New Era Safety News - February 2025.
Jamie Mallinder
I help organisations understand and improve safety culture, leadership, systems and workplaces using psychology, neuroscience and technology | Multiple award-winning chartered safety leader, consultant and speaker
Welcome to New Era Safety News - your monthly source for the latest in workplace safety from Australia and around the world. I'm Jamie Mallinder, your trusted voice in #safety #wellbeing, and #leadership.
In this edition:
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Industry Updates
Justice and Correctional Services
Correctional Officers Avoid Wellbeing Services Despite High Workplace Stress
A $30 million mental health program for ACT Correctional Officers (COs) has struggled to attract participation, despite workers recognizing the need for support. The Blueprint for Change Program, launched in 2022, aimed to address stress, trauma, and safety concerns among staff at the Alexander Maconochie Centre and Court Transport Unit.
However, a new evaluation found:
While funding was invested in new protective gear, wellbeing spaces, and gym upgrades, many COs felt mental health initiatives lacked operational context. The report highlights the need for targeted, trusted, and accessible mental health support in high-stress workplaces.
Despite extensive investments in workplace mental health support, uptake remains low among correctional officers. Over 40 wellbeing activities were delivered in 12 months, yet:
Additionally, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) was seen as lacking an understanding of operational challenges, reducing its effectiveness. The findings reinforce the need for mental health programs to be better integrated into workplace culture, with greater trust and accessibility for frontline workers.
Call for Law Firms to Address Alcohol Use in Workplace Functions
A new review of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct in South Australia’s legal profession has urged law firms to reassess the availability and use of alcohol at workplace events.
The South Australian Equal Opportunity Commissioner’s report found that despite previous reforms, harassment, discrimination, and bullying remain prevalent, with many incidents occurring at work-related social functions. The review recommends that law firms introduce clear policies on alcohol consumption, define behavioral expectations, and ensure reporting mechanisms are in place for misconduct. The findings underscore ongoing cultural challenges in the legal profession, particularly concerning gender inequality and power imbalances.
Mining
Mine Operator Charged Over Psychosocial Hazards Agrees to $1M Undertaking
Cobar Management Pty Ltd has avoided prosecution by committing $1 million+ to workplace safety reforms after two accountants were exposed to extreme work hours and psychosocial risks. The workers, reporting to an executive in a different time zone, suffered excessive workload, fatigue, and stress, leading to a workers’ compensation claim for mental health injury.
Key safety improvements include:
The new measures aim to prevent extreme workload pressures and improve mental health protections in high-risk industries.
Labour Hire
Labour-Hire Employer Loses Case Over Unverified Client Accusations
A security company in NSW has lost its attempt to avoid liability in a workers' compensation dispute after it suspended and transferred a worker based on unverified accusations from a third-party client. The NSW Personal Injury Commission found that the employer had not provided sufficient evidence to justify its actions and ruled that it could not rely on client directives alone when making employment decisions. This ruling reinforces the principle that labour-hire firms and contractors must ensure fairness and due process when responding to client demands.
Labour-Hire Worker Awarded $21,735 Over Flawed Process
A labour-hire worker dismissed after covering an in-vehicle camera and testing positive for a prescribed sleep medication has been awarded $21,735 in compensation after the Fair Work Commission ruled that his employer’s termination process was unfair. While the worker had breached company policies, the commission found that the employer failed to follow a fair and structured process before deciding to dismiss him. This case underscorehighlights the need for employers to ensure procedural fairness in disciplinary actions, particularly when dealing with prescribed medications.
Legislation and Other Updates
International
U.S. Bill Proposes Abolishing OSHA
U.S. Representative Andy Biggs of Arizona has introduced the "Nullify Occupational Safety and Health Administration Act" (NOSHA Act), a bill aimed at abolishing OSHA by repealing the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce for review.
Biggs, who introduced a similar bill in 2021, argues that workplace safety should be regulated at the state level and that federal oversight is unnecessary. Critics warn that eliminating OSHA could weaken protections for American workers, making workplaces more hazardous. The bill’s progress will be closely monitored as it moves through Congress.
CSB Publishes First Summaries of Serious Chemical Incidents
The U.S. U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) has released its first set of incident summaries under the Accidental Release Reporting Rule (ARRR). Covering 26 chemical accidents across 15 states, the reports detail incidents that resulted in five fatalities, 17 serious injuries, and an estimated $700 million in property damage.
CSB Chairperson Steve Owens emphasized the importance of transparency, stating that the reports will provide insight into hazardous chemical releases that threaten workers, communities, and the environment. The agency plans to update the reports regularly, offering increased public access to chemical accident data.
Canada Implements New OHS Amendments on Emergency Planning and Exposure Limits
New amendments to Canada’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation took effect in early 2025, introducing strengthened regulations related to emergency planning for hazardous substances and updated exposure limits for workplace contaminants.
Emergency Planning Updates – February 3, 2025
Amendments to Part 5 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, which came into effect on February 3, 2025, expand emergency planning requirements to enhance worker protection in hazardous environments. These changes aim to minimize risks for workers and others in the event of an emergency involving hazardous substances.
The updated regulations emphasize proactive measures to ensure that workplaces handling hazardous substances are equipped with more comprehensive emergency response plans. Details of these changes can be found in Approved Amendments for Part 5, Emergency Planning, published by WorkSafeBC .
Exposure Limits Revision – January 29, 2025
Effective January 29, 2025, WorkSafeBC amended the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation to incorporate updated exposure limits for hazardous substances. These revisions are based on recommendations from the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH).
The new exposure limits are intended to better protect workers from harmful airborne contaminants and other hazardous substances in the workplace, ensuring alignment with current scientific and industrial safety standards.
Both amendments reflect a broader effort to improve workplace health and safety by integrating the latest research and risk management practices. Employers must ensure compliance with these updated regulations to maintain safe working conditions.
For more information, refer to WorkSafeBC's official publication on the amendments.
State and Territory (Australia)
Engineered Stone Re-Installation Allowed Under New Commonwealth WHS Exemption
Comcare has introduced a Work Health and Safety exemption allowing re-installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels, and slabs - a process previously banned under Australia’s 2024 engineered stone prohibition.
The exemption only applies to cases where:
This adjustment corrects an unintended consequence of last year’s silicosis-related ban, ensuring workplaces remain compliant while allowing necessary maintenance.
Prosecutions and Safety Trends in Victoria
WorkSafe Victoria finalized 109 successful prosecutions in 2024, with duty holders paying more than $13.3 million in fines and enforceable safety initiatives. This represents a drop from $16.1 million in penalties issued in 2023, partly due to fewer cases and the absence of extreme fines seen in previous years.
The largest fine of the year was $1.3 million against LH Holding Management Pty Ltd, marking the State’s first workplace manslaughter conviction. The case involved a worker crushed by a forklift operated unsafely on a sloping driveway. Other significant fines included:
The construction, manufacturing, and transport sectors had the highest number of prosecutions. Common hazards included unsafe machinery, crush risks, and mobile plant incidents. Notably, five employers were prosecuted for workplace violence, bullying, or harassment.
WorkSafe Victoria also announced charges against Lemitech Pty Ltd, a poultry farm operator, after a worker was fatally entangled in a conveyor belt with the safety guard removed. The company faces three charges for failing to implement adequate guarding and lockout procedures. WorkSafe warns that the safest workplaces are those where employers actively engage with workers and make safety a shared priority. Proactive safety measures and strong risk management systems remain key to avoiding tragic incidents.
New Guidance on Working from Home in Victoria
WorkSafe Victoria has released new guidance on managing health and safety risks for office-based workers, including those working remotely. The 136-page guide, Office Health and Safety: A Guide for Employers, highlights how working from home can change existing hazards or introduce new risks, such as:
Employers must consult workers to ensure home setups meet safety standards, considering factors like lighting, ventilation, trip hazards, and electrical safety. A working from home safety checklist is included in the guide, and inspections - either virtual or in-person - may be required. If risks cannot be controlled, working from home may not be suitable.
WorkSafe WA Warn of Medical Cannabis Risks in The Workplace
WorkSafe WA has warned employers about significant safety risks linked to medicinal cannabis use in the workplace. With over 100 medicinal cannabis products available, most lack approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), meaning they haven’t undergone full safety checks.
Key side effects include:
Safety-critical roles, such as mining, transport, construction, and mobile plant operation, are particularly at risk. Employers should manage medicinal cannabis risks like any prescription medication, by:
Employers are urged to educate workers on potential impairment and ensure workplace safety isn’t compromised.
WorkSafe Victoria Issues Ozone Exposure Warning
WorkSafe Victoria has issued a safety alert regarding ozone-generating machines after an incident at an aged care laundry left workers suffering from throat irritation and dizziness due to ozone exposure.
The regulator highlighted the risks of ozone inhalation, which can cause lung function impairment and exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD. Workplaces using ozone generators have been urged to implement controls such as automatic shutoff systems, continuous monitoring, regular maintenance, and comprehensive employee training on ozone hazards and emergency response protocols.
Other News
News
Ben Yole Racing Faces WHS Charges Over Fatigue-Related Crash
Ben Yole Racing Pty Ltd has been charged with five WHS breaches following a serious vehicle crash that left four young workers injured and four horses dead. The 20-year-old driver, who had been working an 18-hour shift, fell asleep at the wheel, causing the Ford Ranger towing an overloaded horse float to crash near Kempton, Tasmania. The company faces charges for:
The driver was previously convicted of negligent driving, and a workers’ compensation dispute revealed the company had no insurance. Ben Yole Racing’s poor safety record continues to attract scrutiny, with its owner recently suspended for three years for mistreating horses.
Coronial Inquiry Finds Safety Failures Led to Gas Cylinder Explosion
A Tasmanian coronial inquiry has ruled that a gas explosion that left a worker in a coma was caused by dangerous storage practices that ignored clear safety warnings. The acetylene cylinder was stored on its side inside a sealed toolbox on a flat-tray truck, defying manufacturer instructions that demand ventilation to prevent explosions. When the worker unlocked the truck, an electrical spark ignited the leaked gas, triggering the blast.
The inquiry noted multiple past WHS prosecutions involving gas cylinder explosions across Australia, reinforcing the well-known risks of improper storage. Coroner Simon Cooper stressed that acetylene cylinders must only be stored and transported as per manufacturer guidelines, with proper ventilation and external mounting to prevent leaks and ignition.
Cleanaway Fined Over 2022 Fire as New Blaze Erupts
Cleanaway Operations Pty Ltd has been fined $300,000 after pleading guilty to WHS breaches related to a 2022 fire at its St Marys liquid waste facility in Sydney. The penalty comes just as a new fire erupted at the same site this week, requiring over 100 firefighters and 20 fire trucks. The 2022 fire, caused by flammable gases escaping from a Hazpak machine, severely burned a worker. Investigators found that workers had previously raised concerns about gas leaks, and the equipment failed to meet industry safety standards.
This is not Cleanaway’s first major WHS breach. In 2021, it was fined $650,000 after a chemical fire in South Australia, making it the largest fine ever issued in the Commonwealth WHS jurisdiction at the time. The new fire at the facility was so intense that firefighters could not enter the site, relying on drones for damage assessment and tactical response. Exploding gas bottles and hazardous chemicals forced evacuations.
Hydro Demolition Incident Leads to $180,000 Fine
A hydro demolition company has been convicted and fined $180,000 after a worker suffered a severe degloving injury to his forearm due to safety failures during high-pressure water jetting on a bridge in Batemans Bay, NSW. The court heard that Silver Raven Pty Ltd removed a requirement for Kevlar protective gear just weeks before the incident, following concerns from workers about its weight. However, inadequate equipment and a lack of compliance checks contributed to the severity of the injury.
Key safety breaches included:
The judge noted that Silver Raven had strong safety systems, but the incident resulted from conscious disobedience of procedures. The company accepted responsibility and has since implemented further safety measures. SafeWork NSW emphasized the importance of strict compliance with risk controls and ensuring safety procedures are not compromised for convenience.
Court Rules Teenage Worker Was Entitled to Compensation
The family of a teenage girl who died in a workplace accident has won a landmark appeal, overturning a ruling that claimed she was not a worker. The 16-year-old was recruited for a one-day work trial as a roustabout in a shearing shed. During a lunch break, she was killed in a car crash while travelling to town with her brother and a co-worker.
Initially, her employer argued she wasn’t officially employed, citing a 1980 High Court decision that denied workers’ compensation to a man injured during a trial task. However, the NSW Personal Injury Commission ruled the cases were different - her employer needed more staff, agreed to pay her, and she performed real work that needed to be done. This decision confirms that short-term, casual work trials can qualify as employment, entitling workers to legal protections and compensation rights.
Worker Denied Compensation in Computer-Related Injury Case
A former Services Australia worker has lost her appeal for workers' compensation, after a tribunal ruled her claimed incapacity was outside the scope of her accepted injury. She initially suffered upper limb pain from excessive keyboard and mouse work, with a previous ruling acknowledging temporary aggravations linked to her job. However, her latest claim sought compensation for incapacity after leaving the job, citing ongoing symptoms.
The tribunal found:
The case highlights the importance of clearly defining workplace injuries, ensuring claims align with medical and legal parameters.
DP World Ordered to Reinstate Worker After Drug Test Dismissal
A Port Botany stevedore sacked for testing positive for cocaine metabolites has won his unfair dismissal claim, with the Fair Work Commission ruling his employer failed to properly communicate its drug policy. The worker admitted to using cocaine on his days off but stopped 24 hours before his shift. He argued he was not impaired at work, yet DP World dismissed him under its zero-tolerance policy.
The Commission found:
The worker was reinstated, but without backpay. The ruling reinforces the need for clear AOD policies and fair processes when managing workplace drug and alcohol testing.
Union Leader Appointed Chair of Safe Work Australia
Tony Maher, longtime Mining and Energy Union president, has been appointed Chair of Safe Work Australia (SWA), replacing former Rio Tinto safety chief Joanne Farrell. Maher has been an outspoken critic of mining industry safety culture, particularly at Rio Tinto, where he accused the company of fostering a climate of fear and harassment. His appointment signals a potential shift in WHS focus, likely bringing stronger worker advocacy and greater scrutiny of high-risk industries.
Fatigue Risks in Heavy Vehicle Industry Linked to Rising Road Deaths
Australia recorded its highest road toll in a decade in 2024, with 1,300 fatalities, including 179 involving heavy vehicles. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator warns that fatigue is a major factor, with a recent operation uncovering nearly 200 fatigue-related breaches, including:
Employers must ensure drivers adhere to work and rest requirements and regularly inspect and maintain vehicle brakes - especially on steep descents like Bulli Pass and Mount Ousley, where multiple fatal truck crashes occurred in 2024.
Worker Reinstated After Unfair Dismissal Over Medicinal Cannabis Use
A Tasmanian council has been ordered to reinstate a worker and provide more than six months' back pay after dismissing him for using THC-containing medicinal cannabis. While the worker failed to inform his employer of a prescription change, the Fair Work Commission found that the council acted hastily and should have considered alternative approaches, such as a return-to-work or rehabilitation program. The case highlights the importance of fair medical disclosure processes and reasonable accommodations for prescribed medications in the workplace.
Sexual Harassment Concerns Impact Talent Retention and Recruitment
A government-funded survey has highlighted the significant impact of workplace harassment on employee retention and recruitment. The findings show that a large majority of women and a substantial number of men would consider leaving a job if an employer failed to take workplace sexual harassment seriously. Despite recent legislative changes requiring employers to take proactive steps to prevent workplace harassment, many workplace leaders remain unaware of their legal obligations. The report also warns about the rising risk of technology-facilitated harassment, including AI-generated deepfakes, which are making harassment more pervasive in modern workplaces.
KFC Franchise Ordered to Pay $90,000 in Breastfeeding Discrimination Case
A former KFC assistant restaurant manager has been awarded $90,000 after successfully suing her employer for unlawful discrimination when it failed to provide suitable facilities for breastfeeding upon her return to work. The employer’s refusal to accommodate her request for a private space or to allow her to leave the premises to express milk led to significant physical discomfort and psychological distress. The ruling reinforces the importance of workplace flexibility and proper facilities to support working parents.
Report Warns of Vicarious Trauma in High-Exposure Workplaces
A new research report from the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust [NZ] warns that vicarious trauma - caused by repeated exposure to distressing materials or events - is a significant and often overlooked workplace hazard. The report calls for organizations to reassess their information-sharing policies to prevent unnecessary exposure to traumatic content, particularly in sectors such as social work, journalism, law enforcement, and customer service. By limiting the flow of traumatic materials and providing better mental health support, workplaces can reduce the long-term psychological risks associated with high-exposure roles.
Court Rejects Construction Worker’s Appeal Over Back Injury Claim
A Queensland construction worker who suffered a serious back injury while handling heavy mesh sheets has lost his appeal against a principal contractor. The court ruled that the worker's employer, rather than the principal contractor, was responsible for safe work systems, as the task was deemed specialized work that did not require additional oversight from the principal contractor. The ruling reinforces that subcontractors retain responsibility for the safety of their own employees, even when working under a principal contractor’s broader project scope.
Two Organizations Fined for Failures Leading to Student Death on School Trip
In Victoria, two organizations have been fined a combined total of $290,000 following the death of a teenage boy on a school trip to Vietnam. The court found that Kilvington Grammar School and World Challenge Expeditions failed to adequately prepare staff for managing the student’s type 1 diabetes, resulting in delays in recognizing the severity of his condition. The case underscores the critical need for robust medical risk management and proper staff training for school excursions and overseas trips.
These developments highlight the evolving landscape of workplace health and safety, with increased focus on psychosocial risks, procedural fairness in employment decisions, and the responsibility of employers to provide a safe and supportive work environment.
Employer Not Liable for Worker’s Heart Attack Despite Heat and Silica Exposure Claims
The NSW Personal Injury Commission has ruled against a widow's claim that her husband's fatal heart attack was caused by workplace exposure to heat and silica dust. The worker, a project manager on Sydney’s WestConnex project, suffered a fatal heart attack in September 2021 after experiencing severe chest pains at work. While evidence confirmed silica dust exposure, the commission found no direct link between this and the heart attack. The employer’s submission that the worker was stressed at home due to marital issues was strongly criticized, with the commission calling it "frankly appalling." The claim was ultimately dismissed due to insufficient medical evidence proving work-related causation.
AI-Powered Safety Monitoring Introduced Following Chemical Injury Incident
Ecostore Company Ltd in New Zealand has entered into an enforceable undertaking with WorkSafe New Zealand to improve safety following a chemical exposure incident that left a worker with permanent eye damage. As part of its commitment, Ecostore is introducing AI-driven workplace monitoring to detect safety breaches, such as forklift speed violations and improper PPE usage. The initiative follows a March 2023 incident where a worker was sprayed with chemicals while manufacturing dishwashing powder. Investigations found inadequate training, PPE provisions, and first-aid response. The AI system will send real-time alerts to managers and integrate safety discussions into regular workplace meetings.
Public Servant’s Psychological Injury Claim Upheld Due to Employer’s Failure to Consider Domestic Violence History
A senior public servant who suffered a psychological injury after being investigated for an undisclosed workplace relationship has won her workers’ compensation claim. The Administrative Review Tribunal found that the Federal Government employer failed to consider her history as a domestic violence survivor when informing her of the investigation. The tribunal ruled that the employer did not take reasonable steps to mitigate the mental health risks, such as allowing her to have a support person present. However, her claim that a subsequent interview aggravated her condition was dismissed, with the tribunal noting that investigative questioning could be inherently confronting.
These cases highlight the ongoing challenges in workplace safety, procedural fairness, and the duty of care owed to employees, particularly in managing psychosocial risks and ensuring fair disciplinary processes.
Monadelphous Engineering Associates Fined $685,000 for Workplace Fatality
Monadelphous Engineering Associates Pty Ltd has received the second-highest workplace safety fine in Western Australia’s history, amounting to $685,000 plus costs, after pleading guilty to failing to provide a safe work environment. The case involved the 2020 death of a worker crushed by a 648-kilogram metal frame while acting as a spotter during telehandler operations. The court found that neither worker involved had completed specific exclusion zone training. The company has since introduced stricter exclusion zone policies, but WorkSafe WA has urged all employers using mobile plant to review their safety procedures to prevent similar incidents.
Workplace Noise Linked to Increased Pregnancy Complications
A multinational study analyzing nearly 400,000 pregnancies from Nordic countries has revealed that workplace noise exceeding 80 decibels can increase the risk of gestational diabetes and mild pre-eclampsia. Researchers found that the physiological changes of pregnancy make workers more vulnerable to noise-related stress, which can affect maternal health. Safe Work Australia recommends lower noise limits for workplaces requiring high concentration. The study suggests that industries such as childcare, restaurants, and manufacturing should implement measures such as hearing protection, acoustic insulation, and noise reduction strategies to protect pregnant workers.
Victoria Sees a 27-Fold Increase in Silicosis Among Artificial Stone Workers
A new study has highlighted a dramatic surge in silicosis cases in Victoria, with a 27-fold increase in workers’ compensation claims from artificial stone workers between 2015 and 2022. Researchers found that nearly all affected workers were in the countertop industry, with a significant proportion born in Vietnam. The findings prompted Australia to ban artificial stone containing crystalline silica from July 2024. The study emphasized the need for ongoing government-funded screening programs, stronger regulatory oversight, and improved workplace safety measures to prevent further cases.
AIHS Transitions OHS Professional Magazine to Digital-Only Format
The Australian Institute of Health & Safety (AIHS) has announced that its flagship publication, OHS Professional Magazine, will move to a fully digital format from March 2025. The decision aims to improve sustainability, reduce costs, and enhance interactivity with multimedia content. AIHS has committed to reinvesting the savings into expanded professional development initiatives and new member benefits, including workplace mental health consultations and legal risk management services. The digital edition will be available on the AIHS member portal, and feedback from members is being encouraged.
Forklift Operator Sentenced Over Workplace Fatality
A forklift operator has been sentenced in the Victorian County Court after pleading guilty to breaching workplace safety laws in a fatal incident. Michael Gorman, a labour-hire worker, was moving a one-tonne sheet metal load at an automotive site near Geelong when the load became unstable and fell, fatally crushing his supervisor. A WorkSafe Victoria investigation found the load was not properly secured and Gorman had ignored safety protocols, including keeping a safe distance from pedestrians. He was convicted under the Occupational Health and Safety Act but received a six-month good behaviour bond due to the mental health impact of the incident, which left him with severe PTSD and depression.
Unsafe Conditions and Quotas Faced by PALM Scheme Workers
A new report has exposed the harsh conditions faced by meat processing workers under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme , revealing intense workloads, unsafe conditions, and exploitative treatment. The report describes how the $75 billion meat industry relies on these vulnerable migrant workers, who often work relentless production lines under extreme pressure.
Workers reported severe physical demands, often feeling like they were treated as "robots" to meet high quotas. Some were subjected to dangerous tasks without adequate breaks or support, while others faced racial discrimination, being assigned the most physically demanding roles based on stereotypes about their strength.
The report calls for stronger protections, including the power for workplace regulators to blacklist employers who fail to provide safe and fair working conditions. The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) has urged reforms to allow workers greater job mobility, so they can leave exploitative employers without losing their visas.
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Research Highlights
Study Identifies Workplace Risks for Debilitating Hand Condition
A Swedish study of nearly 240,000 construction workers has identified key occupational risks linked to thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis, a disabling condition that often requires surgery. Workers performing tasks that involve high grip force, pinch grip, repetitive wrist movements, hand-held tool use, heavy lifting, and hand-arm vibration face an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis, with some exposures raising the likelihood by 1.5 times.
High-risk occupations include:
Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease globally, and researchers suggest reducing repetitive handloading, vibration exposure, and wrist strain could prevent many cases. The study highlights the need for ergonomic interventions and workplace adjustments to protect workers from long-term disability.
Study Finds Job Resources Can Reduce Burnout in High-Demand Workplaces
New research involving nearly 34,000 employees has found that providing job resources - such as autonomy, skill variety, and social support - can significantly buffer against burnout, even in demanding environments
The study, published in The International Journal of Human Resource Management, highlights that high job demands lead to burnout, but this effect is mitigated when workers have sufficient resources. The findings emphasize the importance of structured feedback systems and balanced job design to enhance employee engagement and productivity while minimizing stress-related exhaustion.
Adapting Positive Safety Paradigms to Workplaces
New research from Queensland University of Technology has found that introducing new safety paradigms, such as "positive safety," must be tailored to fit the specific context of each workplace. The study, conducted in collaboration with Hutchinson Builders, examined how workers perceive and implement new safety concepts.
While most workers were open to these modern safety principles, the study found that different business units had varying levels of acceptance and implementation capability. This highlights the need for customized strategies to ensure safety concepts are not just understood but also effectively integrated into daily operations.
The findings suggest that construction companies should move away from rigid, top-down safety systems and adopt more flexible approaches that empower workers to make safety decisions in dynamic and high-risk environments. The study also warns that cultural factors can influence acceptance, meaning communication and training strategies must be adapted to resonate across diverse teams.
New Research Reinforces Multi-Level Approach to Psychosocial Risk Management
A new study from Denmark’s National Research Centre for the Working Environment has revised the hierarchy of controls for psychosocial hazards, reinforcing the need for multi-faceted risk management strategies.
Researchers examined case studies from nine Danish companies that implemented psychosocial interventions with support from workplace safety regulators. The findings highlight that higher-level controls, such as hiring more staff or restructuring work, had the most significant impact on reducing psychosocial risks like bullying, high workload, and unclear demands.
However, the study also found that a combination of interventions across different levels - from organizational changes to individual support measures - was essential for the best outcomes. The revised psychosocial hierarchy of controls encourages workplaces to prioritize elimination and substitution measures over individual-level interventions, while still using a flexible approach that adapts to workplace needs.
Researchers emphasized that employees should not be expected to adapt to harmful working conditions - rather, employers must design safer, healthier work environments that promote wellbeing, engagement, and productivity.
Wrap Up
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EHS Specialist
1 周Great read and very insightful, as always.
Safety Advisor
2 周Nice one, Jamie. Some really interesting outcomes in there!