Forklift Kills Son

Monday 30 July 2007 1:00 p.m. AAP

A father watched in horror as a forklift truck fell on top of his son and fatally injured him in a tragic Rutherford accident - hours before the injured man was to celebrate his own son's 21st birthday.

Ambulance officers from Rutherford kept the seriously injured man alive and he was flown to Newcastle's John Hunter Hospital.

He died there shortly after an operation.

The accident happened outside the Hunter Valley Tile Mart in Hinkler Avenue, Rutherford, shortly after noon on Saturday.

Police said the 48-year-old man from the Central Coast had been loading a forklift onto a truck when the heavy vehicle fell on top of him.

The matter was now being investigated by Workcover NSW.

Workers ran from the tile mart and from adjoining premises in Hinkler Avenue to help.

Some said their first thoughts were that the man's injuries were so severe they thought he was dead.

"But the patient was breathing when we put the heart monitor on him - and he had a pulse and a heart rhythm," an ambulance officer said.

Oil Leak In Brisbane "Disaster Waiting To Happen"

Monday 30 July 9:00 a.m. AAP

AN oil pipeline which ruptured in Brisbane's south over the weekend, forcing the evacuation of 500 homes, has been described as an "environmental disaster waiting to happen".

Santos Ltd has begun an investigation into the cause of the leak in part of the Moonie to Brisbane pipeline.

The company said today that about 205 cu m of crude oil and water had been removed from the site at Algester in Brisbane.

The pipeline had been shut down and a section isolated, with the majority of surface oil recovered and storm water drains cleaned, the company said.

Oil would be trucked while the pipeline was repaired.

"The production impact of the incident is not material for Santos," the company said.

"Santos maintains appropriate insurance coverage for these types of incidents."

Residents were allowed to return to their homes on Saturday evening, and the clean-up is being overseen by the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency.

Ipswich City Council's environment spokesman Paul Tully called for the pipeline to be moved away from residential areas between Ipswich and Brisbane.

"It's an environmental disaster waiting to happen," he said.

The pipeline was built in 1964 and runs 300km from Moonie, in the state's south, past Toowoomba and through Ipswich and Brisbane's southern suburbs to oil refineries in Brisbane's east.

In March 2003 a leak from the same pipeline resulted in about two million litres of oil spilling into the Brisbane River.

"It's failed twice in four years and the company has apparently done nothing to fix the problem," Mr Tully said.

"Residents should not have to put up with this any longer."

Mr Tully accused Santos of failing to properly maintain the pipeline.

"I recently wrote to Santos on behalf of a Bellbird Park resident concerned about the pipeline and all I received was a reply blaming everyone but themselves for running a pipeline through a residential area," he said.

More Cancer Found In Hospital Workers

Friday 27 July 2007 8:00 a.m. AAP

ANOTHER 12 female employees from a Sydney hospital have been found to have breast cancer, bringing the current toll to 17 with more cases expected to be revealed.

Health Services Union spokesman Gerald Hayes told Fairfax newspapers the latest cases reported to him were past and present employees of the hospital's food services department.

A spokeswoman for Concord Hospital, in Sydney's west, said she expected to see “many more cases across the hospital”.

“It is important to remember that breast cancer is a relatively common disease and will affect one in eight women in their lifetime,” she told Fairfax.

“Therefore we expect to see many more cases across the hospital as there are approximately 1800 women working there at the moment.

“And there is likely to be many more who have worked there over the study period of 1998 to 2007.”

A formal investigation into a possible cancer cluster at the hospital began last week after five other women, who worked closely together, were diagnosed with breast cancer.

The union has written to WorkCover, seeking a full investigation, Mr Hayes said.

“We're certainly more concerned now than we were,” he told Fairfax.

At a meeting of 80 union members on Tuesday, a resolution was moved demanding the Sydney South West Area Health Service pay for all female employees to have mammograms.

NSW: Govt Renovations Halted Due To Asbestos

Wednesday 25 July 2007 AAP

The discovery of asbestos at the NSW State Library in inner-city Sydney has put "countless" lives at risk, a union official says.

Work safety body WorkCover stopped renovation work on the library on Wednesday after being alerted to the asbestos by Construction Forestry Mining Energy Union (CFMEU) members working on the site.

CFMEU NSW assistant secretary Brian Parker said the lives of countless workers and members of the public had been put at risk by attempts to cut corners on the job.

Mr Parker said the asbestos was detected on Monday but the builder failed to get a licensed hygienist to assess the contamination and determine safe ways to remove it.

Workers and members of the public passing by the site had been exposed to the risk until WorkCover shut down the site on Wednesday, he said.

"The lives of building workers and members of the community who access the library have been put at risk because the builder ... breached basic health and safety laws," Mr Parker said.

WA: Shed Relocation Crushes Man

Monday 23 July 2007 6:00 p.m.

A PERTH man was crushed to death today by a construction site shed that he was moving with a mini-digger transporter.

Worksafe, Western Australia's work safety watchdog, is investigating the 43-year-old man's death at Kelmscott in Perth's east this morning (WST).

The man had picked up the shed with the mini-digger and was reversing when the digger overturned and the shed fell on him, Worksafe said.

Worksafe was to interview witnesses.

VIC: $150,000 Fine For Ignoring Employee Safety Warning

Friday 20 July 2007 9:00 a.m. Worksafe Vic

WorkSafe said that today’s decision in the County Court, resulting in a $150,000 fine, was a warning to Victorian employers not to ignore safety concerns raised by their workers.

The County Court found the tree lopping company guilty of two breaches of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1985.

The company was prosecuted after an incident in April 2004 involving a 63 year old female who was struck by a truck owned by the company whilst sitting on a bench outside the Eltham Post Office in Main Road Eltham. She subsequently died from her injuries.

The driver of the truck had two days prior to the incident notified the employer of concerns relating to the safety of the vehicle, specifically faulty brakes and indicators.

WorkSafe Executive Director John Merritt said the tragedy could have been avoided if the worker’s concerns had been addressed.

“A family has lost a loved one and the driver of the vehicle who did the right thing in raising safety issues has experienced something that no worker should have to experience”

Mr Merritt said that the new Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, introduced after the incident, had increased measures to make sure that when workers raise safety concerns employers act on them in a timely manner.

“Consultation in the workplace between workers and employers is not only the law, it also saves lives” Mr Merritt said. 

The maximum penalty for breaches under the Occupational Healthy and Safety Act 2004 is more than $990,000.

QLD: NQ Chemical Spill On Street

Wednesday 18 July 2007 1:21 p.m. ABC News

A chemical spill yesterday in the centre of Bowen, in north Queensland, forced the evacuation of more than 12 shops.

Police say a small freight truck spilt five litres of formaldehyde after making a delivery just after 11:00am AEST.

Shops on Williams Street between Herbert and Gregory Streets were forced to shut for about two-and-a-half hours as emergency crews wearing protective suits worked to make the site safe.

The 35-year-old male driver of the truck and his 30-year-old female passenger were taken to Bowen Hospital to be treated for inhalation, but were released shortly after.

A 20-year-old female employed at a toy shop, where boxes were delivered, was also treated for chemical inhalation.

OHS News TIP: Chemical Handling Safe Work Procedure

VIC: Tractor Accident On Farm Claims LIfe

Tuesday 17 July 2007 7:04 a.m.

A Rushworth man killed in a tractor accident on Saturday has been described as a generous man who would help anybody.

Ivan Madi, 62, was killed after the tractor he was driving rolled while it was pulling up trees on a property on Gunn Rd, near Cleary Lane, south-east of Rushworth.

Worksafe Victoria was notified and attended the scene after the accident occurred just after 2 pm on Saturday.

Mr Madi was born in Croatia and moved to Melbourne in 1970 before relocating to Rushworth about 15 years ago.

Mr Madi's daughter Renata Madi, who cared for her father after he suffered a series of small strokes, said he lived for the land and loved his 40 ha hobby farm.

"He loved the land, loved the country," Ms Madi said.

"He had pigs, cows, chooks and turkeys."

Close friend Milos Vukcevic said the family had been rocked by the tragedy.

"He was a very good man, he would help any person, no matter what," Mr Vukcevic said.

Mr Vukcevic said Mr Madi was survived by his wife Marija, two daughters and two granddaughters.

A report is being prepared for the coroner.

OHS News TIP - Tractor Safe Work Procedure

NSW: Coal Train Kills Two Rail Workers

Monday July 16 07:39 a.m. AAP

Two rail workers were killed instantly when a coal train struck them as they worked along the rail line at Singleton in the NSW Hunter Valley before dawn.

Authorities say the dead men were wearing safety vests when they were hit by a northbound coal train about 5.50am (AEST), as they worked on the track at Singleton station.

The two men were signal technicians working for Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), which formerly was a commonwealth rail authority.

The ARTC notified Comcare, the federal workplace safety regulator, whose investigators were on the scene with NSW police.

"Comcare has commenced an investigation under the commonwealth Occupational Health and Safety Act," a spokesman said.

"NSW police have control of the accident site and our investigators are on the scene."

The spokesman said investigators had not yet determined what led to the men's death.

"It's far too early to talk about any specifics," he said.

ARTC chief executive David Marchant said the two men appeared to have been walking along the railway line when they were struck by the train.

"Prior to this, the two technicians had been working on points at Singleton railway station," he said.

Mr Marchant said the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) would also investigate.

The maximum civil penalty for a breach of occupational health and safety laws is $242,000 for a corporation while the maximum criminal penalty is $495,000.

Deputy Prime Minister Mark Vaile said the prayers of the federal government were with the families of the dead workers.

"We extended our sympathies and our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the two men who have lost their lives and, obviously, we will be providing all the support and counselling necessary for the families," Mr Vaile told reporters.

Mr Vaile, who is also the transport minister, said the ATSB was taking a "keen interest" in the accident.

"The direct jurisdiction for the investigation rests with the New South Wales Transport Safety Office, not withstanding that the line is actually operated and managed by the Australian Rail Track Corporation."

The men have not yet been formally identified.

Train services have been cancelled in the region this morning to allow the investigation to proceed.

RailCorp said the tragic incident had forced the cancellation of the 6.21am, 8.51am and 10.10am services between Maitland and Muswellbrook.

A spokeswoman said more cancellations might follow.

"We're trying to get buses at the moment ... we're just seeing how long it takes to clear track," a spokeswoman said.

"Until emergency clears the line we can't really run any trains."

The town of Singleton is on the banks of the Hunter River, just over 200km north-west of Sydney.

OHS NewsTIP - Accident Report Form

TAS: Dangerous Crane Has Been Removed

Monday July 16 2007 7:29 a.m. AAP

A CRANE which threatened to topple from the top of the Commonwealth Government Centre in Hobart, causing the evacuation of a nearby motel, has now been safely removed.

A crew was using a crane at ground level to remove another crane from the top of the Commonwealth Government offices when things went wrong at about 2.30pm (AEST) yesterday, Tasmania Police said.

The roof-based crane had been used to add two floors to the top of the building.

The crew was using the ground crane to bring the cabin and a part of the boom of the roof crane down when its arm buckled and twisted.

About 30 people were evacuated from the motor inn, and Macquarie Street, one of Hobart's busiest streets, was closed as the roof crane threatened to fall from the damaged arm.

Motel guests were sent to alternative accommodation for the night.

"Late yesterday evening, a 160 tonne crane arrived from Burnie, in the state's north, and was able to stabilise the collapsed arm of the second crane in an operation which was completed just before 2am (AEST) today," Tasmania Police spokesman Phil Pyke said.

"The head (cabin and boom) of the initial crane was finally lifted from the top of the Commonwealth Government Centre shortly after," he said.

"Roadblocks on nearby streets have been removed and morning peak hour traffic is expected to flow smoothly.

"However, Harrington Street, between Macquarie and Collins Streets, may remain closed as the dismantling of the fixed crane from the Commonwealth Government Centre continues into the morning."

The accident was the second involving a crane in Hobart in a month.

On June 20, a crane driver escaped uninjured when his crane fell and hung for hours at the highest point on the Tasman Bridge, east of the CBD.

TAS: CBD Chaos Over Crane Incident

Sunday 15 July 2007 7:55 p.m. AAP

PEAK-hour traffic in central Hobart will likely be disrupted tomorrow as crews work to dismantle a crane that threatened to collapse on a high-rise motel today.

A crew was using a crane at ground level to remove a crane from the top of the Commonwealth government offices when trouble struck about 2.30pm (AEST) today, Tasmania Police spokesman Phil Pyke said.

The roof-based crane had been used to add two floors to the top of the building.

"They were bringing the crane head down, the cabin and a small part of the boom, when it became insecure and threatened to fall on the Macquarie Motor Inn,'' Mr Pyke said.

"There was a twist in an arm of the crane that was doing the lifting.''

About 30 people were evacuated from the motor inn.

Macquarie Street, one of Hobart's busiest streets, was closed as the roof crane threatened to fall from the damaged arm.

Motel guests have been sent to other accommodation for the night.

The dismantling crew returned the roof crane to the top of the office building and were waiting for a second crane to arrive from Burnie, in the state's north-west, about midnight, Mr Pyke said.

While the situation was settled for now, there was still "an element of risk'' that the roof crane could collapse, he said.

Macquarie Street, a one-way street, is the main eastbound thoroughfare through central Hobart.

The street is expected to remain blocked at Molle Street into the morning peak hour tomorrow, Mr Pyke said.

This was the second crane accident in Hobart in a month.

On June 20, a crane toppled and hung for hours over the side of the Tasman Bridge, east of the CBD.

The driver escaped unhurt from the accident, which occurred during routine maintenance.

Only the bridge's guard rail stopped the rig from plummeting 30m to the Derwent River.

The bridge was closed until other cranes were brought in to right the toppled crane.

Grease Guns

QLD: Semi-Trailer Crushes Man

Saturday 14 July 2007 4:15 p.m. AAP

A MAN was crushed to death while attempting to hook up a semi-trailer earlier today near Monto, in south-east Queensland.

The 46-year-old man, from NSW, was found dead on Saleyard Road, south of Monto, about 10.30am.

He was found crushed under the rear wheels of a semi-trailer float.

A police spokeswoman said it was believed the man was attempting to hook a float onto the semi-trailer when the accident occurred.

Workplace, health and safety officers are investigating the incident.

OHS News TIP - Heavy Vehicle Drivers Manual

VIC: Teenage Falls Through Skylight

Friday July 13 2007 6:00 p.m. Fairfax

A teenage apprentice builder is in hospital with multiple fractures after falling through a skylight in Ringwood, in Melbourne's east.

The 15-year-old apprentice was working on a roof when he fell five metres.

WorkSafe acting Construction and Utilities spokesman Allan Beacom said that the incident had all of the elements of a disaster waiting to happen.

"The dangers of falling through skylights when working on roofs are well known, and we have worked extensively with the industry to highlight these dangers and the simple measures needed to prevent them," Mr Beacom said.

Mr Beacom said construction employers and workers needed to take preventative steps when working at height. He said all work from a height of more than two metres required some form of fall prevention system.

"This can be as simple as the use of rigid covers over skylights or penetrations, barriers or temporary platforms," Mr Beacom said.

Mr Beacom also said it was crucial that employers took into account the age of the worker and provided them with proper instruction, training and supervision.

"WorkSafe figures show that younger Victorian workers - aged 24 and under - have a higher rate of injuries requiring hospitalisation than their older and more experienced workmates," Mr Beacom said.

He said at least 11 per cent of all claims reported by workers aged 24 or younger resulted in hospital admission for at least one day.

"Young workers need more supervision and should never be left to work alone until they can demonstrate the skills required for their job," he said.

Mr Beacom said Worksafe Victoria was working with government departments, other statutory agencies and community groups on the need to develop guidelines regarding particular risks to young workers and how these risks can be controlled.

WorkSafe already operates a telephone advisory service on 1800 136 089.

Shell Oil Worker On His Way Home

Thursday July 12 9:45 a.m. AAP

Kidnapped Australian oil worker Jason Lane has been released alive but sick after a "horrific" ordeal at the hands of militant rebels in the Niger Delta.

The Queenslander was released overnight along with his four co-workers, a week after they were kidnapped from an Anglo-Dutch Shell oil rig.

His father Brian Lane says his son told him in a phone conversation shortly after his release he had contracted malaria during the ordeal.

"He's a little bit worse for the wear, he said it wasn't a picnic, he said it was the most horrific thing he'd ever been through," he told ABC radio.

Though the phone call was brief, Mr Lane says it was a welcome relief to speak to his son after a week spent on tenterhooks.

"What did I say? I said 'Thank Christ for that! Hope you're all right'. He just went through a few formalities, not very much, of what had happened.

"It was only about three or four minutes of speaking but it was a good three or four minutes."

Mr Lane and his co-workers, employees of Lone Star Drilling Company, were abducted by gunmen as they were working on the Shell oil exploration platform last Wednesday.

Militants have kidnapped about 200 foreigners, mostly oil workers, in the region since the beginning of 2006.

A ransom is generally demanded for their release but it is unclear if any money was paid in exchange for the release of the five.

The men declined to speak to journalists in Nigeria but they have reportedly told the Bayelsa State governor Timipre Sylva in a brief meeting that they were going back to their countries immediately.

OHS News TIP - Remote Area Work Policy

WA:Contamination Fears For WA Ports

Thursday July 2005 7:25 a.m. AAP

TWO West Australian towns are to be investigated for contamination following the discovery of heavy metal residues near their port boundaries.

Tests will include air monitoring and marine sediment sampling around Geraldton and Derby ports.

Preliminary scans and soil samples have found evidence of heavy metal residues following recent exports and ship loadings.

Thousands of bird deaths earlier this year in Esperance led to testing of residents which detected elevated lead levels in a number of children and adults.

This persuaded the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) to assess other ports.

DEC regulation director Peter Atkins said today investigations in the Geraldton and Derby ports would continue and further evidence of heavy metals within port boundaries was expected.

"We would expect to find some detection of heavy metals within ports, particularly around loading systems and equipment,'' Mr Atkins said.

"However, initial soil tests have shown lead at levels that prompt further investigation for environmental reasons on the boundaries of the Geraldton and Derby ports, and we will be looking into this in further detail in the coming weeks.''

Ports at Port Hedland, Kwinana, Bunbury, Albany and Wyndham will also be assessed.

VIC: Fall Victim Dies In Hospital

Wednesday 11 July 2007 9:16 p.m. Worksafe Victoria

A 35-year-old window cleaner has died in hospital after falling about 12 metres from a city office building on Sunday morning

WorkSafe believes the Kew man fell after an air vent gave way, causing him to fall into Bourke St near the intersection of Exhibition Street.

The incident follows another serious fall from height last Wednesday at the Watergardens Shopping Centre in Melbourne’s north.

In that incident, a 22-year-old man fell about five metres to the ground while sealing glass panels.

He remains in the Alfred Hospital.  

WorkSafe’s Executive Director, John Merritt, said falls from height were among the single biggest causes of workplace deaths and serious injuries.

Four of the 17 deaths reported to WorkSafe this year have been the result of falls. 

“Apart from fatalities, the chance of becoming a paraplegic or quadriplegic or suffering brain damage is high.

“What workers and their employers must understand is that the safe means of working at height are well established and that they have very clear interests in ensuring they are used.

“Poor planning, rushing to get work done, and using inadequate equipment can be disastrous and affect not only individuals, but families, workmates, employers and the broader community.”

Fatal falls in Victoria since January 1 2007

27 March: A Bendigo man died on after falling from a pergola;

6 May: A man fell from a ladder at Quambatook;

7 May: A ceiling plasterer fell from a trestle at a Northcote house under renovation;

25 June: Window cleaner falls12m in central Melbourne 

OHS News TIP - Working At Heights Safe Work Procedure

VIC: Family Business Fined For Son's Injuries

Wednesday 11 July 2007 8:55 p.m. Worksafe Victoria

A construction company has been convicted and fined $15,000 after the director’s son was seriously burned in a construction site explosion at Niddrie last year.

The injured man was only released from hospital two weeks ago and is still undergoing rehabilitation.

Magistrate Barry Docking said the 31-year-old’s injuries would be a constant, lifelong reminder to the director of what happened to his son and this significant factor was reflected in the sentence.

Stamboulis Constructions Pty Ltd pleaded guilty at the Sunshine Magistrates Court today to one charge under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004.

The court was told the explosion was caused by the arc welder electrod

The drum had a red ‘flammable liquid’ label and other warnings. Users were also required to refer to the product’s material safety data sheet.

WorkSafe’s Construction and Utilities Program Director, Geoff Thomas, said the incident and the dreadful consequences for the injured man and his family could have been avoided if the company purchased appropriate trestles.

“Incidents with tragic and traumatic permanent consequences are not uncommon.

“Ensuring people have a safe working environment and the equipment to do the job safely is a fundamental requirement. It’s not just the law, it’s the right thing to do.”   

“Everyone has a right to a safe workplace just as they‘re entitled to go home at the end of the day. In this case, the injured man has permanent injuries and the lives of everyone involved have been devastated.”

“Families bear the brunt of workplace injuries. They don’t have to, if everyone in the workplace protects themselves and their colleagues.” 

The charge:

s21 Duties of employers to employees

(1) An employer must, so far as is reasonably practicable, provide and maintain for employees of the employer a working environment that is safe and without risks to health.

(2)Without limiting subsection (1), an employer contravenes that subsection if the employer fails to do any of the following:

(a) provide or maintain plant or systems of work that are, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe and without risks to health.

OHS News TIP - Job Safety Analysis Worksheet

WA: Construction Worker's Leg Pierced

Wednesday 11 July 2007 6:15 p.m. Source: AAP

A CONSTRUCTION worker has been seriously injured on a Perth building site, according to a construction union.

The West Australian branch of the Construction Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) said today a steel reinforcing rod pierced nearty 20cm up the worker's leg.

Another rod scraped his face, narrowly missing an eye.

He was taken to a Perth hospital for treatment, but his condition was not known.

"The CFMEU has always emphasised that the construction industry can be a dangerous one and this is just another example, CFMEU WA assistant secretary, Joe McDonald, said.

"It has been and will continue to be my main priority to ensure that construction workers remain safe.''

Earlier today, Mr McDonald made a brief appearance in the Perth Magistrates court to face six trespassing charges for allegedly illegally entering Perth construction sites.

The union heavyweight also faces expulsion from the Labor Party after video footage showed him abusing a company representative who had told him to leave a building site.

OHS News TIP - Accident Report Form

NSW: Auger Accident Victim Dies

Wednesday 11 July 2007 6:12 p.m. Source: AAP

Griffith detectives and the Forensic Service Group are investigating the death of a local man in a freak farming accident at Tabbita on Monday night.

Noel Simpkin, 63, died after becoming caught in an auger while extracting livestock feed from a silo on his property.

Police and emergency services were called to the scene at around 9.30pm after receiving information a man had been caught in machinery.

Griffith LAC duty officer Acting Inspector Scott Glynn said on Tuesday the coroner would investigate the death.
“We’ve got to be in contact with the coroner today in relation to a post mortem,” he said.

A spokesman for WorkCover said it was investigating the incident but was unsure if it fell within their jurisdiction.

OHS News TIP - Auger Safe Work Procedure

QLD: Truck Load Of Grain Buries Man

Wednesday July 11 2007 3:35 p.m. Source: AAP

A man has been admitted to hospital after being buried under a load of grain on a farm in central Queensland.

A 19-year-old man from Glenden, near Mackay, was standing near the rear of a tilt tray truck carrying grain when its load was dumped quicker than expected, police said.

He was buried under the grain for almost four minutes before he was dug out and taken to Mackay Base Hospital.

He remains in a stable condition.

Workplace Health and Safety officers are investigating the accident.

OHS News Recommendation - Safe Loading and Unloading of Trucks Safe Work Procedure

NSW: Oil Leak Mixes With Explosives On Ship

Wednesday 11 July 2007 10:03 p.m. Souce: AAP

FIRE crews are working to avoid a potential explosion of leaking oil and ammonium nitrate on board a cargo ship near Newcastle.

About 1.20am (AEST) this morning, a ship crane was loading 500 1.2 tonne bags of ammonium nitrate onto the vessel at Kooragang Island, just north of Newcastle.

Leaking oil from the hydraulic crane landed on a number of the sealed bags, raising the alarm and prompting fire crews to step in.

A no-go area has been established to minimise the chance of anything that may cause the dangerous combination to explode.

"We'd have a large explosion but what we have done is we've established a hot zone of 100 metres so no one goes inside the hot zone," a NSW Fire Brigades spokesman told Macquarie Radio.

"Fire crews are keeping an eye out ... making sure that there's no ignition sources."

A replacement crane is being sought and crews expect to begin unloading the bags around 8am.

NSW: $178,000 Fine For Worker Being Killed Third Day At Work

Wednesday 11 July 2007 8:00 a.m. AAP

THE mother of a teenage building worker killed on his third day of work says the justice system has failed her after the $1.9 billion firm responsible for her son's death escaped with a paltry $178,000 fine.

Joel Exner, 16, died on an Australand building site in 2003 and for four years his mother Sue Baxter has been fighting for justice.

But that battle has come to a sad end: after two Industrial Relations Commission decisions, a coronial inquest and a host of safety breaches - not one individual person has been fully held to account.

The last straw was a decision by the IRC late last week that penalised Australand - which boasts of a market capitalisation of $1.9 billion and $3.3 billion in assets - just $178,000.

The IRC decision has also highlighted the failure of the State Government's WorkCover Authority to pursue any of the property giant's directors personally.

That decision came despite WorkCover controversially seizing the prosecution from the Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union on the promise that it would throw the book at Australand.

"I think it's pathetic actually," Ms Baxter told The Daily Telegraph yesterday.

"WorkCover had said they were going to bring the full weight of the law to bear on all who were involved and I don't see how they've done that.

"All I want is justice and it hasn't been done."

The CFMEU had initiated the prosecution against Australand in 2005, when WorkCover had failed to act two years after Joel's death.

However the agency then said it was preparing a case and convinced the CFMEU to drop its own proceedings.

The contractor which directly employed Joel when he died, JB Metal Roofing, may never pay a cent of the $200,000 it was fined last month because it has gone into liquidation.

The father and son team behind the firm, Garry and James Denson, were personally fined $55,700 between them but escaped jail because the incident occurred before the introduction of industrial manslaughter laws.

Ms Baxter said employers would continue to flout the law and put lives at risk as long as directors were not held personally responsible for their company's actions.

"It's just change in their pockets, it's nothing," she said of the Australand fine.

CFMEU secretary Andrew Ferguson said: "It is outrageous that in Australia a 16-year-old boy on his third day of work would be put in a dangerous environment which caused him to plummet to his death".

WorkCover CEO Jon Blackwell said there was not enough evidence to proceed against Australand's directors.

OHS News Tip - OHS Induction

VIC: Major Court Decision Paves The Way

Tuesday 10 July 2007 11:00 a.m. AAP

AN Albury solicitor says the Victorian Government faces the prospect of paying additional compensation to potentially 1000 or more WorkCover and Transport Accident Commission claimants after losing an appeal at the Victorian Court of Appeal last week.

The court endorsed an earlier decision by the Supreme Court that found the WorkCover Authority and the Victorian Medical Panel had used the wrong methodology in assessing the extent of the impairment suffered by Wodonga’s Paul Taylor who was involved in a truck accident near Benalla in 1997.

John Binnie, of Belbridge Hague, who fought the case with the firm’s partner Peter Simpson, believes Mr Taylor’s case will open the way for further compensation for those who have been incorrectly assessed for almost a decade.

He said the case was one of the most important injury cases determined in Victoria in a number of years and it had been one of the first files he had opened when he first went to work for Belbridge Hague.

“Hopefully this case is the end of a sorry saga which short-changed potentially a thousand or more injured workers and motorists who underwent spinal surgery,” Mr Binnie said.

“With the decision last week it’s now up to the Government to pay up so that injured people who have been waiting for almost 10 years can now receive what they are rightly entitled to under the law.”

Mr Binnie said the existing Workcover guides made it clear that for spinal injuries the structural damage done at the time of injury is the best indicator of long-term impairment.

He said the Government agencies had inappropriately influenced medical examiners to ignore this provision and this incorrect assessment method had been applied in Victoria since 1997.

“We believed strongly in this. I wrote to the editor of the guides who confirmed our interpretation and that gave us the encouragement to move forward,” he said.

Mr Binnie said he believed the assessment methods were tough enough without inaccurate interpretation encouraged by government bodies.

“The method used by WorkCover and the TAC in assessing injury claims involves applying an “impairment score” to the injured person using mandated American guides,” Mr Binnie said.

VIC: OHS & EPA Issues Given Green Light

Monday 9 July 2007 2:00 p.m.

Work resumed on Geelong’s $80 million TAC building yesterday but the source of a stink that drove workers off site remained a mystery.

A worker fell ill as colleagues and nearby businesses complained of the smell last week before the EPA and WorkSafe ordered a site shutdown.

Jason Smith, of building developer FKP, said tests had only established the source of the stink was a “hydrocarbon”.

“We don’t know exactly what it was,” he said.

“The substance has been tested and deemed not to be detrimental to the health of workers onsite or anyone offsite.”

Mr Smith said workers would spend the next few days removing the substance, which he described as like a smelly soil with a “greenish” colour, before resuming work on the building next week.

The worker who fell ill had fully recovered, Mr Smith said.

NSW: Union Complaints Continue About OHS Issues

Monday 9 July 2007 Source: ABC

The forestry union says it has concerns about a Blayney timber mill, in central western New South Wales, which has been approached by WorkCover twice this year to improve safety standards.

Craig Smith from the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) says he understands the timber mill has followed WorkCover's recommendations.

However, he says the timber mill is still under investigation by the union.

"Clearly there is a bad culture of safety at this particular workplace," he said.

"There still remains concerns about the safety of some of the machinery and equipment in the place, whether operators of various [machines] are properly qualified and licensed to operate that equipment, including forklifts and loaders.

"Those are the sort of issues that still remain.

"The reasons for that may be a lack of education on the management's part, it may be just a simple don't care attitude, it could also have a lot to do with the financial capacity of the owners of the mill to properly install or put these safety measures in place."

However, the production manager at th mill, Andrew Ellich, says staff are well informed about safety issues.

"The managing director has a degree in business and safety and what not and, yes, there's not a problem with staff training," he said.

"I have even ... requested the union to send a delegate on site with WorkCover to go through safety concerns that they may have and I've received no response from them."

Mr Ellich rejects the union's allegations and says safety has improved dramatically since WorkCover issued the recommendations.

"We are currently undergoing training with TAFE NSW for level three certification in saw milling for all employees on site," he said.

"We have also contacted WorkCover. WorkCover has been on site several times regarding the alleged claims from the CFMEU and WorkCover has found working conditions to be satisfactory."

New Comp Laws Aren't Enough For Jockey

Sunday 8 July 2007 8:00 a.m. Source: SMH

MORE than four years after a racing accident ended a promising career as a jockey - and immobilised half her body - Kaylene Gillman's long ordeal is almost over.

Ms Gillman, who was thrown from her mount during a race in Newcastle in February 2003, has lodged a claim for $250,000 in compensation.

But she remains angry that, under NSW laws, her multiple injuries are worth so little.

"I know people have abused the system," she said, with a slight slur in her voice, a legacy of her shocking fall. "But it's only common sense to distinguish between compensation for severe and petty injuries."

Doctors and medical specialists say Ms Gillman has suffered partial brain damage, the partial loss of eyesight, a fractured neck, a leg broken in three places and psychological trauma. She walks with a permanent limp, has had a metal rod inserted, removed and reinserted into her right leg, and her right hand is often curled into a claw.

"I feel like going to Parliament and cuffing myself to the gates and saying they should wake up to themselves and realise the suffering of injured people," she said.

In a letter to Ms Gillman, NSW Industrial Relations Minister John Della Bosca pointed out that, under the law, all her medical bills were covered and she was entitled to a lump sum of $250,000, up from $171,000, as part of changes to the state's victim compensation laws in 2002.

But Ms Gillman says compensation amounting to $5000 a year for next 50 years could not make up for the loss of a career, in which she rode to victories worth $190,000 in just three years.

She now works for Racing NSW as an administrative assistant and will never ride competitively or drive a car.

Australian Lawyers Alliance president Maurie Stack, whose organisation campaigns for victims' rights, said Ms Gillman was trapped in a legal no man's land.

"Under current laws, Kaylene can still pursue a claim for damages for negligence," said Mr Stack. "But she is caught in a catch 22.

"She could recover perhaps $100,000 to $200,000 for loss of earnings but she would lose forever her right to future medical expenses, which could run to a lot more."

Mr Stack said under pre-2002 laws, Ms Gillman might have recovered damages of more than $1million.

Fatigue Still An Issue For Heavy Vehicle Operators In Victoria

Friday 6 July 2007 ABC

Worksafe has called on transport companies to take more responsibility for fatigue management.

A Bibra Lake company was recently fined $20,000 for failing to comply with the state's fatigue management laws.

The Transport Company was found guilty of two counts of a driver not having the required rest breaks and two counts of drivers not being certified as medically fit.

Worksafe Commissioner Nina Lyhne says the industry appears to be listening to the fatigue message but more care needs to be taken.

"Statistics show that a large number of vehicle crashes are attributed to fatigue, and certainly for commercial vehicle drivers who are driving long distances over extended periods of time fatigue is a critical issue," she said.

OHS News Recommendation - Heavy Vehicle Drivers Manual

1200 Workplace Injuries In Five Years

Friday 6 July 2007 4:30 p.m.

MORE than 1200 people were significantly injured at Wimmera workplaces at a cost of $18.3 million in the past five years.

The figures, released by WorkSafe Victoria, show the number of people in each municipality who have missed work for 10 days or more and have incurred $530 or more in medical bills.

But Worksafe Victoria spokesman Michael Birt said the figures for each municipality were not above the state average, and overall workplace injuries were declining across the state.

"In the scheme of things in Victoria, it's not particularly huge," he said.

"In fact West Wimmera was the second lowest in the state."

Mr Birt said a lot of incidents were not reported in rural areas.

"In country areas, there is an element of people soldiering on," he said.

Mr Birt said deaths and gruesome injuries received the most publicity but it was significant injuries that recorded the highest figures.

"We want people to take work safety as seriously as they take road safety," he said.

"If Horsham was experiencing that many significant injuries through road accidents, then people would be calling for something to be done about it."

Mr Birt said men aged in their mid 40s and over were the worst affected.

"They're often experienced people, who can become complacent and over- estimate their capacity to do the job, and they have previous injuries," he said.

"Sixty per cent of WorkCover claims refer to muscular handling."

Hydrocarbons Blamed For Stop Work

Friday 6 July 2007 2:55 p.m. The Advertiser

HYDROCARBONS caused work to stop at Geelong's $80 million TAC relocation site, testing revealed yesterday.

Property developers said soil contaminated with hydrocarbons, a product of crude-oil used in petroleum and other fuel products, were behind fumes and odour at the Brougham St site.

Excavation unearthed the contamination and led to one worker being hospitalised and the state's environmental watchdog to step in. Workers returned to the site yesterday to start removing the contaminated soil before construction work would continue next week.

Last week site managers stopped work when one worker, already suffering from gastroenteritis, fell ill and the Environmental Protection Authority received complaints of odour from the site. Project developer FKP Property Group yesterday confirmed the hydrocarbon contamination, which was not expected to cause any lasting health effects.

State executive general manager Jason Smith said the firm had worked with Worksafe Victoria and the environment watchdog in planning to remove the soil.

``There was an odourous substance discovered in the soil and now our construction management plan has been updated to reflect that,'' he said.

``There will be between three and four days' work to remove  the material in a safe manner and then its full-steam-ahead once again.''

Mr Smith said the developers had previously found and removed soil with low-level contamination but the latest chemical substance discovery was more concentrated.

It was understood the contamination came from dumping during a previous period of industry on site.

WorkSafe spokesman Paul Fallon said the site would be monitored to ensure safety.

``We're still working with them to make sure they meet their obligations to the workers and to the public,'' he said.

Last week the environmental watchdog issued developers with a notice to stop on-site odours after receiving several community complaints.

WorkCover Fine $200,000 For Inadequate Safety Procedures

Friday 6 July 2007 1:49 p.m. ABC

The New South Wales Fire Brigades has been fined $200,000 in relation to a fatal factory fire in the Hunter Valley in December 1999.

The fire and explosion in a cotton meal silo at the Caines factory at Rutherford claimed the lives of three workers, while the local fire brigade captain was badly burnt.

Justice Roger Boland has found the NSW Fire Brigades did not provide its workers with proper training and failed to ensure their health and safety in dealing with the fire.

Justice Boland agreed with WorkCover that occupational health and safety breaches had occurred and fined the company a total of $200,000.

Fire Brigades says it has offered its condolences to the families of the men killed and has taken significant steps to improve its procedures, equipment and training in relation to dealing with silo fires.

WorkCover Claimant Sent To Jail

Friday 6 July 2007 3:40 a.m. The Advertiser

AN OBSESSED WorkCover fraudster has been urged to use his five-month jail term to "drag his life back from the edge of destruction".

Adelaide Magistrates Court yesterday sentenced Jeffrey Ian Thompson to two years and four months in jail, with a five-month non-parole period. It further ordered he pay the corporation $150,000 in damages, court and investigation costs.

The former tuna diver was found guilty of 16 counts of defrauding WorkCover.

In sentencing, Magistrate Bill Ackland said the 42-year-old, of Victor Harbor, had claimed $590,000 from WorkCover after being diagnosed with the bends in 1994.

A total of $10,854, however, was claimed after he had recovered and been caught on video in a European holiday.

Mr Ackland said Thompson had spent 13 years "obsessed" with WorkCover, believing it had conspired with his ex-wife to ruin him.

He said Thompson had made that crusade "his life".

"There is some comfort in considering oneself as a perpetual victim but that comfort is misleading and can be destructive," he said.

The court heard Thompson's new wife would return to Russia if he were jailed.

It also heard his son, 14, would be "forced" to live with his ex-wife, against the boy's wishes.

Mr Ackland said suspending the sentence would be a difficult decision.

"He may respond by resolving to do all he can to drag his life away from the edge of destruction and toward a modest but fulfilling redemption, a cathartic opportunity," he said. "On the other hand, he may regard it as another setback in the continuing conspiracy that he has devised as a substitute for honesty and healing introspection."

Mr Ackland said the fraud was too serious for anything other than jail time. He hoped a short non-parole period would help Thompson rehabilitate.

Job Site Stops Work Over Falling Concrete

Friday 5 July 2007 5:40 p.m. The West

FALLING concrete has prompted workers to walk off the job at a Perth building site where union hard man Joe McDonald was caught on video abusing a construction manager over safety.

Big chunks of concrete fell up to 17 floors at the Q-Con construction site on St Georges Terrace in Perth's central business district today, sparking safety concerns.

WA safety watchdog WorkSafe sent two officers to investigate at the behest of Mr McDonald, assistant state secretary of the Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU).

Mr McDonald said most of the workers walked off the site, fearing they might die.

Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd called for Mr McDonald to be dumped from the ALP last month after video footage taken at the Q-Con site showed him swearing and abusing a Q-Con construction manager.

Between insults, Mr McDonald tells the manager he is trying to hold a union meeting over safety issues at the site.

Mr McDonald said today the workers did not feel safe at the site.

"This is not about me, this about a health and safety issue,'' Mr McDonald said.

"Someone is going to get killed... it's an absolute joke.

"This is always what it's been about, there was another accident here this morning, now everybody's off.''

Communication and Electrical Plumbing Union organiser Peter Carter also said the site was dangerous.

"I've seen some of the concrete that's fell down 15 to 17 floors,'' Mr Carter said.

"And if anybody was underneath that, regardless of hard hats or safety boots I believe we would have faced at least one fatality.

"It seems as if the concrete panel that was supposedly holding the concrete in place on the floor while it was getting poured blew out.

"It wasn't strong enough.''

Q-Con declined to comment on the walk-off.

OHS Recommendation - Incident Report Form

Farm Safety Audit Developed

Thursday July 5 2007 7:40 p.m.

With farms among Australia’s most dangerous workplaces - about 150 people lose their lives each year - the Kondinin Group has produced a safety audit that can be completed in about 15 minutes.

The initiative is designed to help producers protect themselves and workers against injury, plus provide tips on how to comply with Occupational Health and Safety legislation.

Kondinin Group’s audit has been developed in association with WorkCover, NSW.

The objective is for farmers to identify, more accurately, safety hazards and possible ways to alleviate or minimise risks.

The audit covers the safe use of machinery, chemicals, silos and field bins, as well as more general farm safety issues.

By law, when carrying out a farm safety audit, farmers need to involve farm workers who often have the best knowledge of existing safety hazards and possible ways to eliminate risks.

The audit should be reviewed at least annually or ideally, more often, for example at the start of sowing, harvest or shearing, according to Kondinin Group.

Australian Worker Kidnapped On Shell Oil Rig

Thursday 5 July 2007 9:24 a.m.AAP

An Australian and two New Zealanders are among five expatriates kidnapped by gunmen from a Shell oil rig in the Niger Delta in southern Nigeria, industry sources say.

Jason Lane was abducted alongside Bruce Klenner and Gottard Brene from New Zealand, Lebanese George Saliba and Andreas Gambra from Venezuela.

Employed by a company called Lone Star Drilling, they were in the process of drilling a well for Anglo-Dutch oil giant Shell in the Soku region when they were seized.

The attack came as the rebel Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), responsible for most of the violence that have crippled the Nigerian oil industry, called off a one-month truce.

But a MEND spokesman said the group was not involved in the overnight raid on the Royal Dutch Shell rig.

"Early this morning there was an attack on a Shell facility at Soku. Armed men came in several boats, opened fire on security and abducted five expatriates," said an oil industry source in the regional capital Port Harcourt.

Industry sources said those kidnapped were one Australian, two New Zealanders, one Venezuelan and one Lebanese.

The information could not immediately be verified with authorities.

It was not clear if the attack disrupted oil production. Soku is an island in the coastal area of Rivers state where Shell has several oil rigs, some of which were targeted by militants in the past.

The kidnappings raise to 15 the number of foreign hostages being held by different armed groups in the Niger Delta.

News of the attack and of the MEND's decision to call off its truce are a blow to President Umaru Yar'Adua, who came to power on May 29 promising urgent action to bring peace to the oil-producing region.

Thousands of foreigners have fled the region because of a surge in kidnappings. About 200 expatriates have been abducted since early 2006. Most were released unharmed in exchange for ransoms.

In Canberra, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said it was seeking information about the abduction.

"We're aware of reports of the kidnapping of five foreign nationals, including an Australian, in Nigeria," a DFAT spokesman said.

"The Australian High Commission in Abuja is seeking further details."

OHS News Recommendation - Remote Area Work Policy

$118M Saved On Workers Compensation

Thursday 5 July 2007 7:36 a.m. The Advertiser

SOUTH Australian local governments have saved more than $118 million over the past 21 years through the private workers' compensation scheme.

This includes nearly $14 million in the past year.

Local Government Association Workers Compensation Scheme board chairman John Ross said claims had decreased by 6 per cent last year, the 14th annual fall in a row.

"This is a tremendous result and continues the workplace safety trend which local government has been working towards," he said.

"Good management of the occupational health and safety systems, which has had strong union support, has reduced the number of claims from one in every three employees in 1994 to a current rate of one in every 10.7 employees." Mr Ross said a recent independent review confirmed that, on average, workers' compensation accounted for 2.61 per cent of local government salary costs, well below the benchmark rate set by WorkCover for local government of 5.2 per cent.

"Within its contribution rates, the LGA WorkCover Scheme also provides a range of other services to councils including Occupational Health and Safety, Health and Wellbeing programs and rehabilitation support," Mr Ross said. Former LGA president John Rich said the achievements of the scheme were fantastic, especially as the total number of local government employees covered had risen from 7384 in 1994 to 9216 in 2007 - an increase of 24.8 per cent.

"Savings are important but it is also important that more people working in Local Government are operating in a safe work environment," he said.

Mr Rich said further proof of the success of the scheme was demonstrated by WorkCover audits of councils.

WorkCover, which licenses self-insured employer schemes, has extended the LGA scheme's licence by the maximum of three years each time it has been due for renewal.

"We are, and should be, justly proud of our workers' compensation scheme," Mr Rich said. "The LGA is committed to maintaining what is arguably the best and fairest workers' compensation scheme in Australia."

Rail Worker Remembered

Thursday 5 July 2007 6:10 a.m. The Daily Telegraph

FAMILY gathered yesterday to honour a worker who died on the Chatswood-Epping rail project as it emerged WorkCover has launched action against two contractors.

Two years ago, 23-year-old plant operator Luke Bandrowski died while working on the rail link after he suffered a heart attack while working a 12-hour shift.

Mr Bandrowski fell into a sediment pond at the North Ryde construction site and his body was not recovered until 15 hours later.

Colleagues at a memorial yesterday said had a barrier been erected around the pond, the heart attack victim may have been revived.

The Daily Telegraph has learned WorkCover NSW has filed two charges in the Chief Industrial Magistrates Court this week against contractors Thiess Pty Ltd and Hochtief.

They allege the companies failed to ensure the health and safety of their workers.

"This does not relate to a workplace death, because of Mr Bandrowski's heart attack," the spokesman said.

"This relates to the risks that the worker was placed in at the workplace."

Yesterday, a group of more than 50 relatives, friends and fellow workers were at the station to unveil a memorial to mark his passing.

The mother of his two children, Tori Roelandts, paid tribute to her late partner.

"I remember Luke as the love of my life and as someone who I will never be able to replace," Ms Roelandts, 26, said.

"He was a hard working dad and a great partner," she said.

"It's good that his children can come here and see this plaque in honour of their dad."

Yesterday's memorial followed legal action taken on Tuesday by Andrew Ferguson, secretary of the Construction Forestry Mining & Energy Union who said Mr Bandrowski's death had highlighted major safety shortfalls in the rail link project.

Mr Ferguson said if a barrier had been erected around the sediment pond, workers may have found Mr Bandrowski earlier.

"If there had been systems in place, such as proper barriers, it is conceivable that someone would have found Luke and revived him," he said.

He said one worker died in NSW each week on construction sites.

In a moving tribute to her brother, Jaymie Bandrowski, 27, yesterday thanked his friends and workmates for their support over the last two years.

"It's nice to see that Luke will be remembered," she said.

Mr Bandrowski is survived by his daughter Kye, 8, and Jack, 5.

Poor Training, No Machine Guard Leads To Fine

Wednesday July 4 2007 5:02 p.m. AAP

A COUNTRY Victorian firm has been fined $40,000 for failing to provide a safe workplace after an employee's hand was caught in a machine and severely injured.

The duck breeder and producer, based at Nhill, near Horsham, in western Victoria, pleaded guilty to two charges of failure to maintain a plant and failure to provide adequate training.

The injured worker spent almost a month in hospital and had to have several operations to repair his injured hand after it was caught in a gizzard separator.

Worksafe Victoria said the fine "highlighted the need for employers to make sure all staff were sufficiently trained" and that all machinery was adequately guarded to prevent injuries.

"We've had laws relating to the guarding of machinery in Victoria since the late 1800s," WorkSafe Executive Director John Merritt said.

"It is simply not good enough for companies to expose their workers to these type of risks.

"It is also just as important that all employees are trained and supervised, whether they are new starters or have been on the job for a while, is just as crucial for good workplace safety".

OHS News Tip - Safe Work Procedures and Employee Inductions

Pilots Agreed to Break Safety Rules

Tuesday 3 July 2007 3:12 p.m. The Courier Mail

THE north Queensland plane crash that killed 15 people two years ago followed an agreement by two pilots to break the rules, an inquest has been told.

Ian Mallet, from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), today appeared at a Queensland coronial inquest in Brisbane investigating Australia's worst aviation disaster in almost 40 years.

All 15 people aboard perished instantly when a Metroliner ploughed into the top of South Pap mountain on approach to the Lockhart River Aboriginal community on Cape York, in far north Queensland, on May 7, 2005.

Investigations into the crash by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) have blamed pilot recklessness, a poor safety culture within airline TransAir and a failure by CASA to detect problems inherent in the operator.

The ATSB found the pilot in command, Brett Hotchin, was flying below the minimum altitude and at more than 100km/h over the limit shortly before impact.

Mr Mallet today told the inquest that pilot training, from the very beginning, was about "abiding by the rules, parameters - don't exceed procedures, fly to the procedures".

While Mr Hotchin may have been flying dangerously, Mr Mallet referred to his 21-year-old co-pilot, Tim Down, saying the onus was on "one pilot to stand up when the other (is) not abiding by the rules."

"(You've) got an agreement between two pilots to break the rules and that's what happened," Mr Mallet told the inquest.

"Training is all negated by that situation (the rapid, ill-fated approach)."

"To do that as a crew ... was contrary to procedures."

He likened the rate of descent executed during approach as being similar to "when we were in Vietnam and people were shooting at us".

The ATSB found that relations between Mr Hotchin and Mr Down were strained, and that the pilot in command could be intimidating to younger pilots.

The inquest, before Queensland Coroner Michael Barnes, continues.

Dive Safety Is Defended

Tuesday 3 July 2007, 12:00 a.m. The Courier Mail

THE diving industry was yesterday again forced to defend its safety record following the death of a tourist in the Whitsundays on Sunday.

The German man, 28, was the fourth foreign visitor to die in a diving incident in two years.

A certified diver, he surfaced from a "textbook dive" at Bait Reef off Hayman Island before collapsing as he climbed back on board the charter boat Gladiator.

He was pulled aboard and crew members tried for nearly two hours to resuscitate him, as they waited for the CQ-Rescue helicopter to arrive from Mackay.

"It appeared to be a classic progression of an air embolus," intensive care paramedic Trevor Clark said.

"You're OK when you're horizontal, but as soon as you're vertical the gas bubble rises, causing shortness of breath, or even sudden death."

Mr Clark said it was a tragic end to what had been a "glorious day" for the tourist.

"They saw whales and sting-rays. It really was perfect," he said.

Water police were yesterday awaiting results of an autopsy to confirm the cause of death, which was not considered suspicious.

Dive Queensland spokesman Margie McKenzie said the local diving industry was very safe, with more than a million dives undertaken each year.

"The Barrier Reef is one of the safest places in the world, not only because of Workplace Health and Safety regulations, but because it's well protected, has limited currents and good visibility," she said.

Four foreigners have died in diving-related incidents in north Queensland in the past two years.

Three men from Britain, the US and Japan have died in snorkelling or scuba-related incidents since November 2005.

But Mrs McKenzie said any "overrepresentation" of international tourists in diving and snorkelling deaths was probably because they made up 90 per cent of the divers.

In comparison, four international tourists drowned on Queensland beaches in the 12 months to June 30.

A spokeswoman for Surf Life Saving Queensland said eight people had drowned at beaches in that period.

NSW Asbestos Removal Laws Are Here

Monday July 2 2007 5:35 p.m.

From 1 July 2007, NSW asbestos removalists and demolition workers are required to hold a licence if removing or demolishing 10m2 or more of asbestos - down from the current threshold of 200m2.

Applicants for a licence are required to undertake appropriate training at TAFE college or a registered training organisation and must have experience in asbestos removal and demolition.  They must be at least 18 years of age and assessed by WorkCover as ' a fit and proper person'.

Removal or demolition work undertaken (and not completed) before 1 July 2007 will not be subject to the new laws.  And, within the first few months, WorkCover will adopt and educative, advisory approach to compliance.  Seminars will also be conducted throughout NSW.

Any demolition work including Asbestos Removal requires a Development Application (DA) to be submitted and approved before demolition commences

OHS News TIP - Asbestos Removal Safe Work Procedure

Factary Worker Dies In Machine Roller

Sunday July 1 2007 9:25 a.m.

A 60-year-old East St Kilda man has died after being dragged into roller machinery.

The accident happened at a company in an inner northern suburb, which makes rubber rollers for printing presses.

WorkSafe spokesman Michael Birt said the machine operator's clothes became caught in a roller and he was dragged into the machine.

"It was a particularly horrifying accident," Mr Birt said.

The fatal accident took the number of workplace deaths to 14 this year in Victoria compared with 12 last year.

Mr Birt said WorkSafe would be preparing a report for the Coroner and undertaking its own investigation.