Vital aspects of crane safety include effective communication and emergency planning while cranes should be used only on stable ground and in safe weather conditions. Crane safety is as much about preparation as execution. Preparing for crane operation includes understanding the undertaking, choosing the appropriate vehicle, and hiring an experienced operator. What constitutes a crane? […]
It is the responsibility of the user to always inspect PPE before use to ensure it is in good working condition. Some critical PPE has an expiry or “best before” date, after which its ability to deliver the protection it was designed for is compromised. Safety harnesses, hard hats, disposable respirators and sunscreen are four […]
Wherever chemicals or liquids other than water are being stored and handled in the workplace, appropriate spill containment systems must be used to protect the environment. A common spill control used is bunding which is “an embankment or wall of brick, stone, concrete or other impervious material, which forms the perimeter and floor of a […]
It is well known that maintaining healthy gut bacteria improves your physical wellbeing but there is increasing evidence linking poor gut health to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The Black Dog Institute reports that one in six Australian workers suffers from mental illness, costing employers an estimated $8,025 annually per person. Mental […]
Do-it-yourself (DIY) renovations are thought to be causing an increasing proportion of asbestos-related cancer deaths according to a 2013 survey and report in the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA). Each year, around eight million Australians carry out renovations or extensions to their home worth $5,000 or more, according to Roy Morgan research. While most asbestos […]
Winter and the cold, wet and windy weather it brings presents numerous hazards and can increase workplace risks. It’s important for businesses to have a proactive approach to managing winter-related risks, implementing controls and strategies for keeping workers safe. We outline some key hazards below along with possible control measures. Cold Hands: Working in cold […]
Women make up only 3 per cent of Australia’s construction workforce, with the misogynistic culture driving people away from the industry, according to a March 2018 report by Construction Skills Queensland. And most women who are in the industry are working outside of the core construction trades of electrical, carpentry and plumbing where they comprise […]
The first International Standard for occupational health and safety (OHS) was published 12 March 2018 and sets the minimum standard of practice to protect employees worldwide. Five years in the making, ISO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use was published with an approval rating of 93 per cent. It […]
