Safe Work Australia has released a very important report called “Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Australia “. The report confirms many of the challenges faced by OHS professionals. There is, among others, An over-reliance on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Noise is not taken seriously Effective noise control is undervalued Small and medium-sized companies pay less … Continue reading “Australian Noise report. Is anyone listening?”
Now is the time for the OHS fraternity to lobby local politicians on the importance of workplace safety for the community and business. Australia is facing a hung Parliament following the 21 August 2010 federal election. OHS was mentioned early in the campaign but not since even though there were opportunities. Industrial relations was raised in the … Continue reading “Now is the time for all good OHS lobbyists to come to the aid of their country”
Rex Hoy of Safe Work Australia (SWA) spoke on 1 June 2010 at the Australian Senate Estimates hearing (around page 44) and confirmed progress on the draft OHS regulations and codes of practice. The draft Hansard reports Hoy saying: “Just to cover the areas we are working on: there will be model regulations covering administrative arrangements … Continue reading “Safe Work Australia at Senate Estimates – harmonisation latest”
Safe Work Australia has released two research papers concerning safety sisues raised by nanotechnology. An Evaluation of MSDS and Labels associated with the Use of Engineered Nanomaterials Safe Work Australia advises that “This report details findings from an evaluation of 50 Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) and 15 labels for products containing engineered nanomaterials. Key … Continue reading “New nanotechnology safety papers”
A 19 May 2010 SafetyAtWorkBlog article commented on a new eye safety campaign by the Optometrists Association Australia. The eye safety brochure included several statistical references upon which clarification was sought. Shirley Loh, OAA’s National Professional Services Manager has provided references, and we thank her for her efforts. A couple of quotes in question were: … Continue reading “Eye injury campaign evidence clarified”
In a couple of years all Australian States will probably have OHS laws which require active consultation on workplace safety matters. But how effective will the consultation be if a noticeable part of one’s workforce struggles with literacy? For many years OHS included a gentle and steady push for OHS information to be provided in Languages Other Than English (LOTE). … Continue reading “Is illiteracy a big safety risk?”
An earlier article today provided a reminder of a County Court judge’s criticism of OHS management-speak in a 2004 decision concerning the death of Robert Sergi on a rail bridge construction project near Geelong. In response to some of the safety initiatives outlined to the Court by the lawyer for Leighton Contractors Ross Ray SC, … Continue reading “OHS needs plain language, consultation and corporate engagement”