The Australian Workers Union (AWU) has called on politicians and industry to take action on occupational violence against healthcare workers after a survey revealed 69 per cent of staff have either been assaulted or witnessed an assault in the workplace.
It is important not to pretend that there is zero risk of an adverse outcome when it comes to managing and minimising risk, unless there is actually no exposure to the hazard that creates a risk, according to an academic expert in OHS risk management.
WorkSafe Victoria recently issued a safety alert about the risks of using hardened steel tools on hardened steel following an incident in which a worker was injured when a hardened steel hammer shattered. The employee was working as an underground drill operator and was trying to separate jammed drill consumables by striking the shank.
SafeWork SA recently issued a safety alert following a recent near miss that highlighted the dangers of using unsecured lifting jibs on forklifts. A worker narrowly escaped being hit by a load of steel when the lifting jib, which was incorrectly attached to the tynes of a forklift, slipped off and landed on adjacent machinery causing damage.
Engagement is one of the key challenges that safety teams experience, with recent research finding that it is one of the weakest pillars of the safety experience for workers. The engagement challenge is twofold when it comes to safety – particularly in high-risk industries like mining, manufacturing, construction, utilities and logistics, said Jess Daly, chief strategy officer for professional services firm Everyday Massive.
Many university staff are experiencing conditions that are harmful to their wellbeing, with increases in psychosocial safety risks, psychological distress, levels of exhaustion and work pressure, according to a research report. It found that 67 per cent of university staff are at high to very high risk on the psychosocial safety climate scale, which indicates that these employees are at high risk of mental injury stemming from work conditions.
A five-day workweek for construction workers can reduce stress and improve worker wellbeing, with minimal perceived impact on productivity, according to a new report. Construction workers typically work six days a week, but research tracking a five-day workweek in the industry has demonstrated a number of significant benefits while reducing risks commonly associated with the industry.
There are a number of early intervention strategies that are likely to improve return to work outcomes for workers, employers and insurers, according to a new report. While there is a high level of understanding and belief in the importance of early intervention to improve work outcomes for injured and ill workers, the report found more can be done to improve the effectiveness of early intervention in return to work programs.
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Emergency service workers are twice as likely to experience mental health problems than the general population, in large part due to the high risk of trauma exposure at work, according to the Black Dog Institute.
