Serious injuries to do-it-yourself (DIY) home handymen are commonplace and rising due to a lack of experience, knowledge and failure to use the appropriate PPE. Power saws, grinders, welder, lawn mowers and ladders are the most common causes of injury, with males five times more likely to be injured than females, according to the Injury […]
The Australian construction industry is the third most deadly with around twice the average fatality rate and is ranked fifth for causing serious injury, according to Safe Work Australia (SWA). Despite improvements in recent years, 2012/13 financial year data shows labourers in Australia suffer the highest incidence of serious injury of any profession, followed closely […]
A digital WHS management system co-developed by Tasmanian-based civil engineering firm, VEC Civil Engineering (VEC), has won multiple SafeWork Australia Awards and reduced on site incidents and insurance premiums, streamlined work processes and improved WHS compliance. The highly accoladed safety system known as ‘VECSafe’ was recognised with multiple WorkSafe Tasmania awards in 2013, including Overall […]
The use of PPE and specific safety equipment for landscapers and horticulturists is essential, while sun exposure is a serious OHS issue that workers do not take seriously, according to landscaping teacher at Sydney’s Richmond TAFE, Allen Tuck. He said OHS is taught at every level and integrated into every subject, with students and the […]
Vibration from using power tools and other vibrating machinery can lead to the dangerous condition of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) which, if left untreated, can potentially require the amputation of the fingers or hand. A Safe Work Australia fact sheet on HAVS states that the condition is “commonly experienced by workers who regularly use tools […]
Exposure to even moderate levels of noise at work is causing gradual but irreversible damage to the hearing of thousands of Australians and they may not even realise it is occurring. An Australian Government report states that manufacturing, construction and transport are the industries facing the highest risk of Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) and […]
Almost one quarter of apprentices suffer bullying in the workplace, more than three times the national average, according to a survey of 797 apprentices cited in a 2012 parliamentary inquiry into workplace bullying. Furthermore, the Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention (AISRP) found that there is a “bullying culture particularly directed towards apprentices and […]
Significant investment into improved WHS systems and culture has lead to increased productivity, staff retention and morale for Sydney-based business, Zetco Valves. General Manager of Zetco, Scott Michaels told ProChoice Safety Gear that more than $100,000 has been spent on implementing the systems which resulted in both a NSW Workcover and WorkSafe Australia award for […]
