SOS-Switched Onto Safety

14/10/2026

Safety alert: Dropped A-frame-mounted protection bumper.

NOPSEMA has published a new safety alert following a high-potential incident involving a crane boom protection bumper mounted on the A-frame of an .

The 2.6 kg bumper assembly detached while the crane was being moved from its parked position and fell approximately 19 metres to the facility's main deck. It struck intermediate structures during the fall and was deflected from the area directly below its original position. No one was injured, but the incident had the potential to cause fatal injury.

The investigation is ongoing and no root cause has been determined. Preliminary observations indicate deterioration within the attachment arrangement and that the installed secondary retention did not prevent the bumper from falling.

should identify cranes with the same or comparable bumper arrangements and verify the of both the primary attachment and secondary retention. should also review and dropped-object to ensure these components are adequately addressed.

11/10/2026

Mine owner and operator FQM Australia Nickel Pty Ltd has been fined $810,000 and ordered to pay $11,096.20 in costs by the Albany Magistrates Court over an incident in which a suffered a serious spinal injury.

On 18 March 2023, the injured worker was carrying out maintenance on the Saprolite Stacker at FQM Australia Nickel Pty Ltd’s Ravensthorpe Nickel Operation processing plant when a component known as a Roman Shield moved and struck him. The injured worker required spinal fusion surgery, extensive treatment and rehabilitation. The injured worker continues to experience ongoing pain and reduced mobility.

FQM Australia Nickel Pty Ltd pleaded guilty to contravening sections 19(1) and 31(1) of the Work Health and Safety Act 2020. The company failed to comply with a health and safety duty and, by that failure, caused serious harm to a worker.

The court heard FQM Australia Nickel Pty Ltd transported nickel ore to stockpiles via conveyor stackers at the processing plant. Workers were changing out a Roman Shield on the Saprolite Stacker when the incident occurred. The injured worker and two co-workers unfastened the Roman Shield without first securing it against uncontrolled movement. The Roman Shield rotated backwards and part of it struck the injured worker, pinning him against part of the structure.

FQM Australia Nickel Pty Ltd did not instruct the workers to secure the Roman Shield before unfastening it, warn them of the of uncontrolled movement or instruct them to stay clear of the potential line of fire. The for the task did not include those controls and the allocated did not directly supervise the work.

Commissioner Sally North said the prosecution highlighted the importance of conducting a thorough to identify associated with high-risk tasks and implement effective before beginning the work.

“ of is a well-known hazard that can result in serious injuries,” Ms North said.

“Employers must ensure they identify the risks associated with maintenance tasks and the measures required to control those risks and ensure this is clearly to workers undertaking those tasks.

“In this case, FQM Australia Nickel Pty Ltd could have implemented measures to ensure the Roman Shield was secure and stable before workers unfastened it and to keep workers out of the line of fire of any uncontrolled movement.

“Effective supervision, task-specific risk assessments and clear work instructions are critical in preventing incidents such as this.”

Following the incident, FQM Australia Nickel Pty Ltd engaged a specialist safety consultant, developed Roman Shield-specific risk assessment procedures and work instructions, introduced more comprehensive Job Hazard Analyses and enhanced programs for new employees and supervisors. In July 2024, the company placed the Ravensthorpe Nickel Operation into care and maintenance.

Mine owner and operator FQM Australia Nickel Pty Ltd has been fined $810,000 and ordered to pay $11,096.20 in costs by the Albany Magistrates Court over an incident in which a worker suffered a serious spinal injury.

07/10/2026

A bombshell report has exposed hidden dangers lurking in our , with lab testing uncovering alarming levels of residues on fruit and veggies sold across Australian supermarkets.

Australia’s Residue Report 2026, released on Wednesday by Pesticide Action Australia, examined 13 types of fruit and vegetables randomly purchased at Coles, Woolworths and Aldi stores across Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, Perth and Melbourne in June.

The independent testing of everyday staples including apples, avocado, bananas, blueberries, broccoli, capsicum, cucumber, grapes, lettuce, potatoes, rockmelon, strawberries and tomatoes revealed 201 pesticide residues across the 78 samples, from 54 different pesticides.

Lab testing has uncovered alarming levels of pesticide residues on supermarket fruit and veggies sold across Australia.

Lab testing has uncovered alarming levels of pesticide residues on supermarket fruit and veggies sold across Australia.

Alarmingly, 44 per cent of samples carried one or more per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances ( ) – also known as “forever chemicals” – which have been linked with serious health problems in humans including , high cholesterol and immune system dysfunction.

Four residues also breached national regulator the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority’s ( ) own limits, and 56 per cent of samples carried at least one pesticide not approved for use in the European Union.

The testing also revealed 14 per cent of samples carried a pesticide – a class of systemic pesticide widely banned and restricted overseas which is absorbed inside crops and which is linked to significant health and environmental concerns.

Five different pesticides – a class of originating from World War II nerve agents that have been significantly restricted or banned globally due to serious health and environmental risks – were also revealed by the testing.

https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/health-problems/tests-reveal-toxic-pesticides-and-forever-chemicals-in-aussie-supermarket-produce/news-story/ee04a509d983bb07288f76d67da96a46

Learn about News on CNET

02/10/2026

Managing chemicals and the results of not following simple basic rules!

As representatives for Chemwatch here in Western Australia we are regularly asked to conduct chemical inventories and hazardous substance reviews for our clients....

As representatives for Chemwatch here in Western Australia we are regularly asked to conduct chemical inventories and hazardous substance reviews for our clients. These inspections and audits const…

29/09/2026

SOS Tuesday Safety Tips: Hand Hazards - Your hands are one of your most important "instruments." Yet so many suffer serious (and often desabling) hand injuries each year. Learn to recognize hand hazards (hear are a few examples):
- use of unprotected or faulty machinery or equipment.
- failure to use push-sticks, guards, kill-switches or to follow appropriate lock-out procedures.
- wearing jewellery, gloves or loose-fitting clothing around moving parts.
- chemicals, corrosives and other irritating substances can cause burns and skin inflammation.
- temperature extremes and electrical hazards
- contstant, repetitive motion can cuase undue stress on the wrists and hands.

28/09/2026

Megan's Monday Affirmations: I create my own opportunities! 💫

🌱 Useful Tip: Every week, take a few moments to list three things you want to achieve. Break each one down into a simple action you can take today. Small steps open the door to big possibilities! Trust yourself and make the first move—you never know what opportunities you might create.

25/09/2026

SOS Friday Fun Facts: Did you know that octopuses don’t actually have tentacles? Most species have eight arms, not tentacles! Tentacles (like the ones on squids) only have suckers at their tips, while octopus arms have suckers all along their length.

Did you know this fun fact already, or did it surprise you? Let us know in the comments! 🐙👇

25/09/2026

dies after concrete slab falls at Melbourne factory.

WorkSafe investigators are now trying to piece together how the incident unfolded.

A 15-year-old boy has died when a concrete slab fell on him at a factory in Melbourne’s southeast.

An industrial accident was reported at the on Carter Way in Dandenong South about 10.45am on Thursday, sparking an emergency response.

It is understood an upright concrete panel fell on top of the teenage boy while multiple staff members were nearby, many on their smoko break.

WorkSafe investigators are now trying to piece together how the incident unfolded.

24/09/2026

Today is an incredibly difficult day for our Amaroo family as we say goodbye to Luke.

His loss has been felt deeply across our entire team, and today many of our staff will be attending his funeral to stand alongside his family, friends and each other as we celebrate his life and say our final goodbyes.

If you’ve visited Amaroo, there’s every chance you may have been served by Luke in our restaurant. You may remember his warm smile, his easy nature and the genuine kindness he showed our guests. Perhaps he brought your breakfast, served your dinner, shared a laugh or simply made you feel welcome. That warmth was simply Luke.

Amaroo will remain open today, and our guests can still expect the care, warmth and service we are known for. We will, however, have a smaller team looking after the Retreat while their colleagues attend Luke’s funeral.

We know our guests will understand if things move just a little more slowly today, or if there are moments when our team aren’t quite their usual selves.

Over the past few weeks, we have been overwhelmed by the kindness shown to Luke’s family and to our staff.
Today, though, is about Luke.
About remembering his smile. Sharing the stories that make us laugh and cry. Supporting the people who loved him. And celebrating the 20 years he was here and the impact he had on so many lives.

Rest peacefully, Luke. You will always be part of the Amaroo family.

Forever in our hearts

23/09/2026

SOS Wednesday Wisdom: Take a moment to appreciate those who bring joy to your life—whether it’s a friend, family member, or coworker. A simple thank you or kind gesture can make their day and strengthen your connection. Spread positivity and gratitude!