Mandatory audiometric testing in NSW workplaces - Important update The Hon. Victor Dominello MP, Minister for Digital and Minister for Customer Service has approved the commencement of clause 58 of the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (WHS Regulations) requiring Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs) to provide audiometric testing to workers. The clause will come into effect on the 1 January 2024, when the current exemption expires.
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This year we celebrate 10 years of MATES in Construction NSW raising awareness, improving mental health and preventing suicide on worksites across our state – an achievement we should all be proud of. SafeWork NSW inspectors have commenced an electrical compliance operation to increase the safety and awareness of electrical hazards on worksites. Head of SafeWork NSW Natasha Mann said contact with overhead and underground powerlines, unsafe or non-compliant wiring and faulty or damaged equipment continues to harm workers, adding that working with and around electricity can have fatal consequences.
Feeling anxious is something many of us can relate to. This common experience means that feelings of anxiousness, anxiety and related problems such as panic attacks and stress, are often loosely defined and talked about. For many people however, anxiety is a mental health problem that can be concerning, severe and/or frequent. It can negatively impact how they think, feel and interact with the world. It can also impact overall health and well-being.
Over half (52%) of Australian construction leaders have reported losing skilled workers due to higher levels of stress and burnout, according to research released by construction management software provider Procore Technologies. According to the research, work health and safety (WH&S) remains a top priority and the industry has increased investment in technology and data to reduce risk and improve safety outcomes.
Safe Work Month is happening this October, so now is the time to increase focus on improving work health and safety in your workplace, including the wellbeing of your employees.
Mark Safe Work Month by organising booking a speaker free of charge from icare’s Paralympian Speakers Program. Over 96% of employers report positive changes in their teams’ attitudes and actions towards safety after booking an icare speaker^. Steel Blue and Beyond Blue have released the results of a survey asking workers and employers in the trades, construction, resources, manufacturing and agriculture sectors about the impact of mental health on themselves and their worksites. The inaugural ‘Steel Blue Boot the Blues’ survey found that, of the more than 900 respondents, one in three reported experiencing high or very high levels of psychological distress in the 30 days before completing the survey. Additionally, 54% of all survey respondents reported experiencing feelings of hopelessness, extreme sadness (51%) and worthlessness (48%).
Steel Blue and Beyond Blue have urged workers and employers to break the stigma around mental health, with one in five survey respondents claiming they wouldn’t tell anyone if they had depression. While the majority believed depression is a real medical condition, one in 20 thought depression was a sign of personal weakness. Dr Grant Blashki, Lead Clinical Adviser for Beyond Blue, said the survey demonstrates that mental health problems are common amongst tradies, causing significant distress, though many still feel embarrassed to speak openly or seek assistance. This National Safe Work Month, Safe Work Australia encourages businesses, employers and workers across Australia to know safety, work safely and make health and safety at work a priority.
Being healthy and safe at work means being free from physical and psychological harm – no job should be unsafe and everyone can help create a safe workplace. National Safe Work Month is an opportunity to build awareness of work health and safety, encourage discussion about safety at work, and ensure everyone is aware of health and safety hazards and how to manage risks to keep workers safe. This year’s campaign will focus on various work health and safety topics each week: 'Building Resilience: Communities and Connections'
National Mental Health Month is an initiative of the Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA) to advocate for and raise awareness of Australian mental health. It is an important time where the Australian community comes together to raise awareness and promote better mental health for all. Throughout this month, many events have been organised in each state of Australia aiming to attract and unite Australians of all ages and backgrounds to raise awareness and promote better mental health for all. October is National Safe Work Month—a time to commit to building a safe and healthy workplace Being healthy and safe means being free from physical and psychological harm. A safe and healthy workplace benefits everyone. This is why, during October each year, Safe Work Australia asks businesses, employers and workers across Australia to join National Safe Work Month and commit to building safe and healthy workplaces for all Australians.
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