Work Health and Safety Blog

Slips and trips in the workplace account for thousands of injuries every year. These range from slight cuts and bruises to serious injuries including fractures, dislocations, muscular-skeletal problems, deep cuts and burns. Minimising and eliminating the risks associated with slips and trips is a practice that needs to include the following steps: ..

The best businesses know the importance of regular "toolbox talks," short meetings focused on pertinent safety issues in the workplace. The unique qualities of a workplace will determine the frequency and size of these talks, as some hazardous environments require daily meetings and low-risk environments may only require a monthly or quarterly meeting. ..

Employers are facing new regulations with the upcoming changes to the Fair Work Act, which will take effect on January 1, 2014. Among the situations covered by the changes to the FWA is an aspect of the workplace that many employers may not be addressing effectively - bullying. ..

Guest post - Jennifer Long Visual Ergonomics

It is easier to perform detailed and visually demanding tasks with good illumination. However, providing high illumination levels can be expensive, hot and a potential glare source. ..

 It is important for employers and workers to understand the risks in the workplace and what you can take to promote and provide a safe working environment.  One aspect that is often overlooked is fatigue and it’s not just about getting a poor night’s sleep. Make sure you discuss how to minimise the effects of fatigue with your workers. ..

I started this year with a personal goal to de-clutter my home and a quarter of the way through the year I am halfway through my de-cluttering my house. Friend and visitors see the uncluttered areas and their response has been one word “WOW”.  ..

Workplace health & safety responsibility goes beyond the employer’s place of business. It includes any place where the PCBU (employer) requires or permits a worker to perform work, including the worker’s home, vehicle or work site. Working from home is not without risks.  ..

One of the hazards in working at a desk for long periods is the risk of fatigue, and with this comes mistakes, stress, muscle and eye strain.  Make sure you talk with your workers on how you can reduce and minimise the risks of fatigue in the workplace. ..

Even with workplace policies on theft and video surveillance, workplace theft still occurs. It can range from stationery supplies to toilet paper and often contents of the first aid kits. Items often taken are sunscreen, bandages and band aids and, where first aid kits contain them, aspirin or similar. ..

Jennifer Long Visual Ergonomics www.visualergonomics.com.au Guest post by Jennifer Long, owner of Jennifer Long Visual Ergonomics. Jennifer is an optometrist and a certified professional ergonomist. She has completed a Bachelor of Optometry and a Master of Safety Science.  By combining her academic background with practical optometry and ergonomics experience, Jennifer offers a holistic approach to solving vision problems in the workplace. She is typically asked to provide consultancy services investigating visual comfort and visual demands in a variety of work environments.  ..