The majority of Australia's WHS ministers have agreed to maintain the mandatory status of the workplace exposure standards and change the name of the system to make it clear that exposure limits for hazardous chemicals can't be exceeded.
> Free workplace toolkit tackles perinatal depression; > Health assessment breaches attract civil penalties; > RTW training modules released, while icare winners announced; and > Alerts issued in four states after fatality and other incidents.
> Supervisor allowed workers in danger zone; > Blitzes reveal hazardous substance breaches, target tower cranes; and > Tools for electing safety reps and the liquor industry released in WA.
> Gig economy workers demand WHS work groups and HSRs; > Tough dangerous goods penalties and WHS changes pass in Vic and ACT; and > Work safety and RTW winners announced in NSW and Vic.
The wounds that can be seen on workers who have suffered electrical or chemical burns are just the "tip of the iceberg", according to a presentation at a major scientific meeting that should influence workplace first-aid procedures.
A major employer's duties as the occupier of a premises did not extend to ensuring a specialist contractor, engaged by another company, strictly complied with suitable safe work method statements, an appeals court has confirmed in an important damages case.
In a study of childhood cancer rates across five decades, researchers have found the children of women exposed to diesel engine exhaust at work are at a significantly increased risk of brain cancer.
A major employer in the health sector is implementing a "kiosk system" with status alerts to monitor contractors and safety performance, as part of a WHS undertaking relating to the death of a newborn baby and severe injuries sustained by another.
