A graphic image of a worker with his hand trapped in a mincer has gone up on billboards around Melbourne to highlight the risks associated with dangerous machines, while Queensland and Western Australian regulators have issued alerts after three work deaths and a string of injuries.
WA employer fined for emergency-stop breach, as WorkSafe investigates death; Queensland issues fatality alert and snorkelling safety guide; and Victorian safety and RTW award winners announced.
In what was a busy day for safety today, Australia's 10-year work health and safety strategy was officially launched, the Safety Ambassador of the Year was announced, and an interpretive guideline on the entry provisions of the model WHS Act was released.
WorkSafe Victoria has outlined 11 "cheap and effective solutions" to ensure machinery is operated safely, after statistics revealed that nearly 450 body parts had been amputated from Victorian workers by common types of machines over the last five years.
Height fine prompts call for WHS Regulation compliance; WorkSafe Victoria appoints CEO and investigates injury; NSW releases industry action plans, new capacity form and asbestos alert; Tasmania launches "practical" OHS strategy; and WorkCover WA clarifies position on contractual indemnities.
SA department fined heavily after student falls 4.5m; SWMS requirement overlooked by hundreds of Victorian employers; National Rail Safety Week encouraging people to use their brains; and FSC accreditation scheme applied to 800 projects.
In a message that applies to all industries, farm employers are being urged - as part of national Farm Safety Week, commencing today - to improve OHS by upgrading their machinery and processes.
Training not provided to worker who was crushed to death; Employers fined $105k after fridge falls on worker's foot; and Time and thought needed for implementation of safe practices.
A novel WorkSafe Victoria experiment - inspired by a famous 1960s study on World War II - has highlighted the detrimental effect productivity-obsessed supervisors can have on workplace health and safety.