Workplace social structures and worksite "champions" can be leveraged to protect transient or temporary staff like contract or labour-hire workers, who are more vulnerable to health and safety hazards than permanent workers, researchers say.
Safe Work Australia members have agreed to start transitioning to a new chemical safety system within six months, while SWA has released a practical guide to managing ultraviolet radiation risks and a 60-page workers' comp report, and a WHS regulator has outlined safety duties relating to poor air quality.
Exposure to certain occupational fumes can double the risk of workers contracting invasive pneumonia-causing infections, and affected workers should be offered vaccines, researchers say.
A leading workplace heat stress consultant has warned of the effects of "heat hangover", which causes workers in warm workplaces to experience the same symptoms they would after consuming excessive amounts of alcohol, and could account for the spike in incidents during hotter months.
Many employers continue to rely on administrative controls like training in lifting techniques and stretching to tackle work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) risks, despite strong evidence that these strategies don't work, according to a report prepared for Safe Work Australia.
An electrocardiographic study of firefighters during a live firefighting drill suggests there is a need for closer monitoring of workers who perform activities with high levels of cardiac strain.
A new health and safety reporting framework underpinned by four key themes will help companies disclose targeted and meaningful information, creating stronger safety cultures and improving long-term financial returns, according to the Australian Council of Superannuation Investors.
> PCBU ordered to train WHS officer and fined $76k; > High-risk work strategy and other safety initiatives launched in NSW; > New dust disease victims identified under WHS screening scheme; and > NSW WHS review announced, explosives list gazetted.
Costly workplace exercise programs might improve workers' physical capacity, but employers can gain similar benefits from providing them with personalised fitness management, which does not require space or equipment, researchers say.
