Mining Industry in Australia to Increase Safety

The NSW Mine Safety Advisory Council in Australia is taking measures to increase safety in mining operations. The push to have a goal of zero harm in the Australian mining industry will help foster a health and safe safety culture on the sites.

NSW Minister of Mineral Resources, Ian McDonald “congratulates the Council for continuing to work closely with industry and union leaders to address the major OHS issues.” The Council is focused on addressing the areas of culture change, fatigue, negative impacts of safety incentive schemes and production bonuses, the gap between OHS systems and practice along with contemporary health issues, including musculoskeletal disorders and OHS issues affecting contractors and inexperienced workers. (The Advertiser, 2009)

Mourning Ceremony for 160 Work-Related Fatalities in BC

The BC Federation of Labour, the Business Council of B.C., and the WorkSafeBC hosted a Day of Mourning ceremony on April 28 at Hastings Park in Vancouver. There were 160 work-related fatality claims in B.C. in 2008, up from 139 in 2007. In Alberta, there were 164 occupational fatalities in 2008, up from 154 in 2007. However, Alberta Minister of Employment and Immigration, Hector Goudreau noted that there is progress being made on the reduction of workplace injuries. (Journal of Commerce, 2009, http://www.journalofcommerce.com/article/id33617)

Accident Rates Drop Dramatically in Newfoundland

Jackie Manuel, Chief Executive Officer with the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Safety Association noted that they have experienced a 75% drop in accident rates in the construction industry over the past 13 years. (VOCM, 2009, http://www.vocm.com/news-info.asp?id=35915)

Work Stress is Major Safety Hazard in Canada

One workplace safety hazard that is often overlooked is work stress, as explored by the April 2009 Health and Safety Report issued by Canada’s National Occupational Health and Safety Resource. Stressed workers have difficulty concentrating and making decisions, become distressed and irritable, lost enthusiasm for the job, and suffer from fatigue, depression, and poor sleep. (Ergo-Web, 2009, http://www.ergoweb.com/news/detail.cfm?id=2336)