Browsing: Injury prevention

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.

An inquest into a man's death from a seizure has provided a stark reminder of the potentially devastating long-term consequences of poor workplace processes, including one practice that "should never occur in a controlled work environment".

A company has been fined $375,000 and ordered to publish full-page ads detailing its offence in consecutive editions of key building industry magazines, after one of its contract truck drivers died after falling from his truck bed during unloading.

• Manager with bullying "injury" ordered to repay $100k;
  
• WHS regulator lays fatality charge and issues blade alert; and
  
• NT amends WHS clause on "white cards", reports powerline incidents.

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.

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

• WHS changes to follow Qld inquest into nine quad deaths; and
  
• Business charged with breaching safety duties to killed camper.

Surprisingly high percentages of workers are exposed to aggression from colleagues, managers and customers, while workplace racism also remains common, creating significant WHS risks and highlighting the need for targeted training, according to safety, wellbeing and human resources specialists.

Employers have been reminded of the stringent safety laws that apply to electrical equipment, after a company was fined for allowing such equipment to be tested by unlicensed staff.