We live in a world designed for sitting. From long hours sitting at work to evenings spent on the couch, sedentary behaviour has become an integral part of modern life. While this may seem harmless, research increasingly shows that prolonged sitting can lead to significant health risks, including metabolic dysfunction, cardiovascular issues, and even [...]
Examining Lauren Vercoe v Local Government Association Workers Compensation Scheme [2024] SAET 91 and its implications for remote safe work. The recent South Australian Employment Tribunal (SAET) case, Lauren Vercoe v Local Government Association Workers Compensation Scheme [2024] SAET 91, has sparked critical discussions on employer liability and workplace safety in remote work environments. [...]
In warehouse environments, racking safety is essential for protecting the lives of employees and protecting the . The recently published NZ tragedy where a storeman lost his life in a racking collapse serves as a harsh reminder of the critical need for robust safety measures around warehouse racking. As warehouse operations grow and demands increase, [...]
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 [...]
