The AIHS will be publishing a series of news stories through October to support the four themes of National Safe Work Month. The first week focuses on WHS fundamentals, and gets back to basics by unpacking the fundamentals of WHS. There are a number of fundamentals of good WHS practice, according to Safe Work Australia and industry leaders, who said one of the most important is taking an evidence-based approach to proactively managing WHS risks.
Safe Work Australia recently issued a call for feedback on six proposals aimed at improving the high-risk work licensing framework for cranes. The proposals are based on a discussion paper which outlines potential changes
With the landmark ban on engineered stone coming into effect, Safe Work Australia has issued a warning about the harmful and significant costs of exposure to respirable crystalline silica generated when engineered stone is processed with power tools. Under the ban, which came into effect on 1 July 2024, the manufacture, supply, processing and installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs is prohibited in every state and territory in Australia.
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.
ACT: repeat offenders in residential construction on notice There has been little change in safety behaviours and recurrent non-compliance by a number of residential construction businesses in the ACT, despite repeated enforcement notices and engagement with WorkSafe ACT inspectors, according to the regulator.
Blanket ban of engineered stone recommended by Safe Work Australia The use of all engineered stone, irrespective of crystalline silica content, should be banned in order to protect the health and safety of workers, according to Safe Work Australia.
NSW: new strategy to prevent sexual harassment at work SafeWork NSW recently launched its first four-year strategy (2023-2027) to support NSW businesses in preventing workplace sexual harassment and other gender-based harmful workplace behaviours.
Safety alert issued after young worker injured by racking system Workplace Health and Safety Queensland recently issued a safety alert following an incident in which a young worker was seriously injured when welded mesh sheets fell onto him.
NSW government to introduce industrial manslaughter law The NSW Government recently announced that it will introduce industrial manslaughter laws across the state – making it the last mainland jurisdiction to bring an industrial manslaughter offence or legislation to parliament.
Andriy Kotykhov: championing WHS in process and practice Andriy Kotykhov recently won the Australian WHS Champion (CEO) of the Year (less than 1000 employees) for taking a strong and effective approach to leadership of WHS across the business
