Work Health and Safety Blog

A concrete manufacturer was recently fined by WorkSafe New Zealand for a fatality involving a forklift on its worksite last year. Sadly, this tragic loss of life was preventable if simple safety details had received the appropriate attention. According to a WorkSafe representative, it was an "accident waiting happen." The incident illustrates the importance of site safety for workers on construction sites. ..

One of the often ignored problems in the workplace has to do with bullying and harassment. One would think that this sort of behaviour among adults is rare, or that it somehow got left on the playgrounds of our youth. But the problem is that is still remains a real problem within the workplace and there is a certain amount of liability attached to it as well. ..

According to Safe Work Australia, the WHS Act defines health as both physical and psychological well-being. In fact, just last month Safe Work Australia announced its endorsement of the "Heads Up" initiative, a joint campaign launched by beyondblue and the Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance. ..

Forklifts play a role in a number of workplace injuries every year. They can tip or overturn, or hit structures or pedestrians. The cost of the accidents - both financially and in life-long injuries and death - is substantial for the company, the workers and the entire community. The good news is that most incidents that involve forklifts can be prevented. By making forklift safety a priority, your business can improve health and safety for your employees. The best way to do this is through following these tips: ..

The Fair Work Act Amendment that started on 1 January 2014 gives victims of workplace bullying and harassment a legislative option to stop the behaviour. Bullying victims can now apply to the Fair Work Commission for an order which will direct either an individual or the employer to stop the bullying. What does this mean for businesses?   ..

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. ..

Given how common safe work method statements are today, many people may not fully appreciate their importance in creating and maintaining a safe work environment.  A well written work method statement details the hazards and risks associated with a particular job. They also provide information about the safety equipment needed to eliminate or minimise the risks. ..

Work health and safety in the hospitality industry covers a wide range of situations: restaurants, hotels, clubs, pubs and other places offering services or accommodation.  ..

Creating a set of  health and safety policies and procedures to comply with legislative requirements is relatively simple.  However, creating a true safety culture requires a much more integrated effort. It’s an effort that has benefits far beyond the initial “tick-a-box” compliance stage. Whilst lower accident and injury rates are a measurable factor, it is the longer term changes to workers’ behaviour, involvement and ownership of work health & safety processes where the big benefits really occur. ..

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. ..