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Public Comments vs Petition – modern lobbying required

Recently SafetyAtWorkBlog noted that almost one quarter of the submission to the government on its proposed national model OHS law were from individuals and confidential.  There was a suspicion of bulk proforma submissions. One example that is available through the publicly accessible submissions is a letter to the Minister, Julia Gillard, from the Dr Sharann Johnson, President of the Australian lnstitute … Continue reading “Public Comments vs Petition – modern lobbying required”

Flawed basis for OHS decision-making

Most strategic plans made by OHS regulators in Australia are based on workers’ compensation statistics.  Everyone agrees that this is a huge underestimation of the work-related injury and illness rates but no one yet has tackled this information deficiency. Australia’s OHS harmonisation might attempt this but it will not be until the government harmonises the States’ workers’ … Continue reading “Flawed basis for OHS decision-making”

Pure research and applied research on shiftwork

At secondary school there used to be a pure science and applied sciences.  Pure dealt with concepts and applied concerned the application of the concepts.  This dichotomy exists in most disciplines and occupational health and safety is no different. Both elements are equally important, research should be able to be applied for social benefit and applied sciences constantly needs new information to try. Some pure … Continue reading “Pure research and applied research on shiftwork”

The “suitably qualified” challenge on OHS

A quick survey of some of the public submissions on the development of Australia’s model OHS Act illustrates the challenges facing the government after it decided not to include a requirement for only people who are “suitably qualified” in OHS to provide advice to business on workplace safety. Organisations across the political spectrum have spoken … Continue reading “The “suitably qualified” challenge on OHS”

Where is the evidence of OHS misuse for IR purposes?

The mainstream press has dipped into some of the submissions to the Australian Government on its harmonisation of OHS laws.  Kirsty Needham reports on the submissions in the Sydney Morning Herald. Needham reports on basically the submissions of the Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Australian Council of Trade Unions – the ideological … Continue reading “Where is the evidence of OHS misuse for IR purposes?”

New coronial approach should lead to greater safety information

The Australian State of Victoria has been in a fortuitous position with a Coroner, Graeme Johnstone, who was a staunch advocate of safety in the public and workplace spheres.  Johnstone was a strong and physical presence at many conferences and in the media.  Indeed, it would be difficult to find a more obvious and influential … Continue reading “New coronial approach should lead to greater safety information”

EHS workshop report and Australian nanoparticles reports

In October 2009 a workshop was held on worker safety by the  Worker Education and Training Program (WETP), a part of the US National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.  Many of the topics raised in the workshop – REACH, Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, and nanotechnology would be issues or … Continue reading “EHS workshop report and Australian nanoparticles reports”