Browsing: Health and mental wellbeing | Page 170

An employer's successful health and wellbeing program, aimed at tackling fatigue, attracted the interest of workers after its name was changed to "How to lose weight and drink beer", according to an HSE manager.

Employees exposed to the trauma of others in the course of their work face their own risk of injury, so employers should take steps to educate them on the signs of "vicarious trauma", says employment lawyer Josh Bornstein.

Employers urged to step up safety focus during October; Government told to tackle rising suicide and PTSD rates among soldiers; and Warnings issued after structure collapse and high winds.

WHS Act requires workers to be consulted during organisational change; and SWA releases revised Code, mesothelioma toll and safety-month app.

BHP Billiton claims in its 2013 sustainability report, released today, that it can partly attribute a reduction in workers' exposure to carcinogens and airborne contaminants to establishing its own occupational exposure limits when regulatory limits are inadequate.

Bis Industries has proven to be a leader in creating healthy and safe workplaces for the second consecutive year, after receiving a national award for tackling worker fatigue and keeping communities onside.

Many employers will never have to deal with one of their workers committing suicide, but they should be prepared to take immediate action just in case, the Comcare National Conference has heard.

Managers can "dramatically" reduce workplace stress claims by improving performance management and removing "comfort zone itis" from workplaces, says Complex Consultancy Services CEO Graeme Alford.

OHS practitioners should be aware that all shift workers - and not just obese shift workers, as is widely believed - are at an increased risk of hypertension, Japanese researchers say.

Ensuring "adjustable" computer monitors are actually adjustable is just one step employers can take to reduce the safety risks associated with the high visual demands of new technology, according to optometrist and ergonomist Dr Jennifer Long.