Safety News Update for week ending 18 July 2014

Not Enough Evidence To Show NHVAS Works
The worth of the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) has been brought into question, with a new report saying there is not enough evidence to show it has been effective.
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Asbestos confirmed in Hobart shop floor tiles ripped up in renovation
The Reject Shop in Moonah was closed on Tuesday after a member of the public raised concerns. WorkSafe Tasmania said it has tested the vinyl tiles and confirmed they contained asbestos.
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Lead tailings discovered on 10pc of Northampton properties
The screenings began last year after lead tailings, believed to have come from the old Northampton State Battery, were discovered on eight properties in 2011.
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Damning report on Tasmanian mine safety finds inspectors over-stretched, poorly paid
There are critical gaps in Tasmania's mine safety regulations, an independent auditor has found.
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Skin cancer hotspot: south-west Qld has state's highest proportion of melanoma cases, says Cancer Council
Cancer Council Queensland said an area from Toowoomba and Dalby, west to Charleville was the state's melanoma hotspot.
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Mr Fluffy asbestos: Canberra contamination talks secure Commonwealth cooperation
The ACT Government has received assurances the Commonwealth is willing to cooperate in dealing with the threat of asbestos contamination in Canberra homes.
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Tragic horse death case prompts fumigation warning
A grain treatment expert says the death of 14 horses in Western Australia, following a case of illegal feed fumigation, should prompt a focus on good practice.
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Sports stars ‘abusing’ Medicare
Doctors groups and sports bodies have been sent letters warning that professional sportsmen and women should not be claiming Medicare benefits for sports injuries for which their *employers are liable.
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The OHS implications of workplace injuries among plasterers
According to WorkSafe Victoria, plasterers face the highest number of injuries among all tradespeople onsite.
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Trucking Ranks High For Cardiovascular Disease And Cancer Compo Claims
The report, Occupational Disease Indicators, 2014, cites exposure to carbon monoxide as a leading cause of increased risk to cardiovascular disease.
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HG Industrial and Employment Law Alert: Are you discriminating against your employee?
The Queensland Court of Appeal recently handed down a decision which helps to clarify employers’ responsibilities in considering whether a particular requirement of a position is a genuine occupational requirement, or, whether adjustments should be made to meet the needs of an employee with an impairment or disability.
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Amendments to OHS Regulations (Vic) commenced on 1 July 2014
There are thirty one amendments made to the Regulations. The amendments are aimed at reducing the administrative (‘red tape’) burden on employers, while ensuring Victoria has the safest workplaces in Australia.
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