Vehicle accidents around roadworks increase by about 25 per cent during winter as a result of reduced visibility, stronger winds and wet, slippery conditions, according to the Operations Manager of Consec Traffic, Alison Leydon. These additional dangers require strict safety processes on-site and in some cases the decision to postpone the roadworks or traffic control, […]
Almost all construction industry workers are regularly exposed to potentially cancer-causing carcinogens, according to the Australian Work Exposures Study: Construction Industry Report published in May 2016. Using research based on a sample of 459 workers, the report estimated that 96% had a probable exposure to at least one carcinogen while 53% had a probable exposure to […]
A hard hat has saved the life of a Queensland worker who fell five metres from a ladder, fracturing three vertebrae but narrowly escaping spinal cord injury. Forty four year-old plant operator, Peter Haines was working on his own at a remote Queensland site, installing the last of 12 light poles when the ladder he […]
Managers have a significant influence over construction workers’ diets, however are hesitant to try and influence healthy eating despite it improving safety, according to a Griffith University research paper. The study, which looks to be published in the Journal of Construction, Management and Economics, surveyed 250 construction workers and interviewed 80 managers and workers. The […]
Workers in manufacturing and construction are more likely to suffer a hand injury than any other industry, according to a 2008 report from Safe Work Australia which analyses both hospitalisation rates and workers’ compensation claims. Retail workers also had a high rate of hand injury. Further analysis of workers’ compensation claims between 2012 and 2015 […]
One of the four priority industries in Safe Work Australia’s (SWA) 2002-2012 National OHS Strategy, safety in manufacturing significantly improved during those 10 years and continues to do so, despite still being one of the most dangerous industries. Key 2013 WHS Statistics from SWA show that in 2010-11 manufacturing was the third most dangerous industry […]
The theme of World Safety Day April 28 2016 is “Workplace Stress: a collective challenge”, drawing attention to stress causes and prevention in the workplace. The global event, which is spearheaded by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), is held in conjunction with Worker’s Memorial Day (see below) and this year looks to highlight how technology […]
Wet weather poses numerous risks for construction workers, so it is critical these are recognised and managed by both workers and employees on site. Senior Safety Advisor at HIA Safety Services, Rick Little identifies the most common wet weather dangers as “slips, trips and falls” and says these dangers are particularly prevalent when working in […]
