January 1,  2012 sees the introduction of the new nationally harmonised workplace health and safety legislation,  which will impose a specific  duty on bosses (directors). This new obligation will see bosses jailed for up to three years and fined up to $600,000 for failing to demonstrate due diligence.

BACKGROUND:  At 4.30pm 4 /7/2001 on the Brookfield Multiplex site Hamilton Harbour Brisbane an electrical contact became fused within the hoist switch system resulting in the hoisted load going into free fall.

This factsheet has been developed to inform homeowners on issues related to asbestos. Any person required to remove asbestos needs to know how to do it safely. Included is a guide to types of asbestos, licencing, and useful contacts.

I asked a well known dogman last week how he saw the last ten years in commercial construction and whether things have changed for the better or worse. His weathered face looked up as he shook his head from side to side and said ‘I don’t know what it is mate but it doesn’t look like they have changed much at all over the past 10 years’.

History of Free standing Cranes, new technology now allows tower cranes to free stand up to 60meters. There is an expectation on tower crane drivers to climb up to 60 meters. It has become common practice for crane drivers to remain in the crane all day rather than make these dangerous descents to use site facilities. These cause serious OH&S problems. From 01 July all newly erected tower cranes must not require operators to climb over 30 meters.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland have identified three priorities for the construction industry in 2010-2011.  The largest increase in serious non-fatal workers compensation injuries have been injuries from falls from heights. This is an increase of a staggering 50% in the last five years. They now represent 15% of all serious injuries

A number of  failures have been reported in the 2000kg and 1000kg OKA chain blocks. Please review the Safety Alert for more information.

Keep your eyes out for adjustments to grinders around the on/off switch. Ensure all machines are inspected.

Recently there has been a fatality and serious injuries involving the use of portable ladders. Make sure you're up to date on the safe ways to use them.