Landmark case sends warning to engineering firms

Two engineering firms are the first in South Australia to be successfully prosecuted over an unsafe structural design, which led to two workers being injured when a roof structure collapsed.

The South Australian Employment Tribunal has fined Combe Pearson Reynolds Pty Ltd (CPR) and Jack Adcock Consulting Pty Ltd (JAC) a combined $70,000 over the incident in Angaston in November 2021. Read more → 

Engineered Stone update

Implementation of a nationwide ban on engineered stone continues to progress. 

The ban will apply to the manufacturing, supply, processing and installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs and will take effect from 1 July 2024.

There will be a transitional period for contracts for the installation of these products entered into on or before 31 December 2023. These contracts will be exempt from the ban provided installation is completed by 31 December 2024.

SafeWork SA has created resources to answer your questions about the ban in Australia. Read more → 

Snap audit reveals unhygienic loos on residential construction sites

A snap inspection of portable toilets on residential construction sites has found most were unclean, unhygienic or lacked basic amenities – turning them into no-go zones for workers.

SafeWork SA audited 168 residential building sites in metropolitan Adelaide over a six-month period, issuing builders with 103 toilet-related improvement notices. Read more → 

Ensuring distillers are top shelf on safety

Gin and whisky distilleries across the State will be audited for the first time by SafeWork SA inspectors to reduce the risks to workers and the public.

A dramatic rise in locally produced spirits has seen the number of distilleries in South Australia grow tenfold in the past decade. There are now more than 120 distillers making gin, whiskey, vodka and rum in SA. Read more → 

Webinar wrap up

Last week, SafeWork SA's Brett Pfeffer and Paul Findlay, along with Scott Barber from Working at Heights Association presented a webinar on Falls from Heights. Some of the topics discussed included Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), occupations at risk and safe use of ladders. You can watch the full webinar here.

SafeWork SA also presented a Hazardous Noise and Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Webinar (NIHL), with special guests Rob Byrne from ReturnToWorkSA and Steve Clark from InfraBuild. Missed the webinar? Watch it here. 

We're on Instagram - give us a follow! 

SafeWork SA now has an Instagram page, where you'll find workplace news, education and safety information. Follow us here.

Near miss highlights dangers of unsecured lifting jibs

A recent near miss has highlighted the dangers of using unsecured lifting jibs on forklifts. A worker narrowly escaped being hit by a load of steel when the lifting jib, which was incorrectly attached to the tynes of a forklift, slipped off and landed on adjacent machinery causing damage. Read more → 

Healthy Workplaces: Community of Practice wrap up

Last week, SafeWork SA’s Wellbeing Advisor Paul Findlay, through the Healthy Workplaces collaborative partnership, presented on psychosocial legislation and hazards to a Community of Practice audience at the South Australian Business Chamber (formerly Business SA). 

Mardi Webber, Mentally Healthy Workplace Consultant at ReturnToWorkSA, followed Paul and spoke about one of the most prevalent psychosocial hazards, namely job demands.

It was a fantastic morning of sharing ideas, solving problems and exploring best practices in the workplace health and wellbeing space.

Smokers encouraged to take part in 'Quit your way in May' 2024

South Australian smokers are once again planning to put away their cigarettes for the fourth annual ‘Quit your way in May’ campaign.

‘Quit your way in May’ is a quit smoking event that emphasises the importance of smokers quitting their own way.  It provides platforms for participants to quit alongside other community members, and celebrates their quit smoking attempts with lots of encouragement. Read more and register here → 

Advisory Service

SafeWork SA offers free information, support and advice to guide you through any workplace safety issue. You can request a visit from one of our knowledgeable and helpful Advisory Service team members who can provide practical solutions based on your workplace's industry, size, risk and complexity. See how our workplace safety partnerships have helped many South Australian businesses thrive: Read more →