Industry News
OZ and NZ work together on demolition safety
Demolition and Asbestos work has been identified by Australia's and New Zealand's heads of workplace safety authorities as an area of significant risk requiring a coordinated approach within the construction industry.
[ + ]Hydraulic safety valve wins award
The Fluidsentry monitored hydraulic ‘HB series’ safety valve systems recently won the ‘Best Risk Solution’ in the 2005 Victorian WorkSafe awards.
[ + ]Alert on safety mesh
WorkCover NSW chief executive officer, Jon Blackwell has issued a safety alert for safety mesh used on roofs as part of a continuing campaign on falls from heights in the construction industry.
[ + ]Alcohol testing puts workers off
A UK shipyard has sacked one worker and another is facing disciplinary action after testing positive for alcohol.
[ + ]Employer gets caged in by OHS laws
A NSW employer has lost its appeal against a finding that it breached its duty of care in failing to install cages around its forklifts until after two workers had been injured.
[ + ]Collaboration raises the bar on forklift safety
The dangers of forklifts in Victorian workplaces are being highlighted in new industry guidance material launched today by WorkSafe Victoria.
[ + ]Preventing falls from livestock trucks
The Victorian Minister for WorkCover, John Lenders, has launched a new WorkSafe campaign to prevent work-related death and injuries caused by falls from livestock trucks.
[ + ]Posture theory doesn't stand up to scrutiny
A new study casts doubt on whether adopting recommended postures actually reduces or prevents musculoskeletal injuries among computer users. US researchers expected that the study would provide empirical evidence supporting the imple-mentation of ergonomic interventions to prevent upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (UEMSDs), noting that little had been published on the topic.
[ + ]New technology to save truckies' lives
A group of Linfox linehaul truck drivers is taking part in a research project that could ultimately save lives on Australia's roads.
[ + ]Finger scanning could save lives
A consortium including Cranfield Impact Centre and Nissan Technical Centre Europe has developed a prototype bone density scanning system which could be used to improve driver and passenger restraint systems in cars.
[ + ]Research funding to improve aviation safety
The Australian Government Minister for Transport and Regional Services, Warren Truss, recently announced research grants totalling $95,000 for several innovative projects aimed at improving aviation safety.
[ + ]Worker's common sense should have prevented laptop lifting
In an important ruling for employers of mobile workers, the NSW Court of Appeal has upheld a finding that two companies were not liable for a back injury suffered by a worker who had to regularly carry a laptop and printer.
[ + ]Fines following forklift fatality
A total of $297,000 in fines has been imposed by the NSW Industrial Relations Commission sitting in Court Session following a forklift fatality at a Sydney warehouse.
[ + ]Misconduct complaints
In a clear warning to employers that they must take action on all complaints of misconduct, the NSW Supreme Court has found two companies liable for damages to a worker who was subjected to five years of abuse by his manager.
[ + ]Tougher fireworks laws required
The NSW govenment should introduce legislation to regulate the production of fireworks, the NSW coroner recommended recently.
[ + ]