Safety Solutions February 2025

PP 100007391

February 2025 | Vol.19 No.2

USING AI TO ACHIEVE CHEMICAL EXPOSURE COMPLIANCE

MINIMISING THE IMPACT OF EMERGENCY EVENTS ON WORKERS REDUCING RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SILICA RISKS

THE BUSINESS CASE FOR BETTER INJURY MANAGEMENT

SAFETY SOLUTIONS FEBRUARY 2025

FROM THE EDITOR XXXXXXXXXXX

CONTENTS 8

Real-time monitoring: the key to navigating new workplace safety standards

12

Tougher regulations Reducing respirable crystalline silica risks

18 20

Using AI to predict and prevent fire hazards

24 28 33 34

A big welcome back to Safety Solutions readers as we enter a new year! To kick off 2025,

The danger of workplace dust — and it’s not what you might think It pays to care: the business case for better injury management

this issue is focused on how technology can be used to achieve safety compliance, along with the importance of respiratory protection.

Safe Work Australia recently announced plans to review chemical exposure standards in the workplace, indicating it may soon set new exposure limits for nine common chemicals. If

Minimising the impact of emergency events on workers

these WELs were to be implemented, they would

Why meal timing matters for shift workers

manufacturing, and oil and gas. Paul Berkovic

have far-reaching consequences for a range of industries including mining, construction, takes a look at how AI and real-time monitoring

Registrations open for Australian Manufacturing Week 2025

technology can be proactively used to create a safer and more sustainable workplace.

Despite a nationwide ban on engineered stone, according to Richard Bolton, Australia is not done and dusted when it comes to managing the health risks associated with exposure to respirable crystalline silica. He explores the additional steps that could be taken to protect Australian workers from the dangers of occupational dust disease.

Other topics explored in the February 2025 issue of Safety Solutions include minimising the impact of emergency events on workers, using AI to predict and prevent fire hazards, and why meal timing matters for shift workers.

If you have any new product editorials, technical articles or case studies available this year, feel free to send them through to the email address below. And as always, I hope you enjoy the issue.

Cover image iStock.com/Smederevac

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Amy Steed Editor, Safety Solutions ss@wfmedia.com.au

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ALARMING COMMERCIAL DRIVER FATIGUE, DISTRACTION LEVELS: REPORT

WORKER IMPALED, LOGISTICS COMPANY CHARGED

Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.

Charges have been laid after a worker was impaled and killed at a storage shed in Willaura, south of Ararat, in December 2022.

The 55-year-old man died when the fork attachment of a telehandler impaled him during the construction of a metal framed roller door at the workplace.

Boyd Industries Pty Ltd is facing three charges under section 23(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act for failing to ensure that people other than employees were not exposed to health and safety risks.

WorkSafe Victoria alleged the company failed to reduce, so far as was reasonably practicable, the risk of serious injury or death from the telehandler, its load, or any attachment coming into contact with a person.

It is also alleged Boyd Industries breached regulation 327(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations by failing to prepare and use a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) for high risk construction work.

A new report by a technology company has revealed some critical data relating to driver fatigue and distraction in the transport and logistics industry.

Using naturalistic driving data from Seeing Machines’ driver fatigue and distraction solution, Guardian, the report pinpoints and addresses the trends on risky driving behaviours. It not only highlights the scale of the issue, but also offers actionable insights to help fleets mitigate the risks relating to driver impairment, reducing road accidents and protecting lives.

“Driver distraction and fatigue continue to contribute significantly to road fatalities and injuries in Australia and globally,” said Max Verberne, General Manager – Aftermarket, Seeing Machines. “The Guardian Insights Report offers detailed data on when and where these incidents occur, helping fleets address the challenges of diverse operating environments.”

Key findings: 1. Over 3.6 million risky driving events were captured across Australia, including: • More than 84,450 fatigue-related incidents • Over 288,000 distracted driving events, with 24% attributed to mobile device use 2. On average, Guardian captured over nine fatigue events per hour and one distracted driving event every two minutes.

These insights were derived from de-identified data collected from Guardian, installed in more than 32,000 vehicles across Australia. This technology monitors eye, face and head positions to identify signs of fatigue or distraction, with data verified by human analysts at the company’s 24/7 Guardian Centre.

Now in its second year, the latest Guardian Insights Report has been expanded to include New Zealand, United Kingdom, North America, Latin America, Asia, Europe, Middle East and Africa.

REDUCING THE RISK OF FALLING OBJECTS ON WORKSITES

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iStock.com/FooTToo. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.

iStock.com/Luca Piccini Basile. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.

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Falling objects remain a leading cause of workplace harm in the building industry, with more than 280 construction workers injured since the start of 2023.

To highlight the risk, WorkSafe Victoria has published an animated video outlining the circumstances and factors that led to a sprinkler head falling 26 storeys from a Melbourne construction site in March 2020, landing close to workers at street level.

WorkSafe’s dropped object calculator — which allows users to select the weight of an object to discover how much damage it could cause when falling from a certain height — estimates the sprinkler head would have struck the ground at more than 153 km/h, with the same force as being hit by a car on the street.

The video was produced as part of an enforceable undertaking worth more than $195,000 entered into with Multiplex Constructions Pty Ltd following the incident, which also includes funding the promotion of educational materials and a scholarship.

WorkSafe Executive Director Health and Safety Sam Jenkin urged construction workers and duty holders to watch the video, which uses investigation findings to recreate the incident and explains the steps that duty holders should have taken to reduce the risk.

WorkSafe enforcement action against 10 companies for incidents involving falling objects in construction has resulted in more than $1.05 million in fines, costs and undertakings since the start of 2023.

A Digital Yellow Card Operator Licence has been launched by the Elevating Work Platform Association (EWPA).

The initiative aims to ensure the safety and competency of workers operating elevating work platforms (EWPs). This new digital version of the Yellow Card will help prevent fraudulent certifications and ensure that all operators have received proper training.

“The launch of the Digital Yellow Card represents a major advancement in our ongoing efforts to improve workplace safety and uphold the highest standards in the EWP industry,” said James Oxenham, CEO of the EWPA. “By embracing digital credentials, we are making it easier for employers to verify training and ensuring that workers are appropriately trained to operate these complex machines. This is a crucial step in protecting lives and supporting the industry’s commitment to safety.”

Since its inception in 1987, the EWPA Yellow Card program has been a cornerstone of safety in industries where EWPs are used. With over 500,000 operators trained by more than 200 accredited trainers across Australia, the Yellow Card is widely recognised as a mark of quality training and safety compliance. However, the prevalence of counterfeit Yellow Cards has posed significant risks, allowing untrained individuals to operate machinery and increasing the likelihood of workplace accidents.

The introduction of the Digital Yellow Card addresses these issues by offering a secure and easily verifiable credential that cannot be duplicated or misused. Employers and site supervisors can now quickly verify that a worker’s certification is authentic and up to date, providing peace of mind and reducing the risk of accidents caused by untrained operators.

iStock.com/dusanpetkovic. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.

SAFETY REACHES NEW HEIGHTS ON ELEVATING WORK PLATFORMS

NEW PSYCHOLOGY DIVISION SUPPORTS ORGANISATIONAL COMPLIANCE In recognition of the need to protect workers from psychosocial hazards in the workplace, Rehab Management has launched a dedicated psychology division.

Senda Psychology has been designed to offer businesses across Australia specialised, evidence-based support that is both timely and tailored to the unique challenges faced by today’s employees.

“We’re responding to a critical need in the market — one that has only grown more urgent with new regulations requiring employers to actively manage psychosocial risks,” said Renee Thornton, CEO of Rehab Management.

Deborah Shand, National Psychological Services Manager at Rehab Management, said: “Whether it’s addressing issues like burnout, stress, or more complex challenges such as drug and alcohol problems, family dynamics or financial stress, our programs are designed to support employees in a way that promotes long-term wellbeing and productivity.”

Senda Psychology’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides short-term, confidential counselling for personal and work-related issues, tailored to individual needs. This approach ensures employees receive the necessary support, with options for ongoing treatment if required.

“Our EAP provided by Rehab Management has proven to be an invaluable resource for both our employees and the company as a whole,” said Matt Britten, Group Human Resources Manager of NGP Group. “It offers confidential, professional support for personal and work-related challenges, which has enhanced the wellbeing of our team. By investing in the wellbeing of our people, the company is sending a very powerful message to our employees that we want to support them when they are experiencing difficult times, and we highly recommend it as a core component of any organisation’s people strategy.”

The launch of Senda Psychology reflects a broader commitment to addressing the pressing mental health challenges in today’s workplaces.

By focusing on early intervention and personalised support, Senda aims to assist organisations in managing risks and enhancing employee wellbeing in a way that contributes to productivity and long-term success.

Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.

www.safetysolutions.net.au

FEBRUARY 2025 - SAFETY SOLUTIONS 5

CAMPAIGN TO IMPROVE PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING IN CONSTRUCTION The ‘Healthy Minds, Safer Sites’ campaign is being conducted on construction sites across NSW as part of a state government mental health initiative.

Workplace mental ill health is estimated to cost Australian businesses up to $39 billion each year, due to lost participation and productivity.

In addition, the rise in psychological injury is leading to an increase in workers compensation claims, which in turn is pushing up premiums.

With the goal of improving psychological wellbeing among construction workers, SafeWork NSW inspectors are providing advice and resources to manage psychosocial hazards onsite. These include aspects of work and situations that may cause a stress response, which in turn can lead to psychological and sometimes physical harm.

Some of the common psychosocial hazards in the construction industry are harassment (including sexual or racial), bullying, work pressure, exposure to a traumatic event and violence, and hazardous physical working environments.

Preventing psychological harm, supporting recovery and promoting mental health are critical components of a mentally healthy workplace.

“Employers are required by law to control psychosocial hazards and risks. Failing to address these risks may result in compliance action from SafeWork NSW inspectors,” said Head of SafeWork Trent Curtin.

SafeWork NSW inspectors have found most employers are aware that poor mental health is an issue, with around half reporting that they have assisted a worker or colleague with mental health issues. They will continue their visits to construction sites until the end of March 2025.

Need help? Reach out to your GP or access free help 24/7 by calling the following: • Lifeline Australia —13 11 14 • Beyond Blue — 1300 224 636 • MensLine Australia —1300 789 978 • Suicide Call Back Service —1300 659 467 • Mates in Construction — 1300 642 111

INADVERTENT REVEAL OF WHS BREACH SEES SOLAR INSTALLER FINED A conviction and fine has been handed to an NT solar installer who inadvertently sent evidence of WHS breaches to the regulator.

Mpriza Group Pty Ltd and company manager Nicholas Zikos were initially charged by NT WorkSafe for an incident in August 2023, where employees worked on the roof of a commercial building without adequate fall protection. Among the workers was a 21-year-old apprentice.

Zikos and the company have now been charged again after sending photos to NT WorkSafe which depicted employees working again without adequate fall protection in June 2024.

One of the workers in the second incident was a 14-year-old labour hire worker.

Mpriza Group Pty Ltd pleaded guilty to three charges under Section 32 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (the Act) for failing its primary duty of care by allowing its workers to work at heights without fall protection, exposing them to a risk of death or serious injury on the two occasions. The company was fined a total of $24,000 and required to pay a victims levy of $3000.

Zikos also pled guilty to three charges under Section 32 of the Act for failing his primary duty of care and exposing workers to a risk of death or serious injury over the two incidents. He was fined a total sum of $6000 and required to pay a victims levy of $450. The remaining charges against the company and Zikos were withdrawn.

6 SAFETY SOLUTIONS - FEBRUARY 2025

www.safetysolutions.net.au

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REAL-TIME MONITORING:

THE KEY TO NAVIGATING NEW WORKPLACE SAFETY STANDARDS

8 SAFETY SOLUTIONS - FEBRUARY 2025

www.safetysolutions.net.au

COMPLIANCE

Industries across Australia are navigating an era of heightened re g u l a t o r y ove rs i g h t . S a f e t y compliance remains a priority — as demonstrated by Safe Work Australia’s current consultation on chemical workplace exposure limits (WELs) — meaning that realtime monitoring and AI-powered solutions are becoming more of a necessity, writes PAUL BERKOVIC, Chief Commercial Officer at Rayven.

S

iStock.com/Gorodenkoff. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.

www.safetysolutions.net.au

afe Work Australia recently announced plans to review chemical exposure standards in the workplace, indicating they may soon set new exposure limits for nine common chemicals. If these WELs were to be implemented, they would have far-reaching consequences for a range of industries including mining, construction, manufacturing, and oil and gas.

The possibility of stricter workplace exposure limits will require all these industries and more to assess their processes, implement improved safety measures, and adopt technologies like real-time monitoring to manage exposure effectively.

If introduced, the responsibility will lie with individual organisations to establish robust infrastructure capable of meeting these evolving safety standards. Coupled with newly emerging mandates across a variety of compliance arenas, including safety protocols, climate reporting, and environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives — all of which are being tabled with increasing regularity — it’s clear businesses must be in a position to continually adapt their operations in order to remain compliant. In this aspect, leveraging real-time monitoring and AI-powered solutions is now a necessity.

There are steps these industries can take to be proactive with implementing advanced real-time monitoring technology, to ensure compliance with these WELs will be a nonissue, even once new standards are introduced.

By doing this, organisations will not only be safeguarding worker health and operational continuity, but will also be getting a real-time view on performance and activity that can unlock all-new optimisations.

FEBRUARY 2025 - SAFETY SOLUTIONS 9

COMPLIANCE

The challenges and opportunities of the evolving regulatory landscape

As regulatory oversight is increasing, ESG metrics are simultaneously becoming a defining feature of corporate accountability — as the recent finalisation of the new ASRS standards released in October demonstrates.

Businesses are expected to demonstrate — and be able to accurately report on — sustainable practices not only in environmental impact but also in employee welfare and community engagement.

The challenge lies in the pace at which these changes are occurring. Regulatory shifts often demand rapid organisational adaptation, with significant implications for operational processes. For instance, these new chemical exposure standards may only influence workplace safety protocols, but they will also require a review of supply chain decisions, equipment procurement and risk management strategies.

Here, real-time monitoring technology becomes a critical tool for organisations. Rather than reacting to regulatory changes after they are implemented, which may cause a range of operational, logistical and technological headaches, proactively introducing real-time data solutions will keep businesses on the front foot. Not only will it pre-emptively identify risks so that organisations can adapt processes to mitigate potential disruptions, thereby reducing the chance of liabilities, but it can make reporting simple, transparent and accurate; building trust with regulators and stakeholders.

A ripe time to transition to proactive industrial operations

Traditionally, industrial operations have relied on reactive strategies, addressing issues as they arise. While this approach has been common, it often results in inefficiencies, increased costs and missed opportunities. The move towards a proactive model, powered by AI and real-time automation, is transforming the industry landscape.

• Real-time responsiveness: Automation systems capable of acting in real time allow industries to adapt instantly to operational changes, maintaining continuous efficiency and productivity.

• Improved decision-making: AI-powered workflows deliver deeper insights, empowering more informed and effective decisions.

• Predictive insights: AI-driven data analysis enables industries to forecast and prepare for future scenarios, minimising downtime and optimising resource use.

IT’S CLEAR BUSINESSES MUST BE IN A POSITION TO CONTINUALLY ADAPT THEIR OPERATIONS IN ORDER TO REMAIN COMPLIANT. IN THIS ASPECT, LEVERAGING REAL-TIME MONITORING AND AI-POWERED SOLUTIONS IS NOW A NECESSITY.

This shift towards proactivity not only boosts operational efficiency but also promotes a culture of innovation and ongoing improvement.

Build resilience into infrastructure with real-time monitoring

Businesses across a range of industries will need to quickly rise to the challenge of meeting both current and future safety standards — and there is no more efficient way to do this than integrating real-time monitoring into operational infrastructure.

Traditional safety monitoring too often relies on periodic assessments and manual reporting, which may leave critical blind spots — a guaranteed fast track to non-compliance.

By contrast, real-time monitoring, particularly when supplemented by real-time machine learning capabilities to deliver accurate predictive analytics, can provide continuous visibility into workplace conditions and predict impending hazards, enabling immediate action to be taken to mitigate risks or reduce exposure levels to a minimum.

AI-powered sensors and analytics platforms are at the forefront of this transformation. These systems can detect chemical levels, analyse trends and alert people to danger immediately. Body sensors, for example, can be worn that monitor the air to detect hazardous chemicals and gases, with alerts being sent to the individual user. Put in place a complete solution, then cumulative exposure levels can be monitored, allowing managers to deploy staff in a way that prevents them from breaching threshold levels over a given time period.

Integrating such technology requires an upfront investment, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs.

able insights in the moment. This ensures that safety considerations are integrated into all business decisions, fostering a culture where worker health is prioritised without compromising profitability.

For instance, data collected from real-time monitoring systems can be used to identify patterns and predict potential hazards before they escalate. If a processing plant’s air quality sensors detect a gradual increase in chemical exposure, managers can adjust ventilation systems or reassign workers to safer zones. Such proactive measures not only protect employees but also prevent costly operational downtime.

Furthermore, real-time data supports informed decision-making at the strategic level. By analysing historical and current safety metrics, businesses can evaluate the cost-effectiveness of various interventions, optimise resource allocation, and demonstrate compliance to regulators and stakeholders.

As Safe Work Australia reviews chemical exposure standards and prepares to set new limits, businesses cannot afford to adopt a ‘wait and see’ approach. By investing in real-time monitoring and AI-powered solutions today, organisations can futureproof their operations against evolving regulator demands and get ahead of ASRS standards, all while fostering a safer and more sustainable workplace.

Real-time data is the conduit for safer, smarter business decisions

One of the most significant advantages of real-time monitoring with AI capabilities is the ability to transform raw data into action-

10 SAFETY SOLUTIONS - FEBRUARY 2025

Paul Berkovic, Chief Commercial Officer at Rayven.

www.safetysolutions.net.au

TOUGHER REGULATIONS ARE JUST THE START REDUCING RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SILICA RISKS

A

ustralia’s world-first ban on engineered stone continues to be strengthened to address the broader crystalline silica risk posed by using any material, (man-made or natural) that contains more than 1% crystalline silica.1 These tougher regulations are designed to prevent the development of lung, kidney and heart diseases due to exposure to unsafe exposure to airborne crystalline silica, writes RICHARD BOLTON, Principal Occupational Hygienist at EDP Consultants.

Since the first case of silicosis from exposure to engineered or manufactured stone was identified in 2015, more than 600 Australians have been diagnosed with this

12 SAFETY SOLUTIONS - FEBRUARY 2025

serious chronic (ongoing) lung condition.2 The disease can develop after breathing in respirable crystalline silica (invisible particles less than 10 microns in size) that is released from crystalline silica-containing materials during grinding, cutting or polishing.

Once inside the lungs, the particles can scar and damage the lungs, leading to a condition known as silicosis where the damage causes the lungs to be less flexible, making breathing more difficult. There is no cure for silicosis, and it can be fatal.3 While these regulations should be applauded, Australia is not done and dusted when it comes to managing the health risks associated with exposure to respirable

crystalline silica. As a society, we need to introduce further clever tooling and better ventilation and extractive systems to work with materials containing crystalline silica.

We need to also build on the awarenessraising efforts of our regulatory bodies, representative industry bodies, and peak health and safety organisations.

The health risks caused by exposure to respirable crystalline silica extend across many sectors including construction, mining and extractive, manufacturing, sandblasting, tunnelling, transport industry (including rail and excavation), civil construction, agriculture, utilities, concrete industry, and stone masonry.4

www.safetysolutions.net.au

iStock.com/Mogala. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.

In the 12 years to June 2022, more than 550 workers compensation claims for silicosis were accepted in Australian states and territories.7 The Lung Foundation Australia estimates that each year up to 600,000 Australians are exposed to respirable crystalline silica dust across diverse industries.5

Further recommended worker protections

Regulators are also considering halving the workplace exposure standards (WES) to respirable crystalline silica dust from 0.05 to 0.025 mg per cubic metre (mg/m3).6 Already, the latest legislative reforms have defined a process resulting in respirable crystalline

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RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

dust levels exceeding 0.025mg/m3 as a “high risk” requiring works to cease until a Silica Risk Control Plan has been implemented.7 While New Zealand has already implemented stricter (0.025mg/m3)8 regulations regarding crystalline silica exposure, there is still ongoing debate to adopting similar workplace exposure standards in Australia.

Given the challenges in detecting low levels of crystalline silica with the current dust suppression and extraction technologies, it seems unlikely that we’ll be able to meet the new standard without more rigorous workplace controls.

Implementing comprehensive measures and support will help ensure that current standards are met. Regulators need to stay informed and help the industry navigate these challenges.

A collaborative industry-wide approach is essential to help Australians avoid exposure to respirable crystalline silica. However, as of today the most effective method to combat exposure is to avoid it altogether through strict control measures including isolating workers from dust, using enclosed cabins with high-efficiency filtration, and implementing wet dust suppression or efficient exhaust systems. When these are not feasible, workers must be properly equipped and use approved respiratory protective equipment to safeguard against inhaling harmful particles.

1.

Crystalline silica and silicosis – Research into a lower workplace exposure standard and short term exposure limit for respirable crystalline silica | Safe Work Australia

2. h t t p s : // l e n s . m o n a s h . e d u / @ m e d i c i n e health/2024/02/20/1386499/breathing-new-lifeinto-silicosis-research 3. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/silicosis

4. https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/whole/pdf/inforce/2024-09-03/sl-2017-0404 and Pp 3 and 15: 5. Page 5: https://lungfoundation.com.au/wp-content/ uploads/2023/10/NSPS-NAP-Fifth-Full-DraftCopy-for-Public-Consultation.pdf 6. Crystalline silica and silicosis – Research into a lower workplace exposure standard and short term exposure limit for respirable crystalline silica | Safe Work Australia 7. https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/esban/faq 8. Silica-Crystalline (all forms) | WorkSafe

Richard Bolton is the Principal Occupational Hygienist at EDP Consultants, an RSK Group company. He has a career spanning over three decades, during which he has represented both government and industry on government advisory committees, Australian Standard committees and industry committees. Richard is a Certified Occupational Hygienist of the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists, along with being a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Health and Safety and the Institute of Quarrying Australia.

FEBRUARY 2025 - SAFETY SOLUTIONS 13

Welding helmet with PAPR The 3M Speedglas G5-03 Pro Air Welding Helmet is a slim, lightweight respiratory welding helmet featuring the latest technology from 3M. The product is over 10% lighter than the Speedglas G5-01 Welding Helmet and according to the company has a 30% more attractive starting price point.

While the G5-03 Pro Air is a fixed-front welding helmet, new TAP technology, Speedglas TrueView optics, and an optional Task Light can combine to optimise the helmet for grinding, even in low-light conditions. The helmet provides welders with an expansive welding lens viewing area, peripheral SideWindows and good optical quality.

Users have a choice between three welding lens options: G5-03VC (73 x 109 mm) — shades 3/5, 8–14, TAP Technology, variable dark state colours; G5–03TW (73 x 109 mm) — shades 2.5/5, 8–13, TAP Technology; and G5–03NC (55 x 107 mm) — shades 3/5, 8–12.

The helmet comes as standard with the 12-hour heavy duty Adflo PAPR, which delivers a constant flow of clean air directly into the breathing zone. Welders can adjust the direction of this airflow within the helmet via Climate Control.

Finally, users can customise their protection with the heavy-duty

Permit control board The Cirlock PCB-1 Permit Control Board is

Adflo Backpack for improved comfort and balance, plus a range of

suitable for storing padlocks when they are

extra head and neck covers for extended coverage.

not in use. The Permit Control Board features

AWS Pty Ltd

padlock storage holes and a group lock box.

www.apexweldingsafety.com.au

The Permit Control Board is 300 (w) x 550 mm (h) in size, with padlock storage for 16 padlocks; it also includes a clear protective A4-size document holder, has a convenient carry handle and can be wall mounted.

The backing plate, handle and group lock box are made from sturdy bright yellow poly material (ABS & HDPE), which is non-corrosive and non-sparking. Dimensions are 240 mm wide x 500 mm high.

The PCB-1 Permit Control Board is manufactured and distributed in Australia by Cirlock and is available through local electrical and other wholesalers.

Cirlock www.cirlock.com.au

Heavy-duty trucks The Volvo FH and Volvo FM trucks are designed to increase safety for drivers and road users. Both have received a five-star rating from European consumer test organisation Euro NCAP. Both models performed well on criteria such as driver support and collision avoidance, delivering traffic safety for the driver and surrounding road users. Additionally, both models fulfil the City Safe criteria, due to good vision and Volvo’s active safety systems — designed to protect vulnerable road users in city traffic situations.

Volvo Group Australia Pty Ltd www.volvo.com

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www.safetysolutions.net.au

Particle filter Australia Standard AS/NZS 1716 approved, the SR510 is a high-efficiency Class P3 filter. It is used against all types of wet and dry particles, such as dust, smoke, aerosols, spray, asbestos, bacteria, viruses and mould.

The same filter can be used in all Sundström respirators including the Sundström SR100 half mask, SR200 full-face mask and Sundström SR500 and SR700 Powered Air Purifying Respirators.

Each filter is tested twice during the manufacturing process, achieving 99.997% filtration efficiency according to the company. The 1300 cm2 filter area provides very low breathing resistance.

The particle filter can easily be combined with gas filters from the Sundström filter range for additional protection against gases and vapours.

The particle filter should always combine with one pre-filter SR221 (filters down to approx. 3 microns), which will thereby extend the life of the particle filter. It is recommended to be stored in a dry place at room temperature. Shelf life is designed to be 10 years if the seal is unbroken. The expiry date is printed on the filter.

A mechanical particle filter becomes more efficient the larger number of particles it collects. The filter should be replaced regularly depending on the work at hand, but more specifically when the breathing resistance increases, and it becomes uncomfortable to use. Users should always inspect particulate filters for any damage

Industrial safety footwear range The KingGee XtremeGuard industrial safety footwear range features eight distinct styles. The boots are lightweight, providing good grip, manoeuvrability, durability and comfort.

Endorsed by the Australian Podiatry Association, the XtremeGuard footwear range is suitable for industry professionals working in demanding environments. The footwear incorporates technologies such as reinforced toe caps, anti-slip soles, heat-resistant materials and ergonomic designs. KEVLAR RKT Reflective Thread offers visibility in low light conditions for the added safety of the wearer.

In addition, the KingGee XtremeGuard women’s boots are crafted to support the biomechanics of the female foot, reduce fatigue and enable all-day wearability. These boots prioritise functional-

before use.

ity and take into account the physiological differences between

Safety Equipment Australia Pty Ltd

higher arches, and a larger Q angle — which affects alignment

www.sea.com.au

men’s and women’s feet, such as wider forefeet, narrower heels, and biomechanics. They are engineered to prevent heel slippage, pinched toes and arch pain.

KingGee www.kinggee.com.au

Mining driver safety software MOTUM World is a tailorable simulation software package designed specifically for driver education and training.

The software can be tailored to any machine and dedicated mine site, incorporating different scenarios to align with physical training and real-world events — such as emergency drills and procedures.

Any driven vehicle, AI vehicle, mine features, surrounding buildings, structures and landscapes can be developed to simulate real-world conditions and processes.

A range of metrics can also be recorded for trainers, including speed, throttle control, steering precision, braking technique, proximity to other vehicles and obstacles, and mine-specific rule infringements.

Instructors can tailor training scenarios, including testing driver responsiveness, awareness and skills under various conditions.

MOTUM World is available as a standalone software package or combined with a MOTUM True Motion Simulator, which has been developed to replicate numerous applications, including passenger vehicles, heavy vehicles, helicopters, motorsports and more.

Additionally, MOTUM World can be specified to be operated with a VR headset, on a screen, or a combination of the two options.

Motum Simulation motumsimulation.com

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www.safetysolutions.net.au

As fire safety technology continues to evolve, new solutions are redefining security across both domestic and industrial settings. In fact, the global fire protection system market is expected to expand by US$14.58 billion between 2024 and 2028, with artificial intelligence (AI) playing a significant role in shaping these advancements,1 writes CATHY BRAND, CEO at Brooks Australia.

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ith a growing focus on integrating fire alarms with other essential safety and building management systems, future developments will likely prioritise enhanced user experience through greater personalisation and automation — creating systems that align seamlessly with daily routines and proactively address human needs.

Over the last decade, AI and big data have transformed many aspects of life, bringing sophisticated innovations to the building and construction industry. AI applications in fire detection, risk assessment and predictive fire analysis are on the rise, making fire safety technology more intuitive and seamlessly embedded in our lives. With advances like real-time fire detection systems, AI may soon allow us to predict and prevent fire hazards before they even emerge.

Reducing false alarms with AI technology

Unwanted alarms can undermine trust in fire detection systems, making it crucial to reduce their occurrence. Advanced systems address this with features like dust and insect protection, delay mechanisms for disturbances, adjustable sensitivity, specialised detection algorithms, and self-learning functions that adapt to environmental changes.

Some commercial fire systems have integrated AI technology to further minimise false alarms. These systems continuously analyse data, selecting the best algorithm and adjusting dynamically. With 36 hours to 20 days of monitoring, they help to enhance performance. Manual algorithm selection is also available for defined environments, offering flexibility and reliability.

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USING AI TO PREDICT AND PREVENT FIRE HAZARDS How AI is shaping the future of fire safety

Looking ahead, in the next 20 years, fire safety technology is likely to be defined by increasingly sophisticated AI and automated systems. For electronic fire products and solutions, this could mean the development of real-time fire detection systems equipped with AI to predict and prevent potential hazards before they even arise. Smart systems may deliver instant alerts and in-depth analytics, enhancing both safety and response time.

AI is increasingly being used to enhance fire safety engineering and firefighting practices. This integration is being explored in three primary areas to elevate the design, monitoring and management of fire safety in buildings. 2

1. AI-based smart fire safety design: This approach uses AI models trained on large fire databases to predict fire behaviour in real time. The AI can simulate complex fire scenarios, significantly reducing the time and costs associated with traditional fire modelling techniques like CFD (computational fluid dynamics). It can also optimise design parameters such as fire size and ventilation to ensure compliance with fire safety standards.

2. Building fire digital twin: The concept of a ‘digital twin’ involves creating a virtual representation of a building’s fire safety system. By integrating Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and AI, this system can provide real-time fire detection, simulate fire behaviour, and assist emergency responders by predicting how a fire will

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ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

iStock.com/surachetsh. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.

LOOKING AHEAD, IN THE NEXT 20 YEARS, FIRE SAFETY TECHNOLOGY IS LIKELY TO BE DEFINED BY INCREASINGLY SOPHISTICATED AI AND AUTOMATED SYSTEMS

develop and affect different building areas. The system can also offer insights into preventative measures and improve evacuation planning.

3. Super real-time fire forecast: AI-driven forecasting is used to predict the evolution of fire incidents and critical events, such as flashovers or structural collapses,

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with five- to 10-minute lead times. This forecast aids firefighters and emergency responders by providing critical information to guide their interventions, reducing response times and improving safety. A self-healing sensor network is suggested to ensure continuous data transmission during a fire event.

Early fire risk detection is crucial in high-density environments like workplaces, where thousands may occupy a single building. AI technologies are set to revolutionise fire safety by providing faster, more precise risk predictions, enhancing real-time incident monitoring, and supporting innovative firefighting strategies. As AI advances, its role in optimising fire safety design and response will become indispensable.

1.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ the-fire-protection-system-market-isprojected-to-grow-by-usd-14-58-billionfrom-2024-2028--with-ai-impacting-trendsand-iot-integrated-smoke-detectors-boostinggrowth---technavio-302256021.html

2. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-98685-8_6

FEBRUARY 2025 - SAFETY SOLUTIONS 19

DUST DANGER

T

he risk of chronic kidney disease is increased by occupational exposure to dust and particles, research suggests.

In fact, a study conducted by the University of Gothenburg — which has followed Swedish construction workers since the 1970s — found that the risk was 15% higher among those who were exposed.

Chronic kidney disease is the most common form of kidney disease and involves a slow and progressive deterioration of the kidneys’ ability to cleanse the body.

Harmful substances and fluids that would otherwise have been excreted through urine are instead retained.

Research in recent years has found that outdoor air pollution particles from sources such as industry, vehicle exhaust and heating may increase the risk of chronic kidney disease. The current study shows that this is also likely to be the case for occupational exposure to particles in the construction industry.

“We see a clear link between having worked in construction environments with

YOU MIGHT THINK

high dust levels and the risk of developing chronic kidney disease before the age of 65.

But further studies are required to show whether there is a causal link and to identify the biological mechanisms,” said Karl Kilbo Edlund, first author of the study.

ary diseases and leading to high healthcare costs. Primary prevention is therefore of great importance,” said Leo Stockfelt, Associate Professor of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg.

How was the study conducted?

What next?

Published in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine, the study is based on data from more than 280,000 construction workers who participated in health surveys between 1971 and 1993.

The results reveal that construction workers exposed to dust and particles were about 15% more likely to be diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and receive medical treatment to replace lost kidney function.

However, the increased risk did not persist beyond retirement age.

“Chronic kidney disease is a serious disease that has a major impact on an individual’s quality of life, increasing the risk of second-

20 SAFETY SOLUTIONS - FEBRUARY 2025

Improvements in workplace emissions and the use of personal protective equipment have reduced the occupational exposure of construction workers to particulate matter over the period studied, from the 1970s to the 1990s. This is believed to have contributed to a reduction in kidney disease, but according to the researchers, more needs to be done to improve the occupational environment within the construction industry.

The next step for the research team will be to study the link between dust and particle exposure and kidney disease in further groups, to see if the results can be confirmed and to better identify the mechanisms.

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iStock.com/skynesher. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.

THE DANGER OF WORKPLACE DUST — AND IT’S NOT WHAT

AI safety software Built by health and safety lead auditors, ISO inventors and organisational positive psychologists, the EnableOrg software platform is designed to assist with improving workplace culture and boosting psychosocial compliance.

The software offers data-driven insights to enable optimum compliance, employee engagement and mental health. It has also been integrated with evidence-based solutions for improved business outcomes.

While many commonly used surveys/audits simply log incidents and survey psychosocial, culture, engagement and wellbeing risks, the EnableOrg software is designed to prevent harm in the first place. Proactive harm prevention can reduce risk, costs and time spent, allowing organisations to handle psychosocial risks, wellbeing, engagement and culture in one easy-to-use platform.

EnableOrg EnableOrg.com

www.safetysolutions.net.au

FEBRUARY 2025 - SAFETY SOLUTIONS 21

Remote drone operations unit The Sphere Drones HubX unit is designed to assist with remote drone operations, and is now being distributed by Aptella.

The unit enables automated drone technology for users in the resources, mining, construction and emergency services sectors. It provides a fully integrated, off-grid, turn-key solution. Mounted on a 4WD-capable trailer, it has been engineered for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, enabling seamless drone deployments in rugged and remote areas.

The product is designed to replace manual processes. For industries like mining, it reduces risks by keeping personnel out of harm’s way and eliminates inefficiencies such as unnecessary travel across large sites.

Aptella www.aptella.com

System-on-chip for onsite safety surveillance The Axis Communications ninth-generation system-on-chip (SoC), ARTPEC-9, is designed to improve security and safety surveillance systems.

When using the SoC, security and safety managers can benefit from enhanced AI-powered analytics, image quality and cybersecurity. The chip allows for detection of objects at long distances and fast response times, which can lead to earlier alerts, enabling security and safety teams to take action before incidents escalate. The ability to recognise a wide variety of objects and differentiate between them should enable more precise classifications, providing valuable insights for safety and security across sectors including mining, public safety, retail and transportation.

In challenging lighting conditions, capturing clear images is critical for effective surveillance. The product builds on existing imaging technologies like Axis Lightfinder 2.0 and Forensic WDR, enabling clear, detailed images regardless of the environment. This improvement in image quality means that critical information is captured and can be used for analysis.

Axis Communications Pty Ltd www.axis.com

Modular canister pump tube The Lutz Pumpen modular canister pump tube is designed to improve health and safety for workers.

A clip-on battery-powered motor enables users to fit several canisters with a pump tube and switch flexibly between them to pump liquids safely and automatically.

Many companies in industry and trade use hand pumps to transfer liquids from canisters. These pumps are often inefficient and not ergonomic to use, with workers forced to get down on their hands and knees to fill the liquid into intermediate vessels.

However, this modular pump tube has been specifically designed for use in canisters. Used in conjunction with the clip-on motor, users can pump between multiple containers safely and automatically.

The pump tubes fit the most common canister sizes.

Available in lengths of 400, 500 and 700 mm, they are fitted with S60 and S70 threads, widely used in tank technology and for chemicals. With a polyethylene (PE) pump tube and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) hoses and fittings, the pump tube is durable and chemically resistant. The shaft is made of stainless steel, which offers mechanical strength and resistance to corrosion.

This product will soon be available in Australia through distributor Process Pumps Australia.

Process Pumps Australia www.processpumps.com.au

22 SAFETY SOLUTIONS - FEBRUARY 2025

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STUDY

CASE

The benefits of immersive firefighter training

iStock.com/Igor Alecsander. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.

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Image supplied by FLAIM Systems.

The state emergency services of Ukraine have faced significant and ongoing challenges in training its firefighters, due to a lack of resources.

To assist, FLAIM Systems and North Fire have collaborated with the Ukrainian Firefighters Foundation to provide them with accessible, on-demand firefighter training. FLAIM Systems donated a FLAIM Trainer — a fully immersive firefighter training solution — that allows firefighters to safely train for a diverse range of complex scenarios, ensuring they are well-prepared for the dynamic challenges they may encounter in the field.

Emerging from Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation at Deakin University and leveraging over a decade of PhD expertise in robotics engineering, FLAIM pioneered a multi-sensory firefighter training solution. The FLAIM Trainer safely replicates the stress and uncertainty of real-world fire scenarios with a kinaesthetic ‘feels-real’ experience to enhance firefighter readiness.

FLAIM Trainer combines a broad range of high-fidelity virtual reality firefighter training scenarios with industry standard branch, hose and breathing apparatus equipment. The technology simulates the physical response of an operational fire hose and replicates the heat of the fire through a thermal vest. Deployed in over 45 countries, FLAIM Trainer equips firefighters with the necessary skills to respond effectively in high-risk situations.

As FLAIM training is virtual, there is no carcinogen exposure to the trainee or trainer. As well as this, 2000 hours of annual training in one system saves the equivalent of 20 million litres of water and 27 tonnes of carbon emissions.

“FLAIM Systems’ objective is to provide accessible firefighter training to first responders, with the belief that everyone who needs to fight fires should be equipped with the necessary skills to safely and effectively respond to the dangerous nature of the task,” said Simon Miller, CEO at FLAIM Systems.

“This donation follows FLAIM Systems’ development of more than 80 different virtual training scenarios that allow firefighters to train across different situations with no risk to their health or the environment. With more than 10 million professional and volunteer firefighters around the world, our technology offers the potential to make training safer for firefighters and the environment on a global scale.”

FEBRUARY 2025 - SAFETY SOLUTIONS 23

IT PAYS TO CARE THE BUSINESS CASE FOR BETTER INJURY MANAGEMENT Work-related injuries and psychosocial hazards significantly impact businesses, affecting productivity, performance and profitability. However, there’s good news: when it comes to managing work-related injuries and preventing psychosocial risks, it pays to care, writes Dr MARY WYATT, lead occupational physician for It Pays to Care.

I

t Pays to Care” is the title and underpinning principle of a new policy paper developed by occupational health experts (the Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine).

The paper demonstrates that organisations can significantly improve return to work (RTW) outcomes, reduce costs, and create healthier work environments by focusing on early constructive support, effective injury management systems, and proactive psychosocial risk prevention.

The hidden costs of work injuries and psychosocial hazards

Workers compensation insurance premiums are calculated based on claims history and performance. While these premiums typically range from 1–6% of payroll, costs escalate significantly for businesses with poor injury management practices and outcomes. Investing in injury prevention and management strategies can yield significant cost savings.

However, the true cost of work-related injuries extends far beyond direct expenses like insurance premiums and health and safety fines. Indirect costs, which are often overlooked, can have a substantial impact on a business’s bottom line. These include lost productivity, costs of hiring, onboarding

and training replacement staff, and increased administrative workload for supervisors and other staff in response to the injury. In addition to these costs, businesses must also consider the impact of psychosocial hazards: • Increased absenteeism and presenteeism due to stress and mental health issues.

• Higher turnover rates resulting from poor workplace culture or job dissatisfaction.

• Reduced team cohesion and collaboration in psychologically unsafe environments.

Implementing It Pays to Care principles

The It Pays to Care policy presents evidence-based strategies to improve injury management, achieve better outcomes for both employees and businesses, and prevent psychosocial hazards. Here are key strategies that organisations can consider: 1. A well-structured injury reporting system is crucial for timely and effective management. The system should be: • Easy to use: Simplified reporting processes ensure that employees can quickly and easily report injuries, reducing delays and confusion.

• Personable: A friendly and approachable reporting system encourages openness and honesty, facilitating early discussions about staying at or re-engaging with work.

24 SAFETY SOLUTIONS - FEBRUARY 2025

• Timely: Ensuring the right person is notified promptly about the injury is vital for immediate action and support.

2. Initiating contact within one or two days of injury reporting is critical. Prompt engagement is especially important for mental health claims, where communication from the workplace tends to be less frequent.

Early and constructive contact allows for

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WORKERS COMP

iStock.com/skynesher Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.

timely provision of information and ongoing support and reassurance.

3. Identifying and addressing psychosocial barriers early can significantly improve the recovery process. This can be achieved through: • Informal methods: engaging in conversations, probing, and active listening to understand the worker’s concerns and challenges.

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• Routine screening: utilising psychosocial risk screening tools to systematically identify potential barriers that could hinder recovery.

4. Involving supervisors in the injury management process ensures that the injured worker receives appropriate support and guidance.

Supervisors can facilitate the provision of meaningful duties, helping the worker stay engaged and feel valued during their recovery.

5. A fair and transparent claims process is essential for maintaining trust and morale.

Ensuring that all parties perceive the process as fair reduces stress and fosters a positive outlook among injured workers.

6. Collaboration with various stakeholders, including healthcare providers, unions and coworkers, fosters a holistic approach, ensuring that all aspects of the worker’s recovery are addressed, from medical treatment to workplace adjustments and emotional support.

7. Integrate psychosocial risk prevention into your injury management approach: • Conduct regular psychosocial risk assessments to identify potential hazards during RTW. • Implement controls to mitigate identified risks, such as workload management and clear communication channels.

• Provide mental health and wellbeing support services to all employees.

8. Foster a positive workplace culture that supports both injury prevention and effective RTW: • Promote open communication about health and safety concerns.

• Encourage peer support and teamwork.

• Recognise and reward behaviours that contribute to a safe and healthy work environment.

Investing in effective injury management practices and psychosocial hazard prevention can yield significant benefits for businesses: • Increased productivity: Minimising disruptions caused by work-related injuries helps maintain optimal productivity levels.

• Lower costs: Reducing both direct and indirect costs associated with injuries improves a business’s bottom line.

• Enhanced employee engagement: Demonstrating a commitment to employee wellbeing can boost morale, loyalty and overall job satisfaction.

• Improved reputation: Effective injury management practices contribute to a positive brand image and corporate social responsibility.

• Reduced mental health-related absences: Addressing psychosocial hazards can lower the incidence of stress-related leave and improve overall workplace mental health.

• Increased resilience: A psychologically safe workplace helps employees cope better with challenges and adapt to change.

• Improved talent attraction and retention: A reputation for prioritising employee wellbeing can make your business an employer of choice.

FEBRUARY 2025 - SAFETY SOLUTIONS 25

Ergonomic pressure wash hose The Gates Clean Master Plus pressure wash hose is built for high pressure applications in demanding industrial environments. The hose is lighter and more flexible, designed to improve ergonomics and safety for the user.

The product contains reinforcement technology that enables it to operate at high pressures of up to 6000 psi, three times more than the average pressure washer hose, according to the company.

Clean Master Plus is REACH-compliant, offering ozone- and abrasion-resistant cover for performance in tough environments. It also has a smooth cover to assist with manoeuvrability on rough surfaces, an operating temperature of up to 150ºC and a compact design that reduces space requirements for storage.

The pressure wash hose is compatible with MegaCrimp couplings, stainless steel couplings and Gates Crimpers.

Gates Australia Pty Ltd www.gatesaustralia.com.au

Hearing protector The Savox Noise-COM 300 hearing protector is designed to provide communication in demanding, noisy environments.

Specifically built for safety and clarity in tough conditions, the hearing protector works with most available two-way radios.

Crafted with high-quality components and sealed electronics, a built-in push-to-talk button, and a noise cancellation boom microphone with extended battery-free performance, the product works well in noisy industrial environments. Due to the fact that it does not require batteries or charging, and has a convenient PTT button located on the cup, it is suitable for industrial settings such as mines and airports.

Savox Communications www.savox.com

Online impact calculator for safety equipment The Boplan Impact Calculator is an online calculation tool designed to empower safety coordinators, facility managers and HSE professionals to accurately assess the impact resistance required for their workplace safety and collision protection equipment.

This online tool simplifies the process of determining the optimal level of impact resistance for safety and collision protection equipment in any given environment. By entering specific parameters related to their workspace, users can quickly generate recommendations on the ideal type and strength of safety barriers and equipment required to minimise accidents and safeguard valuable assets.

Users can enter variables such as vehicle weight, speed, and impact angle. The calculator takes these parameters into account to generate accurate recommendations. It is accessible on both desktop and mobile devices, ensuring that professionals can make informed decisions in the field, where safety matters most.

Boplan www.boplan.com/en-uk

26 SAFETY SOLUTIONS - FEBRUARY 2025

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STUDY

CASE

Reducing hazards during mining haul truck maintenance

iStock.com/Martin Barraud. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.

Haul trucks and dumpers are among the equipment that is most frequently associated with accidents within the mining industry.

According to the paper ‘Occupational Accidents Related to Heavy Machinery: A Systematic Review’, these accidents typically take place during repair and maintenance actions.

One of the main challenges in the mining industry has been ensuring the safety of maintenance personnel during the inspection and measurement of component wear on mining assets such as heavy vehicles. These tasks typically require technicians to physically be within the working envelope of operational vehicles to take manual measurements of moving parts, such as steering linkages during steering checks.

The traditional process for maintenance checks not only poses significant safety risks by placing personnel in the ‘line of fire’, it is also time-consuming, with little opportunity for productivity gains.

With mining companies seeking a solution that eliminates the need for workers to undertake these manual measurements during this heavy vehicle maintenance, Applied Measurement Australia paired its sensors with the T24 wireless transmitter from wireless measurement expert Mantracourt to create the XTRAN Telemetry Measurement System (XTMS).

“We were approached by some of the largest mining companies in Australia to help them eliminate live work around large vehicles,” said James Eccleston, Director of Business Development at Applied Measurement Australia. “The task was to come up with a solution to remove the need for maintenance technicians to be near or under the vehicles while they were operational, enabling them to safely capture necessary measurements from a distance.”

Traditionally, securing a haul truck for inspection required a lockout system involving a padlock for each maintenance worker operating on

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and around the asset, often necessitating the presence of three to five key holders to lock the truck, ensuring it remains immobile for safety.

During these maintenance inspections, workers would use traditional manual gauges, such as dial gauges, to take measurements on various moving parts to determine the amount of component wear. Manual inspections would typically involve three or more maintenance crew.

In addition to putting maintenance workers at risk of injury or fatality, the time taken to set up and capture a single measurement could be around 30 minutes or more. With numerous measurements to take during each asset inspection, this unnecessary set-up time can add up to many hours. Furthermore, the reading and recording of manual gauge measurements can be subject to human error, potentially leading to unexpected component failure or injury.

The deployment of the wireless telemetry system in mining operations has helped to improve both safety and maintenance, with one company reporting more than a 40% reduction in live work risk across their site, according to Applied Measurement Australia.

Since the successful development of the solution, Applied Measurement Australia has seen the deployment of over 100 XTRAN Telemetry Measurement Systems to mining operations mainly in Australia, as well as in North America and Africa.

“Through collaboration with Mantracourt and our end customers, these results demonstrate the capability our solution delivers to enhance mining safety and operational efficiency,” Eccleston said.

“The ability to perform critical maintenance checks without exposing technicians to potential harm has set a new standard in the industry, showcasing the invaluable role of technological innovation in safeguarding lives and optimising performance.”

FEBRUARY 2025 - SAFETY SOLUTIONS 27

MINIMISING THE IMPACT OF

cover

EMERGENCY EVENTS ON WORKERS Maintaining composure during an emergency is essential, but the unpredictable nature of such situations can make it difficult.

While businesses can implement extensive safety protocols, they cannot regulate an individual’s stress response. This physiological reaction, known as the fight-or-flight response, is an instinctive mechanism of the human body. This evolutionary mechanism, designed to ensure survival, can significantly impact a person’s behaviour and decision-making abilities in highstress situations, writes IGOR KAZAGRANDI, CEO at Orisent powered by Vanguard Wireless.

W

hile fight-or-flight reactions can be beneficial in true life-threatening scenarios, they hinder rational thinking and coordinated responses in workplace emergencies, particularly if it is not clear what action the worker is expected to take. A medical, evacuation or lockdown emergency can cause a significant amount of anxiety if the worker is afraid of getting the emergency response wrong and — worse still — being held accountable for doing so. Understanding our innate human responses is crucial for developing effective emergency management strategies that account for the unpredictable nature of human behaviour under stress.

Workplace emergency planning

In Australia every business is legally required to have a workplace emergency plan. The plan must include emergency procedures, testing protocols, key contacts, and a schedule of regular, relevant training programs for workers. It also needs to detail how effective communication will be established between the person authorised to coordinate the emergency response and all people at the workplace.

Scan this QR code to receive a copy of Safe Work Australia’s Emergency Plan guidelines and a helpful template that can be used to check or update existing planning:

28 SAFETY SOLUTIONS - FEBRUARY 2025

Emergency alert systems

Minimising pressure on workers during a medical, evacuation or lockdown emergency is crucial for ensuring their safety and effective response. An intuitive emergency alert system can significantly reduce stress and improve outcomes in critical situations by removing much of the pressure workers can face during an event. An emergency alert system ensures that workers and property are protected when unforeseen events occur, providing peace of mind and a reliable response framework in any situation.

When selecting an emergency alert system, consider: • Scalability: How well can the system grow or evolve with the business’s needs? What ongoing investment is required to manage and maintain it?

• Integration: Does the system offer an ability to integrate with existing safety protocols and systems, or other hardware and software currently in use, such as project management apps?

• Training: How much time is the business expected to train workers on the use of the system, and does this training need to extend to contractors and site visitors?

• Testing: Is it easy to conduct frequent drills to familiarise workers with the system and procedures? Does the system record these tests for ongoing reporting and auditing?

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WORKPLACE EMERGENCIES

it is a medical alert, the first responders are notified of the point of origin of the emergency. If it is an evacuation or a lockdown the workers simply follow the steps as per their company emergency management plan.

Smartphone apps

Smartphone apps add an extra layer of accessibility and functionality, enabling mobile teams to respond quickly to medical emergencies and allowing remote activation of emergency systems. Features like GPS tracking provide precise location data, ensuring accurate responses, while real-time updates keep all stakeholders informed as the situation evolves.

Wearables

iStock.com/A stockphoto. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.

Key components of an effective emergency alert system

An emergency alert system will consist of: • A method for triggering an alert easily accessible by workers around the site • A method for communicating an alert to the emergency response team, site management and other workers on site if required • A method for communicating to the person who raised the alert that they are receiving a response • A method for conducting regular tests and training

Emergency triggers

These can be either physical buttons (triggers) and worker wearables or virtual buttons on a smartphone app. The most important consideration is that they be highly visible, easy to manage and maintain, and simple to use.

Sirens and lights Once an alert has been triggered, how will the business notify workers of an emergency, regardless of their geographic location? Strobe lights and sirens offer an effective way to alert personnel onsite without any confusion that immediate action needs to be taken. If

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Lone and remote workers often face heightened risks during dangerous events, as there may be no one nearby to raise an alert on their behalf. Wearable devices allow workers to notify first responders that they need assistance with the press of a button, enhancing their safety. These devices communicate the alert to the rest of the system through the nearest enabled smartphone app or physical device, even from distances of up to 100 metres. They precisely pinpoint the worker’s location, delivering essential information to emergency personnel, and are designed with a long-lasting battery to ensure dependable performance. Additionally, the ability to trigger alerts discreetly ensures workers can call for help without drawing unwanted attention when privacy or safety is a concern.

Benefits of investing in intuitive technology

When designing an emergency alert system, it’s crucial to clearly define its key functionalities and ensure they align with specific needs and operational requirements. Equally important is selecting a system and manufacturer dedicated to continuous development, as this ensures ongoing improvements in user experience and the integration of advanced safety features over time.

• Ease of use: Simple activation methods, such as pressing a single button, ensure that workers can act quickly and effectively, even in high-stress situations.

• Multiple responders: Alerts sent to multiple responders simultaneously ensure a faster, more coordinated response, improving outcomes for all stakeholders.

• Clear information: Communication is critical during emergencies.

Alerts that provide detailed information — who, what, where — equip emergency response teams with the knowledge they need to act effectively.

• Customisation: Tailoring the system to unique workplace requirements, such as adjustable siren patterns and durations, enhances the alert and response process.

• Reliability: Utilising wireless networking, IoT and cloud computing ensures real-time system information, eliminating uncertainty and reliance on a press-and-guess approach.

• Futureproofing: Evaluate whether the company chosen is committed to ongoing product development and process improvement.

Consider their approach to incorporating future-ready technology.

Integrating emergency alert systems into a workplace emergency plan can be a cost-effective way to enhance safety and preparedness.

There are various options available in the market, from standalone systems (hardware only) to control panel-managed solutions or those supported by a full suite of software. It is crucial to choose a system that best aligns with a business’s unique needs and operational requirements. By understanding risks, identifying how an emergency alert system could complement current workplace procedures, and consulting with workers to understand their preferences, the system can be tailored for maximum effectiveness.

FEBRUARY 2025 - SAFETY SOLUTIONS 29

Body camera for frontline workers Motorola Solutions has released the V200 — a body camera designed specifically to help protect frontline workers in stores, hospitals, hotels, schools and stadiums. Workers in these settings regularly face safety concerns — from unwelcome behaviour to theft and medical emergencies — and the camera, with its GoLive Audio safety feature, offers a direct connection to help.

The body camera is a discreet, lightweight addition to a worker’s uniform. The recording feature can be activated with the push of a button to document a situation, which also serves as an effective deterrent for unwanted behaviour. In more serious scenarios, such as medical incidents or crime, activation of the GoLive Audio feature can engage security personnel or a supervisor, who can access live video and audio and interject via the camera’s speaker.

This kind of immediate intervention allows the frontline worker to focus on the situation while directly getting support.

The camera was purpose-built to give frontline workers peace of mind on the job, offering proactive and immediate assistance when and where they need it. When people feel safe, they can be more focused and productive. A boost in employee safety and morale can therefore have a direct and positive impact on team efficiency and the overall work environment.

Motorola Solutions www.motorolasolutions.com.au

All-electric truck The Foton T5 all-electric truck is designed for the Australian transport industry and comes with a full suite of safety features.

It offers an eight-year/400,000 km vehicle and power battery warranty, enabling organisations to plan ahead on their fleet costs.

The Foton T5 has a fully loaded range of 200 km, while also offering a range of safety features, including a low-speed pedestrian warning system, a comprehensive electronic braking and stability support package, dual SRS airbags, and a reversing radar and buzzer.

The ready-to-go T5 EV tipper features an Australian-

HVAC system V-belts

made steel tipper body, making it suitable for use in

The Gates PowerGrip GT4 and Poly Chain GT Carbon

municipalities and by landscaping companies.

V-belts are designed to decrease maintenance and reduce safety risks within HVAC systems.

The belts offer a larger temperature range and longer

DC fast charging allows for full recharging in 1.5 hours, or alternatively, the standard 11 kW AC onboard charger can fully recharge the drive battery in 7.2 hours, allowing

service life, suitable for HVAC systems and other compact

for overnight turnarounds.

equipment exposed to tough environmental conditions.

Foton

Given that the belts do not require re-tensioning, this

www.foton-global.com

helps to eliminate both maintenance costs and safety risks for workers.

The belts can be used as part of a system with Poly Chain sprockets, available in corrosion-resistant finishes.

The durable polyurethane construction of Poly Chain GT Carbon resists chemicals, pollutants and high ambient temperatures for a longer lifespan.

Gates Australia Pty Ltd www.gatesaustralia.com.au

30 SAFETY SOLUTIONS - FEBRUARY 2025

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STUDY

CASE

Better management of PTSD for frontline workers

iStock.com/Shengsheng Zhao. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.

Updated guidelines for the management of PTSD among emergency service workers have been developed by researchers.

Emergency service workers are twice as likely to experience mental health problems when compared with the general population — in large part due to the high risk of trauma exposure at work. In addition, an estimated one in 10 of Australia’s 370,000+ emergency workers and volunteers will develop PTSD related to critical incidents.

The guidelines launched by the Black Dog Institute and UNSW Sydney have been created with a specific focus on the emergency services community in Victoria, using real-world evidence to understand and address the unique challenges faced by this group.

Over recent years, Victoria has experienced devastating bushfires and floods, exposing frontline workers to heightened levels of stress and increased risk of trauma exposure at work. As the likelihood of these events increase due to climate change, the mental health of emergency responders is under growing pressure.

“We want to make sure that any emergency service workers or volunteers in Victoria that come forward for treatment of PTSD know that they’re getting the best quality treatment, and the treatment that is most likely to work,” said lead co-author Professor Sam Harvey, Executive Director and Chief Scientist of Black Dog Institute.

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“We now have a range of different treatment options that are effective for PTSD in emergency service workers, including talking therapies and a range of pharmaceutical treatments. If someone doesn’t get better with initial treatment, there are a range of other evidence-based treatments that should be tried.”

A report now consolidates the best available research evidence to provide clinicians with clear guidelines on how to diagnose and treat emergency workers with PTSD. This includes clinical data from Black Dog Institute and UNSW’s National Emergency Worker Support Service (NEWSS). Since its launch in 2020, NEWSS has reached more than 205,000 emergency service workers and achieved a world-leading PTSD recovery rate of 70–80%, compared to a global average of around 50–60%.

“Treating an emergency service worker with PTSD is fundamentally different to treating PTSD in the general population,” said lead coauthor Professor Richard Bryant, Director of the Trauma Stress Clinic at UNSW. “Australia is now leading the world in the way we care for and treat emergency service workers with PTSD. These guidelines aim to share what we have learnt through more than half a decade of working with this population, to lift quality of care across Australia and internationally.”

FEBRUARY 2025 - SAFETY SOLUTIONS 31

Asbestos awareness tool The Advocacy Australia and Asbestos Education Committee asbestos awareness tool is designed to educate about asbestos risks and how to manage them safely.

The ‘Asbestos in Homes: A Guide to Identification, Testing and Removal’ 20-minute video helps to educate those who own or work on homes built prior to 1990 about the risks of asbestos when renovating, demolishing or maintaining properties.

The video discusses asbestos safety as well as the legalities and the simple steps people should take for asbestos inspections and removal so they know how to protect themselves, their families, tradespeople and anyone else who might be at risk of exposure.

It features industry leaders such as Asbestos Awareness Ambassador Cherie Barber; Bret Baker, President of the Asbestos & Hazmat Removal Contractors Association of NSW; John Batty, President of the Asbestos & Hazardous-Materials Consultants Association; and Mathew Klintfält, homeowner and renovator who continues the work of his late mother Carol Klintfält OAM in asbestos awareness advocacy.

Advocacy Australia advocacyaustralia.org.au

All-electric truck The Foton T5 all-electric truck is designed for the Australian transport industry and comes with a full suite of safety features.

It offers an eight-year/400,000 km vehicle and power battery warranty, enabling organisations to plan ahead on their fleet costs.

The Foton T5 has a fully loaded range of 200 km, while also offering a range of safety features, including a low-speed pedestrian warning system, a comprehen-

Digital chemical tank cleaning solution Milbros UV Graphs are designed to assist with chemical tank cleaning practices across fleets. The use of UV Graphs complements traditional chemical tanker cleaning methods which require crews to enter confined spaces to sample various sections of the tank, exposing them to harmful chemicals. Using a UV Graph reduces the number of tank entries by allowing operators and crew to perform most of the inspections remotely.

These UV Graphs have been developed to work with a spectrophotometer, a machine now being installed on ships that accepts a sample of the residue, or wash water from the tank. The machine measures the absorbance of light at different wavelengths, including the ultraviolet (UV) range.

sive electronic braking and stability support package, dual SRS airbags, and a reversing radar and buzzer.

The ready-to-go T5 EV tipper features an Australianmade steel tipper body, making it suitable for use in municipalities and by landscaping companies.

DC fast charging allows for full recharging in 1.5 hours, or alternatively, the standard 11 kW AC onboard charger can fully recharge the drive battery in 7.2 hours, allowing for overnight turnarounds.

Foton www.foton-global.com

Partnered with a UV graph, the data shows how much UV light is absorbed at specific wavelengths, helping the user identify any remaining tank contaminants.

Users can download the required chemical chart and use the onboard spectrophotometer to create a graph. If the graph’s reading is below 100 parts per million (ppm), the tank is clean. If not, the graph will indicate how much contaminant could still be present, allowing the cleaning team to accurately calculate how much more cleaning needs to be done.

Veson Nautical veson.com

32 SAFETY SOLUTIONS - FEBRUARY 2025

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SHIFT WORK

WHY MEAL TIMING MATTERS FOR SHIFT WORKERS

What did the results show?

Professor Leonie Heilbronn, from SAHMRI and the University of Adelaide, said results showed participants who ate meals or snacks during the night shift had significantly worse glucose tolerance compared to those who fasted.

“We found that blood glucose skyrocketed for those who ate full meals at night and those who snacked, while the people who fasted at night showed an increase in insulin secretion which kept blood sugar levels balanced,” Heilbronn said.

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iStock.com/Jovanmandic. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.

O

vernight eating may be putting the health of shift workers at risk, a new study has found.

Research by the University of South Australia (UniSA), the University of Adelaide and SAHMRI, published in Diabetologia, found that overnight eating may be putting night shift workers at higher risk of chronic health conditions.

The NHMRC-funded study involved a sixday trial with 55 adults in the healthy BMI range, who did not usually work night shifts.

Participants stayed at UniSA’s BehaviourBrain-Body Sleep Research Centre and were divided into three groups: those who fasted at night, those who had snacks and those who ate full meals.

All participants stayed awake for four nights and slept during the day, with a recovery day on day five to re-establish normal sleeping and eating cycles. Blood glucose testing was conducted on day six.

“We know shift workers are more likely to have diabetes, they’re more likely to have heart disease and they’re more likely to be overweight. Our research suggests that meal timing could be a major contributor to those issues.”

Insulin sensitivity was disrupted among all participants, regardless of their eating habits, adding to the body of evidence that night shifts cause circadian misalignment and impair glucose metabolism.

“When you eat a meal, your body secretes insulin, and that insulin helps your muscles and other tissues to take up glucose,” Heilbronn said. “If you become resistant to insulin, then you can’t take up that glucose

as effectively into your muscles — and if it continues, that potentially puts you at risk of diabetes.”

Lead investigator Professor Siobhan Banks, from UniSA, said not eating large meals while working night shift and instead eating primarily during the day could be a straightforward intervention to manage health outcomes for many workers.

“This could be easier for people to follow than other more complex diets,” Banks said.

The researchers said future trials will investigate whether eating only protein snacks on night shift is a potential solution to satiating hunger without predisposing workers to negative health consequences.

FEBRUARY 2025 - SAFETY SOLUTIONS 33

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REGISTRATIONS OPEN FOR

AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURING WEEK 2025

R

egistrations are now open for the precision engineering manufacturing show, AMW2025.

The event is being held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) in Melbourne, from Tuesday, 6 May to Friday, 9 May 2025. Organised and run by the Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL), AMW2025 will host over 400 organisations taking stands to showcase the latest manufacturing technologies, processes and support services.

The event, which will occupy 80% of the MCEC, will cover every aspect of manufacturing technology, from the largest machine tools to the smallest precision cutting tools.

It will also include state-of-the-art support systems, software and accessories, and the myriad services essential to any manufacturing operation.

One of the many highlights of AMW shows is the Future Solutions Speaker Program.

These sessions have been hand-picked to cater to the industry’s varied needs to tackle challenges and stay abreast of the latest trends.

“Come and hear from the best specialists in each field,” said CEO of AMTIL Lorraine Maxwell. “Our Future Solutions sessions will cover many aspects of manufacturing in Australia, as well as services surrounding and supporting our industry. We are all set for a great week.”

AMW2025 will offer a wider spectrum of technologies vital to the modern manufacturing business than has ever been brought under one roof at an Australian exhibition before.

To help visitors to the show navigate such a diverse line-up of exhibits, AMW2025 will feature dedicated areas covering a range of specialised aspects of the modern manufacturing landscape, including the Additive Manufacturing Zone, Australian Manufacturer’s Pavilion, Machine Tools, Manufacturing Solutions, Robotics & Automation and Weld & Air Solutions.

Explore new opportunities, meet, and network with industry leaders and technology experts, all under one roof at one show.

AMW’s organisers have also teamed up with event management software experts Map Your Show to develop online tools to help visitors plan their visit. There will also be an AMW App to aid attendees in navigating the site.

“I think it’s safe to say that every aspect of manufacturing today will be on display at AMW 2025,” said Kim Banks, Exhibition Director at AMTIL. “There will be something for everyone involved in manufacturing.

Just ensure you set aside enough time to see it all.”

Attendance is free and registration is required. Learn more and register today at www.australianmanufacturingweek.com.au.

Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Ltd www.amtil.com.au

34 SAFETY SOLUTIONS - FEBRUARY 2025

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