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 […]
Three quarters of common construction tradespeople have never received any training on working with, handling or disposing of asbestos, while 45 per cent have trouble identifying asbestos. The results come from a survey of 240 West Australian carpenters, painters, plumbers and electricians led by a Curtin University’s Behavioural Research Group director, Geoffrey Jalleh. The results […]
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 […]
There are numerous short and long term health and safety hazards when working with chemicals including organ damage and cancer, respiratory, skin and eye irritation and potential explosion, fire and smoke related injuries. Most people are exposed to chemicals when they inhale vapours, dusts, fumes or gases, while absorption through the skin may also be […]
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 […]
One in five Australians are affected by mental illness, with that number far higher in blue collar industries which often have a “suck it up tough guy” culture. Evidence of that is a recent survey of blue collar workers by Beyond Blue that found 20 per cent of respondees thought those who seek help for […]
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 […]
