While construction companies have traditionally focused on managing work-related physical safety risks, they have yet to pay close attention to managing work-related health and wellbeing risks, according to RMIT University. This is even though construction workers are exposed to a vast array of well-known occupational health risks, including hazardous chemicals, airborne dust and fibres, ultraviolet radiation, noise, vibration, and biological and zoonotic hazards, said Helen Lingard, Distinguished Professor in the School of Property, Construction and Project Management at RMIT University.
The number of sites that contain asbestos-contaminated mulch is rising across NSW and the ACT, with investigations underway to confirm their potential safety risks. Contaminated mulch was first discovered at Rozelle Parklands in Sydney, with the number of positive cases recently rising to more than 60 sites including Erskine Park Zone Substation, Robyn Kemmis Reserve, Campbelltown Hospital and a public school at Liverpool.
Mental health conditions accounted for 9 per cent of all serious workers’ compensation claims in 2021-2022, which is a 37 per cent increase since 2017-18, according to a Safe Work Australia report. It also found the median time lost was more than four times greater than that of all physical injuries and illnesses, while workers with claims for mental health conditions experienced poorer return-to-work outcomes and were more likely to experience stigma from colleagues and their employers.
WorkSafe Victoria recently issued a safety alert following two separate incidents that involved the decanting and blending of flammable liquids, resulting in two fatalities and other serious injuries. The incidents are believed to have occurred when static electricity discharged within a hazardous area resulted in an explosion and fire.
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland recently issued a safety alert highlighting the risks associated with delivering concrete to mobile and static concrete pumps in the construction industry. The alert was issued following several recent incidents involving concrete delivery to pumps, which have caused actual and the potential for serious injuries.
What are the WHS implications of the “right to disconnect” Workers will be able to refuse to monitor, read or respond to contact from their employer as part of a new law which grants them the “right to disconnect” from work outside of normal working hours, unless the refusal is unreasonable.
Five workplace fatalities and several workplace incidents which resulted in serious injuries over one week serve as a tragic but timely reminder to employers and businesses about safety, according to SafeWork NSW. In 2022, there was approximately one workplace fatality a week in NSW, but in a period of four days, five people died at workplaces across the state.
When it comes to psychosocial safety, many organisations are still looking at it primarily from a mental health/resilience perspective, but there are other elements they need to consider, according to an expert. “What we see when we’re talking to organisations is that they’ll have some form of strategy that targets physical safety, and then they’ll have some sort of wellbeing strategy or mental health framework,” said Ben Carnell, head of client solutions for Sentis.
Corporate boards must include at least one director with “some real health and safety knowledge” because they frequently make decisions with significant WHS implications, according to University of NSW Emeritus Professor of Management, Michael Quinlan.
Ensure your safety gear is ready for action with our spring cleaning tips. Inspect, clean, and maintain helmets, goggles, gloves, and more. Stay safe!
