In the media
Timber company fined $28,000 for severed
finger
The Industrial Court has fined Improved Timber Pty Ltd $28,000 plus
legal fees after a worker's finger was severed in a machine
that had no guard in place. SafeWork SA prosecuted the manufacturer
under the Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Act 1986 for
failure to ensure the machinery was in safe condition for workers
(05 April 2013).
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NSW university cops $100k fine for field
trip
A Leading Sydney university has been fined $100,000 after a student
was seriously injured during a field trip. WorkCover NSW launched
legal action against the University of NSW alleging the university
breached the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 (NSW) (05
April 2013).
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Australia's first national marine safety regulator
set to commence 1 July
A date has been set for the commencement of historic maritime
reform legislation in Australia. Commonwealth law establishing the
Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) as the National
Regulator will come into effect on 1 July this year (28 March
2013).
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Cherry picker safety warning
WorkCover NSW is reminding businesses and workers using elevating
work platforms (EWP) to have appropriate safety procedures in place
following the fifth serious incident in less than 12 months (28
March 2013).
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WorkCover urges businesses to prevent slips, trips and
falls
WorkCover NSW is reminding businesses of the importance of
preventing injuries from slips, trips and falls. From 2009 to 2011,
there were 71,932 workers compensation claims for workers injured
or killed as a result of slips, trips and falls at a cost of $649
million to the NSW Workers Compensation Scheme (27 March 2013).
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Industry alert over reported insulation
defects
Australian insulation experts have issued a warning against the
ongoing use of poor-quality, hazardous insulation products. There
are increasing concerns in the industry relating to both product
quality and installation (26 March 2013).
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In practice and courts
Draft Code of Practice for flammable
refrigerants
The AIRAH has released the draft Code of Practice for Flammable
Refrigerants, with feedback and comments to close on 15 April
2013.The Code specifically applies to all stationary refrigerating
systems of all sizes including airconditioners and heat pumps that
are to be charged with flammable refrigerants (04 April 2013).
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Free Standards Guides for Safety
These Guides are reference tools which include information on
Standards and Certification Schemes. They are indexed by key
subject areas and use easy to understand terms:
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NSW Asbestos Plan 2013
The plan will increase awareness of the dangers associated with
asbestos and ensure its safe management to improve long term health
and safety outcomes. The Asbestos Plan has four priority areas
including research, risk communication, prevention and
coordination. (04 April 2013).
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QLD: Electrical Safety Regulation review
The Electrical Safety Regulation 2002 is currently under review.
Public comment on the Regulatory Assessment Statement (RAS) opened
on Thursday 28 March 2013 and closes on Friday 26 April 2013 (03
April 2013).
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QLD: Mines Safety Bulletin 132 - Xanthates in
mining
Xanthates are a group of chemicals typically used in sulphide
flotation in mining applications. Xanthates are classified as
liable to spontaneous combustion in the Australian Dangerous Goods
(ADG) Code. They pose a number of hazards due to their nature, the
vast quantities used in industry and the climate conditions at most
Queensland mines using them (27 March 2013).
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