European researchers have identified a way to detect whether workers could suffer harmful effects from exposure to hand-arm vibrations before it's too late to minimise their harm, and made a recommendation for an occupational exposure linked to deadly asthma attacks.
With many workers being forced to work from home due to the coronavirus pandemic, employers are being warned about Australia's complacency around fire safety and smoke alarm compliance.
Disposable and reusable respirators play a crucial role in protecting workers from hazardous substances, but the fit-testing process can actually expose them to viruses like COVID-19, meaning employers must implement special fit-testing measures for the pandemic, the UK Health and Safety Executive has warned.
A major review has highlighted the risks involved in performing lifting tasks at work while pregnant, and that such risks should be mitigated through pregnancy policies.
Coronavirus controls and restrictions have been stepped up across the country, with exemptions for certain workplaces and workers, while the ACTU's "name and fame" list of businesses providing special paid sick leave to staff is rapidly growing.
Keeping communications upbeat, holding virtual team meetings and reminding workers their EAPs are there if they need them, are key strategies for overcoming the harmful social isolation workers could experience working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, a safety and injury management expert says.
With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing social distancing measures and many workers to work from home, often at very short notice, employers must remember they have a duty to ensure working environments in homes and elsewhere are healthy and safe, a senior safety lawyer says in this Q&A with OHS Alert.
Employers have been urged to ensure workers diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19 don't have a financial incentive to avoid self-isolating and go to work, exposing their colleagues and community members to the risk of infection.
> COVID-19 triggers broad travel ban for education workers; > Eye rolling can constitute workplace violence; > New injury dispute system being made by upcoming NSW Bill; and > Workers' comp amendments commence in ACT.
