Hazards

The Hazards section has been divided into 'groups' of hazards - for example: 'Chemicals' , 'Infectious Diseases' and so on. Each of these groups has been further divided - for example, you will find information on Heat under 'Workplace Conditions'.

Air Quality

Air Quality and the VTHC Air Quality Standard On January 30, 2020, as a result of severe bushfires in the state in the summer of...

Asbestos

Banned but not gone: The import and new use of asbestos and asbestos containing materials is now banned in Australia. Unfortunately, many of our homes,...

Asthma

Asthma is a growing problem in Australia and is an occupational health issue in many workplaces, yet not enough is being done about it. As...

Biological Hazards

Biological agents are found in many sectors of employment. They are rarely visible and so workers are not always able to appreciate the risks they...

Bullying and Violence

'Bullying and occupational violence are issues that must be seriously addressed by businesses, the workforce and the community. Employers need to assess the risk, ensure control...

Climate Change

- a workplace hazard Introduction It is no secret that climate change is a real threat to not just our work, but our lives and...

Electrical Safety

Apart from being covered under the general duties of the OHS Act, there are laws and standards which apply specifically to electrical equipment.

Fatigue, Impairment & Shift-work

If workers are fatigued their work performance is impaired - and there are many factors that contribute to fatigue - such as hours of work, including extended...

Gendered Violence and Sexual Harassment

Some types of behaviour are considered especially inappropriate not only because of the effect on the victim, but the underlying attitudes of the perpetrators which...

Important Workplace Conditions Information

Here is more information on conditions at the workplace, such as Heat, Cold, Confined Spaces, and more. The information includes how the hazard is covered...

Infectious Diseases

Many workers are at risk of contracting an infectious disease through their work. Health and safety reps have the right to be involved in the...

More Information on Chemicals

Workplaces are full of chemicals and chemical substances. Some chemicals are 'hazardous' others are 'dangerous'. There is specific legislation covering both 'hazardous substances' and 'dangerous...

Nanotechnology

What is nanotechnology? What are the hazards associated with it? Nanotechnology is the generic name given to the production or use of very small, or...

Noise

Noise is of the most widespread and underestimated of workplace hazards. Workers exposed to high noise levels are at risk of suffering permanent noise induced...

Plant

'Plant' is a general term that refers to machinery, equipment and appliances. Plant is present in most workplaces and includes items such as forklifts, bulldozers,...

Psychosocial Hazards

Many modern workplaces have a number of hazards that put at risk the psychological health of workers. We refer to these as psychosocial hazards. As...

Radiation

Air Quality Standard On the 30th of January 2020, VTHC launched a new standard, highlighting the link between workers health and air quality, as well...

Slips, Trips and Falls

Slips, trips and falls result in thousands of injuries every year. Most common are musculoskeletal injuries, as well as cuts, bruises, fractures and dislocations. According...

Sprains and Strains - Manual Handling

Manual handling means the use of force by a person to lift, push, pull, carry, or otherwise restrain any object. It is more than just...

Stress

Stress is the second most common cause of workplace compensation claims in Australia, after manual handling. Taking into account that many workers do not make...

Vibration

Many types of machinery, equipment and power-driven tools generate intense vibration. This vibration can then be transmitted to the workers who operate them. There are...

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