Typically, mental health issues in the workplace are approached from the economic point of view, that left unmanaged they represent a serious inefficiency in terms of lost productivity and absenteeism.
For those thinking that they might get some much-needed respite at work from domestic hostilities it may not be the cure-all they were seeking. Statistics cited by Beyond Blue suggest one-in-five Australians have taken time off work in the last year due to stress, anxiety, depression or mental ill-health. An even greater number (26 per cent) are estimated to have experienced an anxiety disorder.
Typically, mental health issues in the workplace are approached from the economic point of view, that left unmanaged they represent a serious inefficiency in terms of lost productivity and absenteeism. Professor Sotiris Vardoulakis, an air quality and health expert from the Australian National University’s Research School of Population Health, has developed freely accessible fact sheets on how to best protect yourself from bushfire smoke. The fact sheets were developed because Professor Vardoulakis believed people needed more comprehensive and balanced health protection advice, as Australians deal with unprecedented levels of bushfire smoke.
In December a worker was fatally injured after falling from height at a Port Adelaide worksite. The 51-year-old died after falling 6.5 metres while working without fall prevention in place on a commercial business shed roof.
More recently, SafeWork South Australia (SafeWork SA) inspectors attended an incident involving a contractor who sustained serious injuries following a fall of more than 4 metres through asbestos guttering. These incidents have prompted the regulator to issue a warning to South Australian businesses about fall risks for those working on fragile roofing, and a reminder to employers about work health and safety obligations when engaging contractors. As bushfire smoke contrinues to impact air quality across Victoria, people are urged to remain vigilant when working outdoors.
Please read our advice on the health risks of outdoor work in areas impacted by bushfire smoke. For more assistance, please call our Advisory line on 1800 136 089, or visit worksafe.vic.gov.au/bushfires Cardboard box manufacturer Lakeside Packaging has been convicted and fined $55,000 after pleading guilty in the Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court to one charge of failing to ensure persons other than employees were not exposed to risks to their health and safety.
The revised Workplace exposure standards for airborne contaminants (WESFAC) have made a class exemption that exempts mines and petroleum sites from complying with the new respirable crystalline silica exposure standard of 0.05 mg/m3. WESFAC has been republished by Safe Work Australia, and applies in New South Wales (NSW) under clause 5 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017.
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