On 16 February 2010, I was interviewed by Channel 7 television in Melbourne over 20 minutes of footage they had received that showed unacceptable work practices at a domestic site in Cranbourne. Emails from friends told me that my words and face were used in promotional ads by the TV program. At the time of writing this, … Continue reading “Television exposé of children at risk on roof insulation worksite”
Chris Lehmann of Tradesmen on Time submitted a letter to the editor of the Australian online newsletter Crikey. In the letter he wrote of how impractical the Federal Government’s audit of houses with foil insulation will. Lehmann explained to SafetyAtWorkBlog that the insulation properties of foil insulation comes from being installed across the ceiling joists and establishing … Continue reading “A sparky’s take on roofing insulation risks”
On an Australian current affairs program on 11 February 2010, the Environment Minister was asked questions over the deaths of insulation installers. Watching the interview was both fascinating and uncomfortable. (Video and transcript is available) The interviewer, Kerry O’Brien, kept the focus on the deaths of the installers, a position that humanises the insulation installation debate and move the … Continue reading “Insulation debate shows flaws in OHS harmonisation plans”
The future of Australia’s Environment Minister, Peter Garrett, is uncertain as he struggles for credibility in the wake of furious political attacks. In the various media discussions there are hints of other issues, some related to OHS in Australia, that demand attention. Australian Standards and safety planning Chris Bowen, Minister for Financial Services defended Garrett’s handling of the … Continue reading “Missed OHS issues in insulation debate”
Recently SafetyAtWorkBlog reported of the death of a worker installing insulation in a domestic home. A staple for the foil insulation apparently pierced an electrical cable and electrocuted the worker. The Queensland Government has introduced mandatory provisions to avoid the hazard in the future. In a media release on 1 November 2009, the Industrial Relation … Continue reading “Gov’t responds to insulation installer’s death”
The Australian Government is committed to increasing the manufacturing sector through its Future Made in Australia strategy and legislation. To participate in the program and receive funds or tax incentives, companies must meet the Community Benefit Principles, including providing safe and healthy workplaces....
Improvements in safety and health at work are almost always begun after fatalities, catastrophes and scandals. This says much about the prominence of occupational health and safety (OHS) in Australian society. The latest industrial scandal is in the childcare industry. Non-compliance with safety requirements was exposed in March 2025, but now allegations of sexual abuse …
