SafetyNet Journal

FILTER BY:
WEEKLY COVID NUMBERS

Posted on 29 March 2023

From 17 March – 23 March, Victoria recorded:   4,467 (+13%) total cases for the past week 4 COVID deaths on average each day over the...
Read more

ASK RENATA

Posted on 29 March 2023

ASK RENATA What are the psychological risks associated with understaffing? Early signs of negative psychological impacts include difficulty making decisions, forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, emotionality,...
Read more

SafetyNet 663

Posted on 28 March 2023

Does your boss struggle with hazardous manual handling? Help may be at hand. PLUS: European research on the mounting crisis of psychological workplace harm, ASU members trial a 30...
Read more

WEEKLY COVID NUMBERS

Posted on 22 March 2023

From 10 March - 16 March, Victoria recorded  3,960 (+20%) total cases for the past week4 COVID deaths on average each day over the past...
Read more

ASK RENATA

Posted on 22 March 2023

Since the pandemic we have a leave crisis at work. Management say they're unable to approve any before February next year, and if more than...
Read more

SafetyNet 662

Posted on 21 March 2023

Want to stamp out bullying at work? Learn how. PLUS: Asbestos awareness in the lead up to Easter, employer duties when the road is your workplace...
Read more

SafetyNet 661

Posted on 15 March 2023

On International Women's Day there's good news on sexual harassment laws but much to be done on pay equity and workforce participation. This edition also...
Read more

Weekly COVID numbers

Posted on 8 March 2023

From 24 February - 2 March, Victoria recorded  3,016 total cases for the past week (-0.9%) 3 COVID deaths on average each day over the past...
Read more

Ask Renata

Posted on 8 March 2023

I have a question about appropriate PPE when cleaning dried pigeon poo. What is the appropriate MASK or particulate respirator for such a task?
Read more

SafetyNet 660

Posted on 7 March 2023

Australia moved one step closer to a world-first ban on engineered stone with planning brought forward after strong Union campaigning. This week’s SafetyNet sees global tugboat...
Read more

SafetyNet 659

Posted on 7 March 2023

PHEW! With Victorian temperatures reaching the high 30s, remember to check out our working in heat guidance, or play our extreme heat survival game. It’s a fun way to...
Read more

SafetyNet 658

Posted on 22 February 2023

Welcome to the 15 February edition of SafetyNet. Sadly, a 68-year-old truck driver died last Wednesday when his prime mover and trailer rolled over, near Taggerty....
Read more

WEEKLY COVID NUMBERS

Posted on 15 February 2023

From 20 January - 26 January, Victoria recorded:   3,446 total cases for the past week (-29.4%)21 COVID deaths on average each day over the past...
Read more

ASK RENATA

Posted on 15 February 2023

I drive buses, several of which have inadequate air con systems. My bus got to 40c in the driver’s seat, and 35c in the saloon....
Read more

SafetyNet 657

Posted on 9 February 2023

Welcome to the 9 February edition of SafetyNet. We hope you find this week's journal useful and interesting. Feel free to share it, and please,...
Read more

DOCTORS SHOULD ASK ‘WHAT WORK DO YOU DO?’

Posted on 9 February 2023

Asking what job a person does is ‘critical’ to addressing social inequalities in health, a new academic paper has concluded. ‘With work now being a...
Read more

UK: WORKERS’ HEALTH INFORMATION MUST BE PROTECTED

Posted on 9 February 2023

Workers’ health information must be protected, medical confidentiality rules respected and workplace practices agreed between employers and unions, the TUC has said. Responding to an...
Read more

ASSISTING HSRs REMAINS BURDENSOME IN SA

Posted on 9 February 2023

A range of amendments are likely to follow a recent review of SafeWork SA but will not include allowing union officers to bypass the right-of-entry...
Read more

ASK RENATA

Posted on 9 February 2023

Is it allowable to use a ladder within a meter of a live-edge with a harness and a rope and no other edge protection?
Read more

Weekly COVID Numbers

Posted on 9 February 2023

From 27 January - 2 February, Victoria recorded:   3,056 total cases for the past week (-11.2%)10 COVID deaths on average each day over the past week 144 (-36.3%) cases...
Read more

SafetyNet 656

Posted on 2 February 2023

Welcome to the 2 February edition of SafetyNet. We hope you find this week's journal useful and interesting. Feel free to share it, and please,...
Read more

POSITIVE RESULTS OF SUICIDE PREVENTION

Posted on 2 February 2023

Research examining suicide trends among Australian construction workers between 2001 to 2019 suggest population-wide, male-specific, and sector-specific suicide prevention efforts are having an effect.
Read more

UK: AMAZON TREATS ROBOTS BETTER THAN WORKERS

Posted on 2 February 2023

Amazon workers have accused the firm of imposing ‘severe’ conditions and low pay. Staging their the first-ever strike against the online giant on 25 January,...
Read more

ASK RENATA: As a courier franchisee, am I protected from heavy lifts?

Posted on 2 February 2023

'As a courier contractor am I required to lift over 20kg (or items that are marked ‘team lift’)? We’re not employees, and we are paid...
Read more

NEW OHS BODY FOR THE ARTS SECTOR

Posted on 2 February 2023

On Monday the Albanese Labour Government announced its intention to establish a new federal body - the Centre for Arts Workplaces. Formed as part of...
Read more

SafetyNet 655

Posted on 25 January 2023

Welcome to the 25 January edition of SafetyNet. We hope you find this week's journal useful and interesting. Feel free to share it, and please,...
Read more

WORK SAFELY NEAR UNDERGROUND SERVICES

Posted on 25 January 2023

December 6 last year WorkSafe released new guidance on how to safely manage hazards and risks associated with working near electricity and telecommunications cables, gas...
Read more

FIRED IMMIGRANT WORKER SHOT DEAD

Posted on 25 January 2023

US: January 9, police shot dead a 26-year-old Sudanese worker at an Oklahoma food processing plant. Police state they were responding to a call about...
Read more

WORK-FROM-HOME OHS SYSTEMS MODEL

Posted on 25 January 2023

The Centre for Work Health and Safety have released research proposing a design model for OHS systems that include working-from-home (WFH) arrangements.
Read more

ASK RENATA

Posted on 25 January 2023

‘Please advise if there is a rule/law stating maximum number of hours permissible to drive per day, and where I may find this information?’
Read more

SafetyNet 654

Posted on 24 January 2023

Welcome to the 19 January edition of SafetyNet, our first for 2023. A belated Happy New Year to you. Sadly, our first workplace fatality of...
Read more

SafetyNet 653

Posted on 22 December 2022

Welcome to the 22 December edition of SafetyNet.  Sadly, there have been two workplace deaths since our last correspondence. John Burley, 55, died while operating...
Read more

SafetyNet 652

Posted on 20 December 2022

Welcome to the 14 December edition of SafetyNet.   We hope you find this week's journal useful and interesting. Feel free to share it, and please,...
Read more

COUNCIL MANDATES SAFE TRAVEL HOME FOR NIGHT WORKERS

Posted on 14 December 2022

Glasgow: The Get Me Home Safely campaign led by Unite hospitality workers has seen a new victory, as Glasgow City Council has passed a motion...
Read more

‘WORKING HOURS CREEP’ DRIVES GENDER WAGE GAP

Posted on 14 December 2022

University researchers have told the Senate's work and care inquiry that long working hours are now the main driver of the gender pay gap and...
Read more

130K FINE: APPRENTICE SHOT IN HEAD WITH NAIL GUN

Posted on 14 December 2022

Topline Carpentry South East Pty Ltd (the Offender) employees were constructing townhouses in Glen Waverley when a 16 years’ old apprentice was involved in two...
Read more

OZ AND NZ TRENDS IN COMPO AND WHS

Posted on 14 December 2022

Safe Work Australia has published the 24th edition of its Comparative Performance Monitoring Report, analysing trends in WHS and workers’ compensation scheme performance across Australia...
Read more

SLOW DOWN AND STAY SAFE

Posted on 14 December 2022

With 3 weeks left in the year, WorkSafe are reminding employers of their duty of care amongst the rush to meet deadlines before Christmas.
Read more

CHEMICAL CLASSIFICATION CHANGES KICK IN NYD

Posted on 14 December 2022

Safe Work Australia have issued a reminder the transition to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals Revision 7 (GHS 7) ends...
Read more

SAFETY MONTH WEBINARS NOW AVAILABLE

Posted on 14 December 2022

Did you miss out on the opportunity to attend any of WorkSafe’s Health & Safety Month webinars this year? Don’t stress, all of the Safety...
Read more

YOU DIRTY RAT

Posted on 14 December 2022

As we've moved from PCR to Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) you may be wondering about the effectiveness of RATs in detecting different strains of COVID-19....
Read more

DEVELOPING A NATIONAL ASBESTOS HEATMAP

Posted on 14 December 2022

The first ever National Residential Asbestos Heatmap is in development using predictive modelling to map the probability of asbestos presence, by geographic area. This world-first,...
Read more

SafetyNet 651

Posted on 12 December 2022

Welcome to the 7 December edition of SafetyNet.   We hope you find this week's journal useful and interesting. Feel free to share it, and please,...
Read more

1 IN 50 IN MODERN SLAVERY

Posted on 7 December 2022

Alliance 8.7, the global partnership for eradicating forced labour, modern slavery, human trafficking and child labour around the world, report 50 million people globally are...
Read more

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN: 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM

Posted on 7 December 2022

On November 25 - International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women - IndustriALL's Women Committee co-chairs and assistant general secretary urged Unions to...
Read more

GARBAGE TRUCK CRUSHES DRIVER: 300K FINE

Posted on 7 December 2022

Waste disposal company, Country Cart Pty Ltd, has been convicted and fined a total of $300,000 after a worker was fatally crushed by a garbage...
Read more

ASK RENATA

Posted on 7 December 2022

‘We have recently had a new HSR voted in who’s received HSR Initial training previously. Does the HSR require a refresh course of some sort?...
Read more

COVID NUMBERS

Posted on 7 December 2022

As of Tuesday 6 December 2022, Victoria recorded:   4,843 new daily infections    20 COVID deaths   720 hospitalisations, with 35 currently in ICU
Read more

6 STEPS TO STAY AHEAD OF COVID

Posted on 7 December 2022

Last Friday our Chief Health Officer shared the following information: The seven-day rolling average of people with COVID-19 in Victorian hospitals increased 27.9% on the...
Read more

SafetyNet 650

Posted on 6 December 2022

Welcome to the 30 November edition of SafetyNet.   We hope you find this week's journal useful and interesting. Feel free to share it, and please,...
Read more

P&O CHIEF NAMED ‘WORST BOSS IN THE WORLD’

Posted on 30 November 2022

P&O chief executive Peter Hebblethwaite has been named the world’s worst boss in a global poll after illegally firing almost 800 UK workers in a...
Read more

HEALTHY WORK ENVIRONMENT? ADDRESS MANAGER STRESS

Posted on 30 November 2022

A large study from Denmark has shown that managers can ‘transmit’ the stress they experience to their workers, the effects of which were detected a...
Read more

$2 MILLION FOR COLLAPSE THAT KILLED CHRISTOPHER CASSANITI

Posted on 30 November 2022

Scaffolding company, Synergy Scaffolding Services, has been fined $2 million over a ‘catastrophic’ collapse at a Sydney construction site, when overloaded scaffolding gave way. The...
Read more

SILICA NEWS: ENGINEERED STONE COMPLIANCE CODE NOW IN EFFECT

Posted on 30 November 2022

Minister for Workplace Safety, Ingrid Stitt, has approved the making of the Managing Exposure to Crystalline Silica: Engineered Stone Compliance Code, and it subsequently came...
Read more

CFMMEU: WE'LL BAN IT IF GOVERNMENTS DON’T ACT

Posted on 30 November 2022

The construction and general division of the CFMMEU will impose a ban on importing manufactured stone products linked to silicosis, if federal and state governments...
Read more

ASK RENATA

Posted on 30 November 2022

I’d like access to information on workplace injuries that have occurred within my DWG. Do I have the right to such information? If so, do...
Read more

COVID NUMBERS

Posted on 30 November 2022

As of Tuesday 29th November 2022, Victoria recorded:   4,149 new daily infections    19 COVID deaths   551 hospitalisations, with 22 currently in ICU
Read more

MAKE YOUR WORKPLACE CLIMATE SAFE: THIS MONDAY

Posted on 30 November 2022

We've seen how devastating natural disasters can be for Australian workers. Unfortunately, these events are predicted to occur more frequently, and with greater intensity.
Read more

SafetyNet 649

Posted on 23 November 2022

  Welcome to the 23 November edition of SafetyNet.   We hope you find this week's journal useful and interesting. Feel free to share it, and...
Read more

HEALTHCARE AND SOCIAL ASSISTANCE PSYCHE INJURY STUDY

Posted on 23 November 2022

The Healthy Working Lives Research Group at Monash University have analysed data on NSW workers compensation claims to examine the ‘frequency, incidence, patterns and outcomes...
Read more

WORKSAFE HIGHLIGHT ASBESTOS PROSECUTION

Posted on 23 November 2022

For national Asbestos Awareness Week this week, WorkSafe Victoria have thrown a spotlight on the recent prosecution of Victorian printing and manufacturing company, Carton Finishing...
Read more

HAZARDOUS MANUAL HANDLING RENDERS WORKER UNCONCIOUS: A CASE STUDY

Posted on 23 November 2022

Recently, a worker from a high-rise apartment construction site suffered a head injury, sustained from hazardous manual handling, leaving them unconscious and hospitalised after being...
Read more

DON'T LET THE HOLIDAY RUSH LEAD TO TRAGEDY

Posted on 23 November 2022

WorkSafe are reminding those in Victorian workplaces to slow down as the year’s end fast approaches.
Read more

INDIA: 2 KILLED, 18 INJURED IN TWO FACTORY FIRES

Posted on 23 November 2022

Two massive fires broke out in footwear manufacturing factories in Delhi within the space of a week. On the first of November, two workers were...
Read more

MAKING WORKPLACES CLIMATE SAFE

Posted on 23 November 2022

5 December, Trades Hall will be hosting a liveshow and workshop event with Dr. Todd Denham and Professor Lauren Rickards, authors of the Climate Impacts at...
Read more

ASK RENATA

Posted on 23 November 2022

What are the safety considerations regarding bar staff having a drink in their break at our upcoming Christmas party?
Read more

NATIONAL COVID PREVENTION FRAMEWORK RELEASED

Posted on 23 November 2022

The COVIDSafe team attended an ACTU affiliates briefing on Tuesday afternoon with Professor Michael Kidd to discuss the recently released National COVID-19 Community Protection Framework, and...
Read more

COVID UPDATE

Posted on 23 November 2022

As of Tuesday 22nd November 2022, Victoria recorded:   3807 new daily infections    27 COVID deaths   419 hospitalisations, with 9 currently in ICU.
Read more

SafetyNet 648

Posted on 22 November 2022

Welcome to the 16 November edition of SafetyNet.   Sadly, WorkSafe are investigating the death of an auto electrician who was killed while working on a...
Read more

SafetyNet 647

Posted on 22 November 2022

Welcome to the 10 November edition of SafetyNet.   We hope you find this week's journal useful and interesting. Feel free to share it, and please,...
Read more

SafetyNet 646

Posted on 22 November 2022

This week has seen the director of a Somerton business charged under our Workplace manslaughter laws. We'd of course prefer these laws didn't have to...
Read more

SafetyNet 645

Posted on 22 November 2022

Welcome to the 19 October edition of SafetyNet.   We hope you find this week's journal useful and interesting. Feel free to share it, and please,...
Read more

$7000 FINE FOR SILICA DUST EXPOSURE

Posted on 16 November 2022

Miter Square manufactures engineered stone benchtops in a Knoxfield factory. A WorkSafe Inspector, attending as part of a project on crystalline silica exposure in the...
Read more

‘HOW TO LIFT TRAINING’ DOES NOT REDUCE RISK

Posted on 16 November 2022

The Heads of Workplace Safety Authorities Musculoskeletal Disorders national working group has released a position paper reminding employers they must, so far as is reasonably...
Read more

AMWU FINISHING UP COLLABORATION PILOT PROGRAM

Posted on 16 November 2022

SafetyNet were kindly invited to attend the Managing Psychological Risks in Manufacturing Conference on Monday at Southbank, during which insights gained at participating sites were...
Read more

Ask Renata

Posted on 16 November 2022

Our HSR has left the workplace, so we have a vacancy. We’ve put out a call for nominations but received nothing. Can we tap someone...
Read more

PROFESSOR BEN COWIE'S MESSAGE TO HSRs

Posted on 16 November 2022

During this year’s HSR Conference, Deputy Chief Health Officer, Professor Ben Cowie spoke on the impact COVID has had on our workplaces and community and...
Read more

COVID UPDATE

Posted on 16 November 2022

As of Tuesday 15th November 2022, Victoria recorded:     3,192 new daily infections     11 COVID deaths    351 hospitalisations, and 9 are in ICU.   Cumulatively this equals:      ...
Read more

CONFINED SPACE ROBOT WINS WORKSAFE AWARD

Posted on 10 November 2022

CONFINED-SPACE ROBOT WINS WORKSAFE AWARD IN WA A company that developed an autonomous robotic crawler, known as Magneto-EX, to perform inspection and maintenance tasks in...
Read more

WORKPLACE EXPOSURE AND LUNG FUNCTION DECLINE: REGULAR TESTING IS KEY

Posted on 10 November 2022

Working together, researchers from local and international universities have looked examined the relationship between cumulative workplace exposure to a wide range of substances and lung...
Read more

PROSECUTIONS

Posted on 10 November 2022

HEIGHT RISKS OBSERVED BY INSPECTOR ATTRACT 15K FINE In April 2021 Express Sheet Metal Pty Ltd had been engaged to install ‘whirly bird’ ventilators on...
Read more

NATIONAL ASBESTOS AWARENESS WEEK

Posted on 10 November 2022

An estimated 4,000 Australians die annually from asbestos-related diseases, which is nearly four times the annual road toll.
Read more

GRIEFWORKS CELEBRATES 25 YEARS

Posted on 10 November 2022

Uniting’s WorkSafe-funded support program, GriefWork, celebrated its 25th anniversary, Friday 21 October at Uniting’s program hub in Prahran. Click here to view the GriefWorks 25th...
Read more

COVID UPDATE

Posted on 10 November 2022

COVID-19 LATEST NUMBERS   On Tuesday 11th of October Victoria recorded:    1,292 new daily infections    14 COVID deaths   156 hospitalisations, and 7 are in ICU.   
Read more

Ask Renata 10 November

Posted on 10 November 2022

What powers do I have, as a HSR who hasn't received training yet?
Read more

WORKSAFE FUNDED UNION PROJECTS FOR PSYCHE HEALTH

Posted on 10 November 2022

At last week’s HSR Conference we heard from several Unions on their WorkSafe-funded projects to produce better outcomes for injured workers. Each project uses different...
Read more

COVID-19 LATEST NUMBERS   

Posted on 26 October 2022

  On Wednesday 26th of October Victoria recorded:     1,549 new daily infections      6 COVID deaths     182 hospitalisations, and 6 are in ICU.  
Read more

Ask Renata 26 Oct

Posted on 26 October 2022

Some months ago staff from the afternoon shift, for which I’m HSR, were all put temporarily on day shift. At the first subsequent OHS committee...
Read more

POLICE FACE SIGNIFICANT PHYSIOLOGICAL CHALLENGES

Posted on 26 October 2022

A study of Australian police officers tracked the physiological demands they face while carrying out their day-to-day duties.
Read more

Pandemic orders expire

Posted on 26 October 2022

PANDEMIC ORDERS EXPIRE Pandemic orders affecting most workpalces expired on 12 October.
Read more

REMOTE WORK SIGNIFICANTLY EXACERBATED A RANGE OF RISKS FOR TEACHERS

Posted on 26 October 2022

 Comprehensive analysis of WHS data by researchers at the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work confirms the COVID-19 pandemic significantly exacerbated a range...
Read more

LACK OF SUPERVISION COSTS WORKER HIS LIFE – PCBU FINED 300K

Posted on 26 October 2022

  A labourer, employed by Empire Contracting Pty Ltd, fell to his death from a height of nearly three metres after his employer failed to...
Read more

USA: AMAZON SAFETY HEAD THROWS IN THE TOWEL

Posted on 26 October 2022

Amazon hired Heather McDougall in 2019 as the top executive overseeing workplace health and safety.
Read more

KOREA: MAKE ROAD TRANSPORT ‘SAFE RATES’ LAWS PERMANENT 

Posted on 26 October 2022

There is overwhelming evidence for the link between road safety and driver pay, international experts and global union leaders have told South Korean lawmakers.
Read more

Events

Posted on 26 October 2022

HSR INITIAL & REFRESHER TRAINING  Trained HSRs are more effective HSRs - have you just been elected and haven't organised your training yet? Do it...
Read more

VICTORIA’S FIRST WORKPLACE MANSLAUGHTER CHARGE

Posted on 26 October 2022

VICTORIA’S FIRST WORKPLACE MANSLAUGHTER CHARGE WorkSafe has charged the director of a stonemasonry business accused of forklift-related negligence, with workplace manslaughter, after a sub-contractor was fatally...
Read more

NEW SILICA IN ENGINEERED STONE COMPLIANCE CODE

Posted on 26 October 2022

  Minister for Workplace Safety, Ingrid Stitt, has made the Managing Exposure to Crystalline Silica: Engineered Stone Compliance Code which will come into effect on...
Read more

MISSED OUT ON REGISTERING FOR HSR CONFERENCE 2022 - HSR LIFESAVERS?

Posted on 26 October 2022

You can still livestream sessions 1 and 2 through this link:  https://kastio.com/hsr-2022  
Read more

41 DEAD IN TURKISH MINE EXPLOSION

Posted on 26 October 2022

  An explosion in a coal mine in Amasra, Turkey, on 14 October, has killed 41 miners. 110 miners were underground in the mine, which...
Read more

NEGLIGENT EMPLOYER LIABLE FOR $1.25M INJURY SUSTAINED IN ASSAULT OUTSIDE OF WORK

Posted on 19 October 2022

NEGLIGENT EMPLOYER LIABLE FOR $1.25M INJURY SUSTAINED IN ASSAULT OUTSIDE OF WORK An employer has been deemed liable for the psychological injury sustained by a...
Read more