In 2018, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified welding fumes as “carcinogenic to humans”, an upgrade on its previous 1989 status as a “possible” cancer-causing agent. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from welding was also classified as carcinogenic, while molybdenum trioxide – a chemical sometimes used in welding – was classified as possibly carcinogenic […]
As the weather gets cooler, you might be starting to think about beanies and other cold weather gear to keep yourself warm. However, if you need to wear a hard hat for work, your accessories could be putting you at risk of an injury by reducing the effectiveness of your PPE. As well as their […]
While the Australian Standards do not indicate a set replacement schedule for protective eyewear, at some point, your safety glasses will need to be replaced. Whether it’s from normal wear and tear, or changes to your circumstances, here are five signs that it’s time to replace your safety specs. 1. You have recently changed jobs, […]
In March 2019, the World Health Organisation (WHO) launched a free mobile app to help people check their hearing and prompt early intervention in the case of hearing loss. Using a digits-in-noise test, the hearWHO app claims 85 per cent accuracy in identifying potential hearing damage in people aged 18 years and over. Available on […]
Workers must pass a “fit test” before being issued tight-fitting respirators, with two methods of testing available – quantitative and qualitative. Both types of tests are used to determine if the disposable or reusable respirator has an adequate seal, by detecting if any air is leaking into the facepiece. However, qualitative tests are pass/fail, based […]
Employers who provide personal protective equipment (PPE) for employees are also legally required to ensure the PPE is fit-for-purpose, well maintained and used by workers. In other words, it is not simply enough to provide workers with PPE or an allowance to buy the equipment themselves without ascertaining if it is appropriate for the task […]
High silica exposure rates among Australian workers came to light in 2018, prompting reviews of state workplace health and safety (WHS) laws and exposure limits. Workers compensation bodies have seen a number of claims for silicosis, an incurable and potentially fatal lung disease that can develop as a result of exposure to respirable crystalline silica […]
Personal protective equipment (PPE) vending machines can help large worksites save time and money, reduce waste, and improve OHS compliance and site safety. Demand for vend-ready products which can be stocked in the machines is increasing, according to ProChoice Safety Gear’s research and development manager, Brad Rodgers, leading the company to release their own vend-ready […]
