Eighty one per cent of small businesses are struggling to understand their workplace health and safety (WHS) obligations, according to research released in November 2017. The Employsure Workplace Safety Index – conducted by Galaxy Research in August 2017 – found that the greatest challenges for small businesses are the complex and constantly changing rules and […]
Dogging, rigging and lifting are dangerous tasks that require high-risk work (HRW) licences and must be managed using the Heirarchy of Control and risk assessments. Dogging: Doggers select and apply slinging gear such as chains, slings, ropes, cables and hooks to attach loads to cranes or hoists so as to move the load, according to […]
The Safety Institute of Australia (SIA) has announced a new framework and capability agenda in their December 2017 edition of OHS Professional. Speaking to Safety Bytes, the SIA’s CEO, David Clarke said the program, which will be rolled out in 2018 includes five key components: the Australian OHS Body of Knowledge, the work of the […]
A comprehensive list of Australian workplace health and safety (WHS) events, awards and related campaigns in 2018. If there is an event or campaign not covered below that is relevant to OHS in Australia, please comment with the details at the end of this article and we’ll take a look. Safetyscape Convention 2018 | […]
Safety Bytes looks at the role, education requirements and career path of the safety professional along with impending changes coming to the industry in 2018. Workplace safety is big business and the demand for safety professionals is on the rise as legislative pressures combine with a commercial drive for strong cultural values and a competitive […]
If you or your employees work with hazardous chemicals then a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) must be easily accessible and outline the chemical’s hazards and how to store, work with and dispose of the chemical safely. Safe Work Australia states that the SDS must also outline any potential health, first aid and emergency response and […]
Heroic, ‘tough-guy’ cultures found in high-risk, male-dominated industries significantly increase safety dangers according to a comprehensive 2016 review of 96 research papers. The review identifies highly valued traits of masculinity as typically consisting of aggression, courage, strength, self-reliance, emotionless and sexual potency, affecting how risks are perceived, accepted and normalised. In Australia, 96 per cent […]
Second hand tobacco smoke is a serious OHS hazard that around 59 per cent of construction workers and 17 per cent of manufacturing workers are being exposed to, according to 2016 research papers. These workers and others like them are facing an increased risk from one of the leading causes of illness and premature death […]
