Archived News for Human Resource Professionals
National workplace safety agency Comcare has released its sedentary work practices toolkit, a collection of information, guidance materials and templates that can help workplaces develop and apply a strategy to reduce prolonged sitting in the workplace.
Comcare has warned that prolonged sitting poses significant risks to the health of workers and the organisations they work for, including chronic disease and early death for workers and loss of productivity for organisations.
More information on the risks of sedentary work practices and cost-effective strategies to reduce risks and promote work health is below.
- Fact sheet: Implementing a program to reduce sedentary work practices—checklist
- Fact sheet: Strategies to help you stand up, sit less, move more
- Fact sheet: The business case for reducing sedentary work practices
- Poster: Healthy workplace tip—drink water, stand up
- Poster: Healthy workplace tip—stand during meetings
- Poster: The dangers of prolonged sitting
First round of SkillSelect announced
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has announced the first round of skilled migrants invited to formally apply of visas under the Federal Government’s new SkillSelect service.
NSW streamlines workers compensation obligations for councils
The New South Wales Government has announced reform that will make it easier for Government-owned entities, local government and public universities to lodge security deposits to cover workers compensation obligations.
Tasmania urges WHS participation
The Tasmanian Government has urged greater participation by employees and employers in a number of events being held around the State in the lead up to the introduction of new workplace health and safety laws at the beginning of next year.
QR National announces 900 jobs to go
Rail giant QR National has a round of 750 voluntary redundancies, bringing the total number of positions shed from the company to 900 for the calendar year.
Workers would rather quit than deal with issues
An alarming 46 per cent of Australian workers would rather quit their job than contend with a workplace issue, according to suicide prevention group R U OK?
$400 million lost to fraud finds report
A report released by forensic accountant specialists Warfield & Associates has found that nearly $400 million was lost to industrial fraud, with 89 cases being documented involving 93 employees.
ADF review calls for sexual misconduct unit
A review of gender discrimination within the ranks of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) has concluded that the formation of a sexual misconduct unit is necessary to combat the prevalence of gender discrimination within the armed forces.
Australians a gloomy bunch finds report
“On reflection, it’s not surprising that Australian employees are in a pessimistic state as there have been lay-offs occurring across a range of industries over the past few years as well as a strong focus on the weak global economy in our current affairs,” Ms Brown said.
Coal job losses inevitable says Roche
Queensland Coal’s Chief Executive, Michael Roche, has warned that the State’s coal sector could be facing tough times in a speech delivered to the 8th Coaltrans Australia Conference in Brisbane.
Comcare announces 2012 National Conference
National occupational health and safety agency, Comcare, has outlined further details of its 2012 National Conference.
Queensland flags payroll overhaul
The Queensland Government has flagged sweeping changes to the State Government payroll systems, with Information Minister Ros Bates saying work will begin first on her own department.
WA launches local government workforce planning toolkit
The Western Australian Government has launched a new toolkit aimed at assisting the State’s local government sector address the ‘increasing and diverse’ challenges faced in providing services to their communities.
WorkCover NSW to hold injury prevention webinar
The WorkCover Authority of NSW has announced it will hold a free webinar later this month to help businesses better understand how to manage hazardous manual tasks in their workplaces.
Anne Gale named SA Equal Opportunity Commissioner
The South Australian Government has announced the appointment of Anne Gale as the state’s next Commissioner for Equal Opportunity.
Engineers in top demand finds report
The Western Australian Government has released the latest State Priority Occupation List, showing that engineers, nurses and childcare workers are among the most sought-after employees.
Queensland opens scholarships for women in male dominated industries
The Queensland Government has opened the first round of the new Supporting Women Scholarships, aimed at assisting women to enter traditionally male dominated industries.
ABS figures show healthy wage growth
Figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) have found a 3.7 per cent increase in the average wage of Australian workers.
ANU documents drought's devastating impacts
New research conducted by the Australian National University (ANU) has found that drought significantly increases the risk of suicide among rural males aged 30-49 years.
Cut emissions to save billions says report
Move to mitigate to reduce carbon emissions can significantly improve the health of the country’s population and could save billions of dollars and thousands of lives each year, a new report has found.
Government to cut skill red tape
The Federal Government has proposed a streamlined, nationally consistent licensing scheme for plumbing and gas fitting, property refrigeration and air-conditioning occupational licensing with an aim to boost labour mobility, productivity and save an estimated $86 million.