Contractor management plays a critical role in ensuring businesses meet their work health and safety (WHS) obligations in Australia. As workplaces evolve and contractual relationships become more complex, managing health and safety responsibilities in these arrangements can be challenging. Wil Haviland, Associate Consultant, offers a straightforward guide to understanding Contractor WHS responsibilities within contractor [...]
Effective signage is critical for ensuring safety in and around confined spaces. This article outlines the general requirements and considerations for signposting confined spaces in Australia, referencing relevant standards and guidelines from Safe Work Australia and other technical sources. We note the information supplied in this article is general in nature and specific considerations [...]
Silicosis, a progressive fibrotic lung disease, is caused by the inhalation of respirable crystalline silica particles (RCS) (Deslauriers & Redlich, 2018). Silica (SiO2) is a naturally occurring mineral found in rocks, sand, and soil in the forms of Quartz, Tridymite, and Cristobal (Baron et al., 2002; Deslauriers & Redlich, 2018). Silicosis primarily affects workers [...]
Noise exposure in the workplace can lead to a range of health issues, both physical and psychological. Prolonged exposure to high levels of noise can cause: Hearing Loss - Continuous exposure to loud noise can lead to permanent hearing damage or loss. Tinnitus - A ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears, which [...]
Staying informed about legislative changes is crucial for businesses to ensure compliance and protect their employees. The recent Queensland Work Health and Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 (WHSOLA Act) brings significant updates aimed at worker protection, enhancing consultation processes, and revising insurance policies related to work health and safety penalties. This article [...]
Shared workspaces like WeWork, Workspace365, Regus and others have become increasingly popular due to their flexibility, cost-efficiency, and collaborative environment. However, selecting the right office space within the buildings (or parts of buildings) where shared office spaces are provided requires careful consideration of several work health and safety factors to ensure the well-being and [...]
The recent award of a $545,000 fine against a plastics manufacturer for serious safety failing highlights the importance of acting on legal work safety notices issued by work safety regulators and ensuring systems are in place for managing work place risks. In this article we examine issues of workplace safety compliance that led to [...]
As the festive season approaches, it's important for employers across Australia to remember that workplace celebrations and work related events, while festive, come with their own set of risks and responsibilities. Workplace injuries during office parties are not uncommon, and it’s crucial for employers to understand when they might be liable for workers' compensation and [...]
A horrific traffic management accident at a warehouse leased from South Port in Bluff New Zealand, involving McLellan Freight Limited, Transport Services Southland Limited, and Herberts Transport Limited, serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of effective traffic management planning and safe processes. In February 2017, a tragic accident resulted in the [...]
The critical role of specialist asbestos consultants in advancing asbestos education has been underscored by the launch of an important asbestos resource. This initiative, part of the 10th annual National Asbestos Awareness Month campaign by the Asbestos Education Committee and Advocacy Australia, focuses on providing crucial knowledge to those frequently encountering asbestos in residential [...]
