Wednesday 21st April 2021

Apr 21st 2021 | Kate Quinn

Wednesday 21st April 2021

Safety News Roundup: Wednesday 21st April 2021

Here's our safety news wrap for Wednesday 21st April 2021, covering two significant workplace safety stories affecting the construction and health sectors this week.

Worker Tests Positive for COVID-19 at Auckland Airport

A day after quarantine-free trans-Tasman travel restarted between New Zealand and Australia, a fully vaccinated cleaner has tested positive for COVID-19 at Auckland airport.

Australia's Health Minister Greg Hunt has been briefed on the case by Australia's top health officials and has complete confidence that the case can be contained by New Zealand, as they have highly developed containment systems, like Australia.

He said the fact that the worker has been vaccinated will play into how the case is assessed and the transmission capability.

The cleaner, who boards aircraft to clean after arrival from countries considered COVID-19 'red zones', was routinely tested on 12 April and 19 April, returning a positive result on the second test.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed that health ministers and officials from both nations are 'directly communicating' about the new case, although she had not yet spoken to Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

'When we opened, on both sides, we of course knew that we would continue to have cases connected to our border,' she said. 'When we announced the date for opening the trans-Tasman bubble, Queensland was dealing with cases.'

'We accept that it's going to be part of our journey together. I think Australia accepts that and, for both sides, we're always looking for a clear connection to the border. In this case, there is.'

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian remains optimistic this case won't see the bubble burst.

'I would like to think that a case or two, which is manageable, should not impede any of our progress that we're making in opening up,' she said on Tuesday. 'I'm certainly the first to argue that a managed outbreak should be dealt with and life moves on.'

A spokeswoman for Qantas confirmed operations and flights were continuing across the Tasman.

Read the original article on The Age website.

Residents Assured of Pool Repair Safety by ACT Government

The ACT Government has made assurances that debris and dust created by repairs to the 50-metre pool at Gungahlin Leisure Centre won't impact residents.

Over $5000 worth of repairs were completed on faulty tiles when the pool closed in March 2020 due to COVID-19. Months later it emerged that all pool tiles, levelling screeds and coatings needed removal and repair.

Concerns regarding worker exposure to silica dust and contamination were raised in 2019 when maintenance work took place at the pool, and WorkSafe ACT inspectors were notified.

According to SafeWork Australia, silica dust exposure can result in chronic bronchitis, emphysema, silicosis, lung cancer, kidney damage and scleroderma. Organisations managing similar risks should maintain a current safe work method statement covering dust suppression and worker protection measures.

Yvette Berry, Minister for Sports and Recreation, has faced criticism from Liberal MLA for the Gungahlin-based electorate of Yerrabi, Leanne Castley, who only learned of these inspections via a freedom of information request this week.

Although reports indicated silica dust wasn't present, around 420 'drummy tiles' were identified on the northern wall via a tap test on the pool's floor. Drummy tiles emit a drum-like sound when struck by a sounding tool.

Ms Berry denied a lack of transparency, stating she couldn't release details about the pool's repair work on advice from the government solicitor, given ongoing negotiations with the pool's builder.

The company contracted for repairs is developing a hazardous materials management plan and will hold responsibility for site safety. An ACT Government spokesperson advised the plan will include dust suppression activities and will consider barriers to block dust between construction zones and other pools, using airflow to direct dust away from the public.

Read the original article on the RIOTACT website.

More Safety News from April 2021

For further workplace safety updates published this month, browse our related news coverage below:

Stay informed with SafetyDocs' ongoing coverage of workplace safety developments, regulatory updates and industry news relevant to construction, manufacturing and healthcare professionals across Australia and New Zealand.

Wednesday 21st April 2021