Workers across many industries are at the forefront of our coordinated national response to the emerging Coronavirus. A principal focus in this response should be on ensuring the health and wellbeing of workers, particularly in sectors such as health, transport and education. Accurate information about the virus, and access to appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) […]
The third edition of the HSR Support Service news can now be downloaded. Articles focus on responding to control measures for Coronavirus; a followup on using ladders in the workplace, and; a report on the ongoing situation around silicosis in Queensland stonemasons. Drop us an email on info@hsrsupport.org.au to join the mailing list for HSR […]
Continued guidance on electrical safety standards remains available following the automatic expiry of three electrical safety codes of practice on 1 January 2020. Incorporating minor amendments following reviews for technical accuracy, usability and readability, supplemented by targeted consultation with key stakeholders, the three expiring codes of practice have been re-made with effect from 2 January […]
The second edition of the HSR Support Service news can now be downloaded. Articles focus on industrial manslaughter laws; advice around dealing with bushfire damaged properties, and; protecting against the impacts of heat stress in the workplace. Drop us an email on info@hsrsupport.org.au to join the mailing list for HSR Support News.
The first edition of the Health & Safety Reps Support Service News is now available for download. HSR Support Service Coordinator Damien McGarry has gathered together updates and news about work health and safety in Queensland, with resources for health and safety reps to make their workplaces safer. The October 2019 edition focuses on mental […]
In August 2019, a worker suffered burns when fuel vapour ignited causing an explosion. The worker was refuelling a boat, when for reasons yet to be established, fuel vapour ignited causing an explosion. Unleaded petrol gives off vapours which can ignite if not properly managed. Transferring fuel often creates static electricity which can ignite flammable […]
In April 2019, a worker was seriously burned while attempting to decommission a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tank from a motor vehicle at a workplace. It appears he was removing screws on the LPG tank using a battery-operated screwdriver which created an ignition source and started a fire. Read more about preventing similar incidents in […]
On average in Queensland each year 281 workers’ compensation claims are accepted for crush injuries involving forklifts. Forty per cent of these involve serious injuries requiring five or more days off work. PCBUs must ensure the provision and maintenance of safe plant. Effective risk management starts with a commitment to health and safety from those […]
A recent electrocution death in north Queensland is a reminder that employers need to conduct a site-specific risk assessment, develop a safe system of work before starting, keep workers and contractors informed about electrical safety. Queensland’s Electrical Safety Office (ESO) and Workplace Health and Safety Queensland are investigating the incident where a crane came into […]
Work on vehicle tyres and wheel rims continues to cause injuries, with an average of more than 35 injuries annually being subject to claims for workers’ compensation. In a recent incident, a young worker suffered serious facial injuries when the split rim that he and another worker were performing maintenance on, exploded. Read more on […]