, it contacted SCRIM, part of software consultancy firm Accelrelation.

After using some trial and error systems for reviewing driver fatigue that didn’t reflect the experience of mining operations, Australian metal mining and exploration company, Perilya, discovered Optalert. Some interesting results emerged from the trial, which involved around 12 drivers. The trial allowed Perilya to gather hard data to indicate that their drivers are not suffering from fatigue and their roster was suitable. The Optalert Fatigue Risk Profiler system detects the early onset of drowsiness during a journey by accurately measuring a person’s level of alertness.

NT WorkSafe has issued a safety alert that highlights the importance of an effective fatigue management system for drivers of heavy and light vehicles following an increase in incident notifications of accidents at or near mine sites.

From 30 September 2011, operators of loadshifting machines will no longer need a certificate of competency to operate some loadshifting equiment.

Implementing measures to eliminate or control the risks arising from the consumption of intoxicating liquor or drugs might seem like a relatively simple task, but the myriad options for testing and recording results, legal and compliance requirements, as well as the rise in availability of synthetic drugs which may not be detected in traditional tests, can provide a number of hurdles to scale before a mine operator ensures that legal obligations are being met.

Most of us have worked from home at one point or another. With developments in technology, we can perform work at home, at the gym, at the soccer ground, from the car, from bed. And one of the joys of working from home or remotely is that there is no strict dress code: you can work in pyjamas, gym gear, jeans, fluffy socks - or can you?

Harmonised OHS laws are due to commence on 1 January 2012. Each Australian state and territory has committed to adopting a form of the model Workplace Health and Safety Act (Model Act). Not all states and territories will adopt all parts of the Model Act as it is presently drafted. One area where there appears to be no disagreement is the provisions for workplace investigations.

Organic cannabis consists of many cannabinoids, some of which have been explored for their potential medicinal properties. In this process of exploration, a number of synthetic cannabinoids have been developed and examined. The active ingredients of Kronic are drawn from some of these synthetic cannabinoids, which are sprayed onto dried plant or vegetable matter.

The Sydney Safety Show offers industry professionals an opportunity to find the latest OHS products, services and ideas, and gives them a chance to see hundreds of new and innovative ways to improve workplace performance. It also enables visitors to keep up to date with new developments in OHS from the broad range of specialists.

Guidelines on PPE to be worn by electrical workers are detailed in AS/NZS 4863:2011.

Smelly painful feet, skin rashes, ingrown toe nails, hammer toes and postural deformities are just a few of the many problems experienced by tradesmen wearing uncomfortable or ill-fitting boots on the job site. What most tradesmen don’t realise is that by not wearing safe and supportive work boots, they are not only jeopardising their safety when at work but also the longevity of their careers.

According to WorkSafe Victoria, from 1985 to 2008, over $19 billion was paid out in workers compensations claims as a result of injuries sustained in the workplace. And with over 29,000 cases of workplace injuries reported in Victoria in 2007/08 alone, it is little wonder that employers are continually reassessing their OHS standards and requirements to create a safer working environment.

Working near power lines is a major national safety issue because of the number of deaths and serious injuries that occur each year. The Southern Grampians Council worked with a local manufacturer to develop a device that automatically stops machines and activates an alarm if they got too close to high-voltage power lines, reducing the risk of electrocution or serious burns.

In a recent survey released by Kimberly-Clark Professional, 89% of safety professionals said they had observed workers not wearing safety equipment when they should have been.

The new ISO 27065:2011, 'Protective clothing - performance requirements for protective clothing worn by operators applying liquid pesticides', addresses the protection of farmers and workers mainly during the application phase of handling pesticides, i.e. the work phase where most operator contamination occurs.