Browsing: Dangerous substances | Page 1

Australia's WHS and workers' compensation ministers have agreed to: work towards a major asbestos-removal plan targeting commercial buildings; implement WHS provisions to further crack down on silica risks; and reinstate the push for a national approach to protecting the psychological safety of first responders.

• Significant WHS reforms to come with third-phase asbestos plan;
  
• Phased commencement announced for Qld's WHS amendments;
  
• Business charged over customer's mobile-plant death; and
  
• Safety and RTW awards open in Vic.

Occupational and environmental health researchers have identified a range of workplace safety measures and regulations that could explain their findings that the rate of work-related injuries from fire or smoke has declined over the past two decades, while the non-work-related rate has gone up.

• PCBU accused of breaching duties to killed student and others; and
  
• WHS stone ban clarified in Qld.

• Worker fined $55k for WHS omissions;
  
• Regulator targets psychosocial risks with videos for toolbox talks; and
  
• Burgeoning industry gets first WHS audit.

• Safety reforms flagged after 58 COVID charges withdrawn; and
  
• Changes to workplace exposure standards applied in ACT.

A major employer has been fined $1.2 million for WHS recklessness, after a worker was exposed to a "filthy" workplace environment "year after year", and developed a serious occupational disease.

A study of a relatively young worker with a 10-year history of forgetfulness and decreasing mental functions has highlighted the significant risks posed by a common workplace substance, the need to closely monitor the health of staff, and the immediate benefits of compliant safety controls.

• Major fire attracts Commonwealth WHS charges;
  
• Director charged over apprentice's 30km toolbox ride;
  
• Local council sentenced for failing to forward injury claim;
  
• Noise duties highlighted for WHS blitz in SA; and
  
• WHS Codes of Practice updated in ACT.

More than 70 per cent of the world's workers are exposed to health, safety and mental health risks created by climate change, which extend way beyond excessive heat, the International Labour Organisation has warned.