Mining study shows trade unions save lives
A strong trade union presence makes mines safer, according to the preliminary finding of a major international study. The researchers confirmed that health and safety representatives supported by a trade union were more effective in getting important safety matters addressed and resolved than health and safety representatives acting on their own. The comparative research project, led by Professor David Walters from Cardiff University, was based on the experiences of worker health and safety representatives in Australia, Canada, India, Indonesia and South Africa. The research involved interviews with trade unions nationally and regionally, miners and government inspectors, as well as other key parties. "This welcome research reinforces our message that trade unions play a critical role in health and safety awareness and training. We believe that workers have rights, employers an obligation and governments a responsibility to improve safety in mining," said Glen Mpufane, mining director with the global union IndustriALL. The preliminary findings of the study were presented this month at a Johannesburg workshop, organised by the University of the Witwatersrand's Centre for Sustainability in Mining and Industry and IndustriALL. The final report is expected later this year.
Read more: IndustriALL news report. Source: Risks 792
Stress on the increase globally
In July 2015 the International Occupational Medicine Society Collaborative (OMSC) surveyed its then 30 member countries, 21 of which responded. The countries, including Australia, the U.S, Canada, the UK, Italy and Japan at that time covered approximately one third of the world's workforce.
An analysis of the results identified a a shift in the types of work-related health problems seen by occupational medical specialists: problems such as stress and burnout are becoming more common. For example, in Denmark, OM specialists have seen a decline in 'traditional' occupational health problems as lung disease and musculoskeletal issues; while work-related mental illness, including psychosocial stress and burnout, has risen dramatically. In the UK, musculoskeletal problems are still prevalent, but the incidence of mental health conditions needing treatment is increasing.
Read more: Loeppke, Ronald MD; et al, US Global Trends in Occupational Medicine: Results of the International Occupational Medicine Society Collaborative Survey [Full article] Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine: March 2017 - Volume 59
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