Hydrofluoric acid is very corrosive, highly irritating and poisonous. Hydrofluoric acid burns can be severe and extremely painful, causing extensive damage or even death. Uses Some uses and sources...
Asbestos has recently been found in friction wear plates in the suspension systems of rail carriages. The new rail carriages were purchased between 2007 and 2014 and were imported from China. They...
In July 2016 asbestos was found in composite roof panels at the new Perth Children’s Hospital. The roof panels were imported from China and classified as “asbestos free”, but testing by a National...
In early 2020, an air-conditioning installer suffered a fatal electric shock while working in the roof space of a house. In Western Australia, it is a legal requirement to de-energise and isolate all...
WorkSafe has identified instances where demolition work was conducted without first removing asbestos-containing materials. Recently, workers may have been exposed to asbestos while carrying out...
In March 2020, a young worker was assaulted during a robbery by three males at a 24-hour service station. The worker was new to the job and was working alone for the duration of the night shift. At...
Despite all sporting, horse riding industry and education bodies promoting the use of safety approved riding helmets, it has been found that some cattle stations are allowing station hands to ride...
Medical practitioners undertaking health surveillance are required to have an understanding of the potential adverse health effects of inorganic arsenic and to use their clinical knowledge to advise...
In early March 2020, a demolition team was taking down a large industrial unit. The team had removed fire suppression pipework from the roof and collected portable fire extinguishers from around the...
This guide is aimed at those in control and those performing any work under or near to overhead power lines. It is particularly relevant where plant or equipment such as scaffold components, roofing...
The mental wellbeing of people at work is good for everyone and enhances personal and organisational success. Everyone has a role to play, both in looking after their own mental health and creating a...
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of synthetic chlorinated organic compounds which has played an important part in many industrial products. What are PCBs? PCBs are very stable chemicals...
If you have received an improvement notice, follow the four steps below. Improvement notice received Do you need more time or do you disagree? Complete Form 4 ; and Send to WorkSafe – Must be sent...
An employer can use this sample checklist when requesting as part of the working from home agreement that workers complete a self-assessment of the work space.
The Western Australian strategy and framework for the prevention and management of work-related musculoskeletal disorders are intended as useful resources for stakeholders who can influence...
There are serious health risks caused by exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) for workers in the stone benchtop manufacturing, finishing and installation industries. Cumulative exposure to...
The department has developed a checklist for employers and workers engaged in the fabrication and installation of stone benchtops. This checklist highlights safety issues with a focus on silica...
In 2019 WorkSafe Western Australia, together with Dial Before You Dig and the Health Department held information sessions aimed at demolition licence holders, with a focus on: the Occupational Safety...
WorkSafe Western Australia is the government agency responsible for regulating WA’s occupational safety and health (OSH) legislation. When incidents occur at workplaces, employers are required to...
A worker contracted a life-threatening respiratory infection with the bacteria Psychrobacter sanguinis . In the days immediately prior to contracting the infection, he had been cleaning biological...
WorkSafe is seeing ongoing non-compliance with wall chasing work, such as: Use of petrol powered saws without local exhaust ventilation (LEV) on-tool, exposing workers to toxic carbon monoxide;...