Modern Slavery: Shining a Light on a Global Human Rights Issue
It is shocking and saddening that slavery persists today despite many strides made in human rights over the past century. In numerous ways, this crisis of human trafficking and forced labour proves even more insidious and difficult to confront than overt forms of slavery that plagued our p…
The Importance of Machine Guarding in Mechanical Plant
Machine guarding protects workers from hazardous machine parts by placing physical barriers, devices, and safety measures between personnel and dangerous machinery. Effective guarding ensures that hazards are controlled at the source, reducing injury risk across mechanical plant operations. Adheri…
Effective Strategies for Fatigue Management in the Workplace
Workplace fatigue is an often overlooked but severe issue that can significantly impact worker safety and productivity. According to a study conducted by Monash University, fatigue-related diminished alertness contributes to nearly 10,000 severe workplace injuries in Australia each year. Thi…
Workplace Health and Safety in the Cleaning Industry
Australia's cleaning sector employs individuals in multiple capacities to maintain cleanliness and hygiene across different settings. Three main categories make up this industry — Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Cleaning — with many niche services under these broad segments.
Like any other…
In 2021, Australia recorded a total of 169 worker fatalities due to workplace accidents. Additionally, a report comparing survey data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics with SWA's data shows that in 2021-22, 3.9% of employed people experienced a work-related injury or illness, down from 4.2% in 2017-18 and 6.4% in 2005-06. On average, just under…
Electrical Safety: Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace
In 2021-2022, eight incidents resulted in nine fatalities due to electrical causes in Australia and New Zealand. Rate of deaths per million people (DMP) sat at 0.29, an increase of 0.26 DMP compared to the previous year. Knowing risks associated with electricity and understanding how to man…
Working in a Confined Space: Keeping Safety in Check
In January 2018, two workers were discovered dead inside a fibreglass tank on a purpose-built tri-axle trailer in Australia. Circumstances surrounding their deaths were related to the cleaning process of the tank. This tragedy hit home for many industries, highlighting potential risks when working i…
Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) Template: A Guide
A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a crucial document that outlines the safety procedures you must follow during high-risk construction work. Creating one from scratch can take time, and there's always a risk of missing important details. Using SWMS templates simplifies the method, helping worker…
Construction Management: Guide to Construction Site Management Plan
Construction management involves planning, coordinating, and monitoring various activities of a project from inception to approval to completion. Since many construction activities are high-risk and complex, organisations must have a reliable plan outlining all stakeholders' roles. A…
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Manufacturing remains vital to the Australian economy, contributing significantly to the nation's GDP. At the same time, this industry stands as a significant priority for workplace health and safety across Australia. With large numbers of workers exposed to hazardous materials daily, managing safety in manufacturing industries in Australia is…
What Is OHSE: Basics, Best Practices, and Implementation
Workplace injuries and disease profoundly affect quality of life, social and family activities, job prospects, and career advancement. Every 2-3 minutes, an Australian worker is seriously injured while working. These injuries can be devastating for individuals and their families.
OHSE stands fo…
Zach Smith, National Secretary of the CFMEU, said engineered stone is the "asbestos of the 2020s". There's truth to this statement since working with engineered stone releases crystalline silica dust into the air. This dust is extremely dangerous and can cause serious health issues like lung cancer, silicosis, and other respiratory diseases.
In today'…