Employers are being urged to proactively "minimise feelings of uncertainty" during the COVID-19 pandemic, with researchers finding the unprecedented job losses caused by COVID-19 are causing high levels of depression among employed workers.
The COVID-19 pandemic is causing unhealthy, fatigue-inducing sleeping habits in workers, and employers are being urged to take steps to maximise workplace alertness and safety, including monitoring for sleep disorders.
> COVID face coverings can create new work risks, regulator warns; > "Second line of defence" prescribed for Qld mines; > Employers reminded of new quad bike safety standards; and > New online system helps WHS notifications in Tas.
Not intervening when a co-worker is being bullied causes the non-intervener psychological distress and can lead to mental ill health, according to European researchers, who urge employers to encourage active "helping behaviour".
BlueScope is well on the way to rolling out its "new HSE thinking approach" globally, as well as new WHS leading indicators and an incident investigation tool involving "learning teams", its latest sustainability report says.
A new WHS Code of Practice has provided PCBUs with clear guidance on their duties to consult with workers, health and safety representatives and other businesses in a COVID-19 context. Meanwhile, Comcare has produced a "micro-learn" video on using face masks at work in the pandemic.
Shift workers will never fully acclimatise to their schedules, meaning workplace lighting plays a crucial role in keeping them alert and preventing incidents during and after work, a circadian rhythm expert says.
> OHS enforcement stepped up in Vic's latest COVID-19 Bill; > Consultation launched for flagged gig safety changes; and > WA introduces COVID-19 disaster payments for workers.
