Australia often positions itself as a leader on psychosocial hazards and occupational health and safety (OHS). A new proposal from the European Parliament (EP) provides a contrast.
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Category: Europe
Maximum Workplace Temperatures: A Political Fix Searching for an OHS Problem
The United Kingdom and Europe are again struggling through dangerous summer heat. In Australia, it’s tempting to feel a little smug. We’ve spent decades adapting our houses, cities and work practices to heat: wide‑brimmed hats in schools, backyard pools, ventilation, shade, job rotation, and a long list of practical controls that employers and regulators understand well. None of this makes heat safe, but it does make working in excessive heat manageable.
Into this UK heatwave steps Greens MP Hannah Spencer, proposing a Private Member’s Bill to establish a maximum workplace temperature.
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Solving Psychosocial Harm at Work: The Upcoming Global IAWBH Conference in Canberra
Workplace bullying, harassment and other psychosocial risks are no longer fringe issues – they are central to how we think about safety, fairness and dignity at work. One forum that has been shaping this conversation for more than two decades is the International Association on Workplace Bullying and Harassment (IAWBH) and its much‑anticipated biannual conference. This year’s event brings researchers, regulators and practitioners together in Canberra to tackle some of the most difficult problems in working life, with a strong emphasis on practical solutions, especially pertaining to sexual harassment and gender-based violence.
Professor Carlo Caponecchia, who is presenting at the conference, made some time for a couple of questions.
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Trade Unions, Culture, OHS and Fishing
One of the most important resources for occupational health and safety (OHS) advocates worldwide is the HESAMag, produced by the European Trade Union Institute (ETUI). There are several important articles in the current issue, including an interview with Giulio Romani, the Confederal Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation.
One of his areas of concern is the challenges faced in OHS advocacy, an issue that may be better resolved with some out-of-the-box creative thinking. He said:
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Suicide prevention lessons from Finland
Over twenty years, Finland decreased the male suicide rate by 61%. What can the rest of us learn from that country’s achievement?
[The following article discusses the management of suicide and suicide prevention.]
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Why AI Still Can’t Tell What SafetyAtWorkBlog Really Thinks
Many internet search engines and browsers offer an Artificial Intelligence (AI) search function. The answers seem palatable, convenient and accurate, but are they? I tested the AI search function to see for myself.
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Who is responsible?
Another nightclub fire due to pyrotechnics resulted in many deaths and injuries. Investigations have started, and there is a scramble about who was responsible for not reducing the risks of this type of incident.
The Australian Financial Review reported (via the New York Times and paywalled) on the lack of regulatory enforcement by local authorities.
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