Search Results for: impairment

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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”

Uncovered holes

Recently SafetyAtWorkBlog reported on a new WorkSafe Victoria guidance on guarding cellar doors.  Comcare has started legal action against a company a similar hazard but one located in public. Comcare has instigated proceedings against Australia’s leading telecommunications company, Telstra, for an unguarded pit in a public area.  According to the media release dated 19 August … Continue reading “Uncovered holes”

Driving and talking

The issue of driving while using a mobile is a perennial issue for the media but nothing much changes.  The New York Times on 20 July 2009 carried an article on the latest research which confirms  many previous studies that using a mobile phone while driving increases the risk of an accident. No US State … Continue reading “Driving and talking”

An OHS look at the Fair Work book

On 9 July 2009 I wrote in SafetyAtWorkBlog “The  Fair Work Act has no relevance to occupational health and safety, so why mention this on SafetyAtWorkBlog?” The Fair Work Act changes the negotiating and consultative structure of Australian workplaces stemming from changes in industrial relations law. A book that came across my desk this morning … Continue reading “An OHS look at the Fair Work book”

Decency at work

In 2001 the House of Lords was presented with a Dignity At Work Bill.  This seemed a great idea for unifying different elements of the workplace that can contribute to psychosocial hazards.  This would be a similar approach to using “impairment” to cover drugs, alcohol, fatigue and distraction.  However, it never progressed. Regular readers of … Continue reading “Decency at work”

Fatigue is the biggest threat to a person’s safety

Not so long ago, it was considered a legitimate criticism to blame the individual for “doing the wrong thing” at work.  Depending on the type of worksite, this was considered “human error” or “bloody stupid”. Fatigue is an interesting illustration of how occupational health and safety must cope with new perspectives on established hazards.  Australian … Continue reading “Fatigue is the biggest threat to a person’s safety”