Employers have been urged to consider the multiplicative effects that exposure to multiple occupational hazards - ranging from night work and noise to solvents and heavy metals - have on the development of one of the world's most common serious health conditions, with a unique study finding the risks arise even with low-level exposures.
The NSW Government has introduced WHS amendments tripling the maximum penalties for category-1 breaches, clarifying that officers can be prosecuted for recklessness, introducing "prohibited asbestos notices" with hefty non-compliance fines, and giving police certain enforcement powers under WHS laws.
The authors of an Australian study say they have added to "reassuring" findings around the possible cancer links to highly prevalent occupational exposures to electrical fields and the use of electrical appliances.
One in four workers suffer health symptoms linked to the indoor air at their workplace, but factors beyond air quality could be to blame for some symptoms, while a range of treatments and supports can tackle more severe conditions, European researchers say.
There remains a lack of awareness and concern about the serious health dangers posed by welding fumes, an important and timely Australian study has found, with stakeholders noting industry-wide education and legislative changes are needed to remove barriers to the use of proper safety controls.