UnionSafe News – March 2003

Welcome to the first monthly UnionSafe bulletin, bringing you the top stories appearing on our website this month.

• Cold Advice: Beat The Bug Or Stay Away

• GPs Get On Board Workers Comp

• Hazards: Loo Breaks A Right Not A Privilege

• Workers Comp Compliance Boost

• Work's A Headache For News Ltd Journos

• Carr Commits $13m To Safety

• Call For Contributions

• Subscriber Feedback

Cold Advice: Beat The Bug Or Stay Away - The worst thing workers can do if struck down by cold or flu-like symptoms is persist in coming to work, according to Workers Health Centre deputy director Denise Mowbray. She says this not only stands in the way of recovery, but carries a likely risk of the illness being transferred to workmates and anyone else in the flight path of coughs, sneezes and wheezes. To access full article go to http://www.unionsafe.labor.net.au/news/104795875518237.html

GPs Get On Board Workers Comp - Doctors will soon be more closely involved in the workers compensation process thanks to a new program that will pay them for their contribution and provide high-level training, according to NSW Labor Council OHS and workers comp watchdog Mary Yaager. To access full article go to http://www.unionsafe.labor.net.au/news/10469276726671.html

Hazards: Loo Breaks A Right Not A Privilege - UK unions have launched a campaign to give every worker the right to take toilet breaks without threat of employer pressure, pay docking, surveillance or other disincentives. The UK's Hazards magazine has revealed that workers in many industries are facing health risks as a result of mean bosses determined to punish workers for any productivity lost while on the loo. To access full article go to http://www.unionsafe.labor.net.au/news/104614443126575.html

Workers Comp Compliance Boost - A fraud prosecution unit will be established within WorkCover's Legal Branch as part of a range of measures designed to improve compliance with NSW workers comp laws. To access full article go to http://www.unionsafe.labor.net.au/news/1046060361888.html

Work's A Headache For News Ltd Journos - Nearly half of News Ltd workers say their workload is damaging their health and well-being, according to a voluntary survey conducted at the company's metropolitan newspapers. The Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance's survey of journalists and photographers showed more than half of those reporting work related health issues said the pressure of work at News Ltd caused them trouble sleeping and many reported regular headaches. To access full article go to http://www.unionsafe.labor.net.au/news/10460615712637.html

Carr Commits $13m To Safety - The Carr Labor Government has committed $13 million over three years to help put into action the132 recommendations made at last year's Safety Summit and will establish a workplace fatalities investigation unit. These were among the initiatives touted at NSW Labor's launch of its new industrial relations policy. To access full article go to http://www.unionsafe.labor.net.au/news/104554419022469.html

Call For Contributions - Got a burning issue you would like covered on UnionSafe? Have you held a recent seminar or campaign and would like your materials uploaded onto this site? Story leads and content suggestions are always welcomed by the UnionSafe team. Email all ideas to unionsafe@labor.org.au

Subscriber Feedback - To comment on this bulletin or anything else appearing on the UnionSafe website please visit http://www.unionsafe.labor.net.au/shoptalk/index.php

© 2002 UNIONSAFE
This site is sponsored by the Workcover Authority of NSW for Labor Council of NSW

[credits]
This page: http://unionsafe.net.au/news/104796329925991.html
Last modified: Tuesday, 15-Nov-2005 20:37:38 EST