Browsing: Dangerous substances

A large new study of the link between job type and the fatal neurodegenerative disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), indicates that exposure to metals in occupations such as welding is a risk factor for developing the disease.

Companies and officers accused of WHS breaches could bear the onus of proving they took all reasonably practicable steps to prevent an incident occurring, while the offence of industrial manslaughter will be added to the national model WHS Act, with Labor taking power in the Federal election on the weekend.

A worker was advised by her doctor that it was potentially unsafe for her to receive an influenza vaccination, but her aged care employer acted fairly and reasonably in dismissing her for not getting the jab, the Fair Work Commission has ruled.

In a timely study on the insidious reach of silica, Swedish researchers have found a significantly high level of chronic lung disease in metal foundry workers exposed to silica dust, even at levels well below government exposure limits.

• Silica safety duties applied to multiple industries in Vic; and
  
• FWC full bench supports paid FDV leave.

A PCBU's $504,000 enforceable undertaking has provided valuable insight into the wide range of workplace issues that attract the attention of WHS inspectors, including where staff smoke their cigarettes.

A new New Zealand study of workers who load and unload containers has found an increase in a range of neuropsychological conditions among long-term personnel.

WorkSafe Victoria has won a preliminary legal skirmish in a case that will consider the powers of its inspectors to control sites and issue clean-up orders based on concerns over public or workplace health following dangerous chemical spillages.

Personal protective equipment poses "hidden" psychological risks for workers, and the COVID-19 pandemic has provided an invaluable opportunity to properly examine these hazards, Australian researchers say.

With hand washing still considered a key measure to stop the spread of COVID-19 in workplaces, a timely study has highlighted the importance of skin surveillance, using hand cream and having access to good quality hand care products at work.