Safety News Roundup 18 Aug 2014

WA’s Mental Health Commissioner wants to appoint senior doctor to review spate of suicides among FIFO workers
It comes as the Opposition continues to push for a more wideranging parliamentary inquiry into the issue.
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South Australian emergency service workers spat on while trying to help others
Nurses, ambulance officers and police fear being exposed to infectious disease because levels of spitting against them have reached unprecedented levels.
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Worker buried alive in quarry wall collapse
A Victorian quarry worker who was killed when a mine wall collapsed and buried him alive had been excavating an area that the operators now say should have been cordoned off.
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Mesothelioma claims the life of Canberra electrician
John Jorritsma died of mesothelioma on Wednesday after spending a career as an electrician drilling through asbestos sheeting and crawling through Mr Fluffy homes.
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Royal Melbourne Hospital considers CCTV, sniffer dogs to protect staff from ice users
Melbourne Health board chairman Robert Doyle said the extreme security measures could be used at the secure psychiatric facility at Broadmeadows, in Melbourne's north, which is part of the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
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Mining contractor pleads guilty over death of electrician at Fortescue Metals Christmas Creek mine
Mining contractor Crushing Services International (CSI) has pleaded guilty over the death of an electrician at Fortescue Metal's Christmas Creek mine in WA's Pilbara.
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Mr Fluffy asbestos panel announced to advise on response for homeowners and builders
A new reference group has been announced to help respond to the crisis involving Mr Fluffy asbestos insulation in Canberra.
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Life after suicide in farming communities, shaping targeted health policy for the bereaved
It is now widely known that suicide and accidental deaths are far more common in farming communities than in the general population.
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Consultation on 84 toxic chemicals of security concern
The Australian Government invites submissions on draft policy options to reduce the national security risks posed by 84 toxic chemicals of security concern. Submissions close on 27 August 2014.
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BCA calls for review of occupational health and safety laws
The Business Council of Australia is urging a review of the occupational health and safety laws to find ways to convince Western Australia and Victoria to join the national scheme as it issues a fresh warning that employers face higher costs.
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Push to get rail safety back on track
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is to examine the safety of the nation's rail workers in a 12-month investigation.
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