New Research into Welding Safety

New research into welding safety. 

Research by the NSW Government's Centre for Work Health and Safety is being embarked on to understand the effects of exposure to welding fumes by workers in welding industries and occupations in Australia.

Due to a recent reclassification of welding fumes from 'possibly carcinogenic to humans' to 'carcinogenic to humans', more information is needed to understand the long term effects of exposure to fumes from welding. The research will investigate how different industries and workers use personal protective equipment to mitigate risk.

Together with Curtin University and the University of Sydney, the centre is researching what controls are currently used and how effective they are so appropriate control measures to minimise exposure can be designed.

The re-classification by a specialised cancer agency of the World Health Organization, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), concluded that there is sufficient evidence in humans to support that welding fumes can cause cancer in the lungs (and a positive association has been observed with cancer of the kidneys).

Read the original article on the SafeWork NSW website.

Grape growers urged to ensure safety this pruning season. 

Staying COVID-safe, supporting vulnerable workers and ensuring labour-hire workers are fairly treated is the focus of an online information session on 10 June to assist businesses in meeting their health and safety obligations.

Hosted by the WorkSafe, Department of Health and the Labour Hire Authority, representatives from the Australian Table Grape Association, Agriculture Victoria, and the Victorian Farmers Federation will also be available to answer any questions growers may have.

Ensuring providers had COVID-safe plans, checking their licence status and conditions for labour-hire workers would be a part of a three-day inspection program in the Robinvale area from 22-24 June.

Growers are encouraged to attend the sessions which are designed to help people understand their responsibilities and advise how they can make their workplaces safe.

Labour Hire Licensing Commissioner Steve Dargavel said, 'The horticulture industry is experiencing new challenges, and we want to help ensure businesses in the Robinvale area can continue to operate safely, smoothly and fairly.'

Read the original article on the WorkSafe Victoria website.