During the last 4 years, more than 145,000 workers have been injured as a result of hazardous manual tasks. WHS legislation specifically defines hazardous manual tasks & businesses are able to take simple steps to minimise risks & provide a safer workplace.
Following a recent accident in a NSW café where a man suffered severe burns resulting from a gas cylinder explosion, a Government Ministerial Media Release advises SafeWork will be cracking down on gas appliances and in particular in restaurants.
There are a number of issues employers should consider before introducing drug & alcohol testing into their workplace. First & foremost, an employer must consider if they have a right to drug & alcohol test their workers? HR professionals support businesses.
On-site physio is designed to treat workplace injuries at the source & is an affordable injury prevention strategy businesses can engage to minimise costs. Assessing contributing work practices, a physio can treat symptoms or injuries & help prevent further issues.
It is essential to be aware of safety, hazards & risks in your workplace & more so for those in the construction industry. Working at heights & near utilities are high risk activities & currently a focus for SafeWork NSW (refer our article Safety Regulators Crackdown).
Recent research found employers are failing to acknowledge & address the mental health of their staff. As part of a SafeWork strategy, a group of experts identify construction & scientific industries as the worst offenders.