Worker representatives vital for offshore safety
12 May, 2008Health and safety representatives play a pivotal role in keeping offshore oil and gas facilities safe and it is important they fully understand their role and the relevant legislation, according to Australia’s National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority (NOPSA).
Queensland appoints mine inspection staff
25 March, 2008The Queensland government has recently appointed four new mines inspection staff to help strengthen and improve the safety and health performance of the mining industry.
Investigation into alleged ARREO breaches
18 February, 2008An investigation is underway into alleged breaches of a health and safety law which allows court-authorised union representatives to visit workplaces to enquire into safety concerns.
Underground safety communication technology
22 January, 2008Sydney company Tiller + Tiller has developed an underground communications technology for the mining industry. The technology is for use on the integrated communications cap lamp (ICCL), which is a lightweight cap lamp developed to incorporate a range of communications and safety technologies.
Mine collapse enquiries
08 January, 2008The Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources, Peter Batchelor, recently initiated two government inquiries into the Yallourn mine collapse in November.
Mines safety Act under review
18 October, 2007WA Industrial Relations Commissioner Stephen Kenner has been appointed to conduct a review of the Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994.
Toxic fumes endanger Hobart workers
17 October, 2007The Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union has accused a Hobart zinc smelter of exposing 100 production workers to a carcinogenic mist and putting company profits ahead of workers' health.
Company fined for gassed worker
02 October, 2007A South Australian company has been fined $20,000 for an incident where a worker collapsed while cleaning an industrial degreasing tank, highlighting the dangers of working with chemicals in enclosed spaces.
Confined spaces warning sparked by incident
19 January, 2007WorkSafe Vic has warned employers of the risks of workers being overcome by dangerous gases in confined spaces following a conviction and $40,000 fine for a Victorian timber treatment company.
Investigation of mining death blocked
05 January, 2007BHP Billiton has refused an independent occupational health and safety investigation following the death of an employee in December last year.
Hose safety: the right mix
13 December, 2006 by Wendy CramerWhen incompatible parts are used together and hoses come loose from their fittings, the results can be devastating on workers and the surrounding environment. Add a confined space to the mix and it can become fatal
Tunnelling code of practice for NSW
06 December, 2006An industry-developed code of practice for tunnels under construction emphasises the need for cooperation and coordination between all parties involved in tunnelling projects.
Mining safety under revision
29 November, 2006A revision has been announced for two mining industry safety standards, to maintain their currency.
National strategy improves winery safety
20 September, 2006A campaign born of cooperation between five Australian states has improved the health and safety of workers at Australia’s wine manufacturers.
Safety forum for WA
07 September, 2006WorkSafe WA is calling for Registrations to the 2006 Perth Work Safe Forum, which will take place on 25 October.
