Safety Alerts
DON’T KNOW, DON’T DIG.
NSW electricity networks and SafeWork NSW have joined forces to launch a new safety campaign to protect construction workers from digging into live electricity cables. The campaign was developed after a 65% increase in underground cable strikes in the Sydney region over the past two years
Labour Industry
There has been a lot of attention over the past 18 months on the labour hire industry in South Australia. In 2016 there have been two convictions against labour hire agencies and a prosecution is pending against a host employer.
For more information on WHS responsibilities for engaging labour hire workers read more.
Burns and scalds are serious risks in the hospitality and tourism industry, and has accounted for the most frequently reported serious injury in this sector in the past three years. For more information on how to minimise risk refer to read more.
Unpacking Glass and Heavy Materials
In December 2016, a glazier suffered fatal crush injuries while using an overhead crane to move packaged sheets of glass. Failure of the packaging was a contributing factor to this incident. An increasing number of products are being received from overseas, where the methods and quality of packaging may vary considerably. SafeWork NSW provide information on n working in with glass and glazing and also provide posters on handling glass safety appropriate racking for glass storage , manual handling of glass and PPE
Chemical Spills
SafeWork NSW has recently investigated two similar incidents where workers suffered severe chemical burns to their feet whilst cleaning up spills in restaurant and hotel kitchens. Highly caustic chemicals are used in automatic dishwashing machine detergents, oven and grill top cleaners, as well as some grease cleaners. For more informatin refer to SafeWork NSW.
Safe use of flammable refrigerants
This safety alert concerns Class 2.1 Flammable refrigerant gases and provides guidance to occupiers of premises on how to control the risk of fire and explosion from refrigeration and air-conditioning systems containing flammable refrigerants.
Concrete delivery pipeline failures
This alert highlights the risk to employees and other persons from using poorly manufactured concrete delivery pipes and pipeline components.
