what’s news in occupational health & safety?

World first plan to help workers fight chronic disease

19 March 2008 Victoria’s 2.6 million workers will have the chance to be screened for preventable diseases like diabetes, in a major world first initiative announced by Premier, John Brumby. The new initiative, WorkHealth, would be funded for 5 years under a $600 million fund to be set aside from WorkSafe’s surplus funds and will be the first program in the world to target the connection between chronic disease and workplace injury across an entire workforce.   more...

Forklift fatality costs company $200,000 fine and conviction

17 March 2008 A company was convicted and fined $200,000 for safety failings which resulted in the death of a forklift driver in 2005. The forklift driver was not wearing a seatbelt and was crushed by the machine. WorkSafe’s investigation found the roof support poles had been struck a number of times by forklifts, and that workers had backed into poles because of inadequate space.   more...

Truckies issued with codes of conduct for safer road use

18 March 2008 Victorian truck drivers will police themselves under new codes of conduct, encouraging them to avoid drugs, drive safely and be aware of fatigue. Mr Noonan said “the codes, issued today by the TWU and the employers' Victorian Transport Association, signaled a strong commitment by drivers and companies to a responsible approach by the industry”. Roads Minister, Tim Pallas, welcomed the new codes, but fended off suggestions they should be legislated, even though much of the codes was already law. 

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Worksite safety laws may be relaxed

26 March 2008 NSW may relax its tough workplace safety rules to help accelerate the shift to a nationally consistent system. NSW has the most draconian workplace safety laws in Australia, including imposing an absolute duty of care on employers to provide a safe workplace, rather than a duty to do what is reasonable or practicable. In contrast, there is no duty of care imposed on workers.   more...

New chemicals health monitor online

The UK Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) has launched a new Chemicals Health Monitor website - an online source of information about chemicals and related diseases. The new resource provides a information about the links between chemical contaminants and ill health. There's also information on risk factors associated with these different human health conditions, trends in specific disease incidence, and disease-specific costs.  more...

Australian workers face increased risk of skin cancer, with news this week that melanoma is now Victoria’s third most common cancer (after prostate and breast cancer) – more cases diagnosed than lung cancer.  SunSmart is offering online courses designed specifically for outdoor workers covering UV radiation, who is at risk of skin cancer, 5 simple steps to protect your skin outdoors and tips on looking out for skin cancer and how to check your skin.