Safety News Roundup w/e 29 Aug 2014

Mr Fluffy asbestos: Chief Minister Katy Gallagher defends warnings given to households and builders
Fairfax Media has obtained documents suggesting Mr Gallagher was warned on multiple occasions since 2005 about the ongoing risk from residual asbestos fibres despite a Commonwealth clean-up program 20 years ago.
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Editorial: FIFO inquiry needs to be embraced by all stakeholders
All stakeholders should embrace this opportunity. For the inquiry to serve its purpose, it demands that employers, workers, unions, bureaucrats and the politicians who sit on the committee approach the issue with fresh eyes, unblinkered by strategic positions.
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Vic Metro drivers should be tested for drugs before every shift: union
Victoria's Rail, Tram and Bus Union has called for Metro train drivers to be drug tested at the beginning of each shift, claiming the company's safety protocols are too weak.
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Public servant claimed 500 physio visits for back and sues Comcare for more
A former Canberra public servant has had more than 500 taxpayer-funded physiotherapy sessions over seven years – at a cost of more than $60,000 – is taking legal action to keep the treatment going.
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Bosses run mental health legal minefield
Employers are at increasing risk of costly legal action if they fail to address mental health issues in the workplace properly.
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Worksafe Australia reports 119 work-related fatalities so far this year
Worksafe Australia's web site was updated this week with the latest figures on fatalaties this year, which is exactly the same as last year at this point in time.
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Ebola virus is rapidly mutating
The findings come as the World Health Organization (WHO) says the epidemic could infect more than 20,000 people and spread to more countries.
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Cairns Regional Council cost cutting did not play part in death of Wally Greenfield, coroner finds
A coroner has found cost-cutting and questionable safety standards did not play any part in the death of a Cairns council worker hit by a car at a work site.
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