Focus on Risks - Creating Healthy Workplaces

Recent Norwegian research into Shift-work has shown a link between insomnia and in particular how rotating schedules and night shifts are very disruptive. Read more here: http://www.workplaceohs.com.au/risk-management/risk-assessment/shift-work-research-insomnia-and-ovarian-cancer

Shift-work research: insomnia and ovarian cancer Irregular work shifts are associated with sleep insomnia and a possible risk of ovarian cancer for women over 50, researchers have found.

Following the suspected heat related death of a Queensland worker near Roma last weekend, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has urged employers to ensure their workers are not exposed to deadly heat stress.
For more information go to:http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/resources/pdfs/work-environment-facilities-cop-2011.pdf

Origin Alliance Redbank was the Category 1 winner, for having the best workplace health and safety management system. Other category winners can be found here: http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/events/safeworkawards/2012-winner/index.htm

Queensland Safe Work Awards winners 2012 - Workplace Health and Safety Queensland Queensland’s Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Jarrod Bleijie, and Safety Ambassador, Mal Meninga announced the winners of the Queensland Safe Work Awards 2012 at a ceremony on Tuesday 23 October 2012.

Focus On Risks Newsletter- Working at Heights

Working at Heights

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Due Diligence - Are you managing Manual Tasks Hazards

WorkSafe QLD Safety Alert!

WorkSafe QLD has released a safety alert to highlight risks associated with a failed cast steel linkage on an elevating work platform (EWP). The alert comes after an incident where a worker received severe injuries when he was ejected from an EWP on a construction site.

WorkSafe QLD advise that all Haulotte boom type EWPs with a linkage similar to that shown on their website are to be inspected by a competent person as a matter of urgency. The details of the Haulotte boom type EWP, including photographs can be seen on the WorkSafe QLD website.

WorkSafe QLD advises that if cracks, excessive wear or other damage are found, then the EWP is to be removed from service. The WorkSafe QLD website also contains contact details for any members who wish to discuss the safety alert and its implications for their plant.

Unions have welcomed the Federal Government’s commitment to establish The Office of Asbestos Safety - an agency whose responsibility will be to co-ordinate efforts across Australia in eradicating the threat of asbestos. AND the first order of business will be community awareness and education.

Fly-in fly-out workers depressed
A national depression organisation is attempting to set up mental health support for fly in, fly out workers in the mining industry.
Only last week I was talking to someone whose husband does the fly in, fly out gig in the mines and although having only done it for a short time they are finding it difficult as a couple, as he feels isolated and alone when at the mine and then when he returns home to family feels unsettled, and finds it difficult to adjust.
Do you know anyone working in the mining industry with a similar story?

Quad Bike Safety - Did you know there are 220,000 quad bikes in Australia with 80% being used in rural industries. They are the leading cause of death in Australian agriculture and a significant contributor to injuries. Farm health and safety experts from Australia, New Zealand and United States of America gathered in Mount Isa these past few days to attend the ‘Are you remotely interested?...’ and ‘Farmsafe’ Conference where this one was one of the topics discussed. Read their media release here:http://www.aghealth.org.au/tinymce_fm/uploaded/Quad%20Bike/mtisa_statement.pdf

Curtin Monash Accident Research Centre is about to release it's findings that 24 per cent of truck drivers had reported having trouble staying awake while driving within the past month. The findings reflect that truckles work lots of unpaid hours & are poorly paid.. all on tight deadlines imposed by the companies they work for. These same companies surely have a duty of care when it comes to balancing the management of driver fatigue and tight timelines for delivery. Read more http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/14466780/tough-deadlines-take-toll-on-tired-truckies/

Tough deadlines take toll on tired truckies WA truck drivers who crash are often driving tired because of pressure from tight deadlines and almost half of them had serious sleep problems, research has found.

WorkCover Frausters and Fines.
A 55-year-old woman from Sydney has been fined $6000 and ordered to repay almost $14,000, after pleading guilty to claiming workers compensation payments while holding down two other jobs.

A 48-year-old man from Green Point has been ordered to serve 200 hours of community service and must repay just over $19,000, after pleading guilty to claiming compensation payments while employed in other positions.

Surely this should serve as a strong message to those considering cheating the system....it's not worth it..

Is it Time to Sue for Workplace Safety Breaches in New Zealand?

New Zealand companies found guilty of corporate manslaughter of employees should face heavier fines and the potential to be sued as an incentive to “grow a conscience” and take responsibility for workplace safety, a corporate governance expert says. http://www.healthcanal.com/public-health-safety/31360-Time-Sue-for-Workplace-Safety-Breaches-New-Zealand.html

Health News - Is it Time to Sue for Workplace Safety Breaches in New Zealand? Is it Time to Sue for Workplace Safety Breaches in New Zealand?