A $5000 reward for a workplace safety initiative is on offer as part of October’s National Safe Work Month, along with safety resources, education and communication materials. The $5k reward is open to any individual (sole trader), business or other organisation who is operating in Australia. Entrants will be judged on the spirit and enthusiasm […]
Workplace bullying costs the Australian economy up to $36 billion each year with cyber bullying the most common or second most common type of bullying, having potentially deadly consequences. In a digital and social media age, cyber bullies are often targeting victims anonymously, at anytime and anywhere, while legislation and employers have struggled to keep […]
If you are managing a business, you are legally required to identify any hazards and manage any risks associated with those hazards that workers may encounter. A hazard is as a task, application, tool, environmental condition or otherwise that has the potential to cause harm – such as an angle grinder, working at heights, loud […]
Mental health conditions and drug and alcohol problems are the leading causes of productivity loss and time off work according to an analysis of data published in the Journal of Occupation and Environmental Medicine. The study which assessed data from a survey of 78,000 Australian workers found that ‘psychological distress’ including depression, as well as […]
Workplace functions, events or parties are generally considered a work activity under OHS legislation and employers are responsible for the health and safety of employees, who must also take some responsibility. This applies no matter where or when the function, event or party is held and it may also include the trip home. As with […]
There are huge financial and cultural benefits of having a safe and healthy workplace. Indirect cost benefits include improved productivity, morale and business reputation while absenteeism and insurance premiums are reduced. Preventing injuries or incidents will also avoid significant associated business operations costs, including sick leave, overtime and excess payments, medical and legal costs, which […]
Flu vaccines and hand hygiene programs have been consistently shown to save businesses money by reducing absenteeism and presenteeism (people attending work while sick), according to a research paper published in March 2017. Titled Assessing workplace infectious illness management in Australian workplaces, the researchers interviewed management or safety officers from 14 Australian organisations and analysed […]
The processes for adequately preparing a construction site for a storm are similar to securing your site for a shutdown period, only even more important. It is also a requirement under the Construction Code of Practice and Safety laws, according to Executive Officer, Safety and Risk for Master Builders NSW, David Solomon. Taking the […]
