A scrap metal recycler in Tottenham, Manhari International Pty Ltd, has been fined $40,000 after a contractor’s arm was caught in a machine which had the guarding removed. The company pleaded guilty to two charges of failing to ensure a workplace under its management or control was safe and without risks to health. The company was fined without conviction and ordered to pay costs of $4132. The incident occurred in August 2021, as the contractor was operating a shredding machine used to separate, compact and cut materials. The contractor noticed one of two conveyor belts was stopping and start ..read more

SafeWork SA has launched a six-month campaign targeting the risks associated with working in noisy environments. The campaign will raise awareness of noise-related risks and will include compliance audits across the manufacturing, warehousing, transport, construction and mining industries. SafeWork SA inspectors will assess how noise is being managed to prevent hearing loss of workers, in accordance with work health and safety regulations; this will include who and when hearing tests are required. Inspectors will also issue statutory notices to businesses where non-compliance is identified. N ..read more

Teletrac Navman, a connected mobility platform for industries that manage vehicle and equipment assets, and the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) have expanded their diversity and inclusion program as part of their continued efforts to support the transport industry in attracting and retaining a diverse workforce. The Teletrac Navman Driving Change Diversity program launched in 2020 and during the past three years, 28 diversity champions from across Australia have attended training where they learned to become advocates for inclusion in their workplaces. Titled ‘Driving Inclusion’, the ne ..read more

Aurion Machining Technologies has developed a clean-tech machining solution using ionised air as an alternative for metal working fluids and emulsions in parts manufacturing. Ionised air is suitable for achieving high-quality machining results; it is also environmentally friendly. The technology is designed to comply with modern sustainability regulations which require end-to-end clean-tech solutions. Disposal of used cutting fluids causes significant environmental contamination. Cutting fluid treatment and its release into the environment can lead to significant oxygen depletion and ..read more

i-team ANZ has launched the co-botic 45 robotic scrubber-dryer. Engineered to meet cleaning standards in commercial settings, the robotic scrubber-dryer is designed to maintain large spaces. Designed for almost all hard floor types, the scrubber-dryer handles repetitive and tedious tasks, such as scrubbing and drying large floor areas ranging from 200–1500 m². By doing so, it reduces the risk of repetitive strain injuries that cleaners often encounter when working on these tedious spaces. The robotic scrubber-dryer can operate 24/7 using two batteries, allowing for uninterrupted cleaning ..read more

Vuzix Corporation has launched the Vuzix Z100 smart glasses. Built using the Vuzix Ultralite OEM PlatformSM, these safety glasses-certified smart glasses are made for all-day wear. Using them, workers can get a human-centred connection to AI and work process applications, receiving updates, workflow and task confirmations, and notifications in real time. The smart glasses pair via Bluetooth with Android or iOS IOT devices. They represent a functional bridge between AI platform tools, where situational guidance can streamline workflows, and human workers can reap the benefits of a connected wor ..read more

Implementing ergonomic devices Ergonomic wearable devices, such as ones deployed in companies like Endeavour Energy, BSS Industrial and St John of God Subiaco Hospital, offer real-time feedback on posture and movement. They enable workers to understand and adjust their behaviours in real time, fostering a more intuitive grasp of ergonomic principles and serve as both a preventive measure and a tool for fostering a culture of safety, leading to significant reductions in injury risk. Data plays a crucial role here — by demonstrating the positive impact on safety and injury reduction, as seen in ..read more

A Sydney depot has found a simple but effective use for its shipping containers, enhancing height safety for workers in the process. In 2022, the Western Container Services depot expanded its electrical infrastructure, investing in a new 1400-amp electrical substation, which significantly increased its capacity for powered refrigerated shipping container storage. However, the existing solutions for accessing and monitoring these containers, such as ladders, cherry pickers or forklift personnel baskets, were deemed inefficient and potentially hazardous. “Working at heights has long been a lead ..read more

Since the introduction of industrial manslaughter legislation, organisations around Australia have become increasingly aware of the importance of vigilance and best practice on construction sites. This is especially true when it comes to working around powerlines, which pose a serious safety hazard to workers. Powerlines have caused many deaths and accidents on work sites that may have been prevented with greater care. Operating in Victoria, SafetySpotter provides a competent electrical safety spotter to watch over workers on these sites, helping them to avoid getting too close to powerlines ..read more

The ecoPortal unified WHS platform comes with 30+ modules and a native mobile app geared towards driving participation in safety. From best-practice incident and risk management, to contractor and visitor management, audits, inductions and more, the platform offers a comprehensive suite. The platform puts user experience first so it is easier for all workers to proactively report unsafe activity and tackle to-dos. With real-time data and the ability to auto-generate reports and send them instantaneously, stakeholders and boards can easily stay informed. In addition, managers can get a glimpse ..read more