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Background: Implementing appropriate shift work schedules can help mitigate the risk of sleep impairment and reduce fatigue of healthcare workers, reducing occupational health and safety risks. In Australia, the organisation has a responsibility to make sure all reasonable measures are taken to reduce fatigue of staff. Therefore, it is important to assess what the current rostering processes is for staff responsible for creating the rosters for nurses. Aim: The aims of the project were to understand (1) who creates the rosters and what the process is, (2) what training and knowledge these staff have in establishing rostering schedules that optimise the sleep and wellbeing of staff, and (3) what the benefits and limitations are of current rostering practices. Methods: Findings were generated through semi-structured interviews, using cluster coding to form categories. Twenty four nurses responsible for rostering staff were interviewed from three different sites in Victoria (one metropolitan and two regional/rural hospitals). Data was analysed using selected grounded theory methods with thematic analysis. Results: The common themes that came out of the interviews were that rostering staff were under prepared, unaware of fatigue and safety guidelines and polices from governing bodies and had not received any education or training before taking on the role. The most common rostering style was self-rostering, where staff could submit preferences. However, there were concerns about staff fatigue but were divided as to who should be responsible, with many saying it was up to staff to preference shifts that they could cope with. The final theme was cultural barriers to change. Conclusion: While self-rostering resulted in staff having more freedom and flexibility, shift preferences may be influenced more so by a need to fit with lifestyle rather than to minimise fatigue and increase safety in the workplace. Greater consideration of the impact of shift work schedules on fatigue is required to ensure that the layers of clinical governance in health care organisations minimise the risk of occupation health and safety issues for employees delivering direct patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture is one of the most important and also hazardous industries in Australia. Having a sound knowledge and understanding of the circumstance of injury events is critical to developing evidence-based intervention programs. This paper aims to provide a brief historical snapshot of the development of data systems underpinning the assessment of fatal farm injury in Australia and how it has impacted on safety policy and practice. The first Australian studies used coronial information to explore agricultural fatalities, these studies reviewed paper-based records (in-situ) and collected the information for analysis and reporting. This task was laborious and costly. When the National Coronial Information System (NCIS) was established in 2000, this allowed access to coronial records online. Information provided about the deceased includes demographics, contextual details on the nature of the fatality and autopsy, toxicology, and police reports, as-well-as the coroner's finding. Information from the NCIS, along with media reports, have been used to develop the farm fatality database. This information has been used to inform the safety goals and targets for farm commodity groups, identify key risks, provide long-term benchmark indicators and underpin the development of prevention materials and training resources. Without accurate, timely, concise and relevant data about injury occurring on farms, there is no evidence to drive policy and practice or to evaluate programs of work. As such, the continued utilization and extension of the NCIS data will prove crucial to further reducing the burden of preventable fatal injuries on Australian farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a significant silicosis risk for workers fabricating engineered stone (ES) products containing crystalline silica. The aims of this study by SafeWork NSW were to: (i) assess current worker exposure to respirable dust (RD) and respirable crystalline silica (RCS) following a 5-y awareness and compliance program of inspections in ES workshops and (ii) to identify improvements in work practices from the available evidence base to further reduce exposures. One hundred and twenty-three personal full shift samples taken on as many workers and 34 static samples across 27 workshops fabricating ES were included in the final assessment. The exposure assessment was conducted using Casella Higgins–Dewell cyclones (Casella TSI) placed in the breathing zone of workers attached to SKC Air Check XR 5000 or SKC Chek TOUCH sampling pumps. Sample filters were sent to an ISO (2017) 17025:2017 accredited laboratory for gravimetric analysis for RD and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis to determine the amount of deposited RCS i.e. alpha-quartz and cristobalite. All workshops used wet methods of fabrication. The geometric mean (GM) of the pooled result for respirable dust (RD) was 0.09 mg/m3 TWA-8 h and 0.034 mg/m3 TWA-8 h for RCS. The highest exposed workers with a GM RCS of 0.062 mg/m3 TWA-8 h were those using pneumatic hand tools for cutting or grinding combined with polishing tasks. Workers operating semiautomated routers and edge polishers had the lowest GM RCS exposures of 0.022 mg/m3 TWA-8 h and 0.018 mg/m3 TWA-8 h respectively. Although ES workers remain exposed to RCS above the workplace exposure limit (WEL) of 0.05 mg/m 3 TWA-8 h, these results point to a very substantial reduction in exposures compared to poorly controlled dry methods of fabrication. Therefore, the wearing of respiratory protection by workers remains necessary until further control measures are more widely adopted across the entire industry e.g. reduction in the crystalline silica content of ES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. This study sought to gain an understanding of rural and remote rehabilitation healthcare workers' perceptions and experiences of compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue. Method. Sixteen rehabilitation workers from four national providers of rehabilitation services to rural and remote communities participated in semistructured interviews conducted by telephone over a four-month period in 2018-2019. Braun and Clarke's six-phase framework guided the thematic analysis. Findings. Quality of work life, organisational and workplace culture, and organisational management practices, particularly key performance indicators (KPIs), were reported as impacting compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue. Sources of compassion satisfaction were also common to the development of compassion fatigue, suggesting that it is unlikely for compassion satisfaction to be experienced without risk of compassion fatigue. Conclusion. Although there are similarities in experiences of compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue with other remote healthcare workers, for rehabilitation workers, KPIs were a unique concern, mainly due to their uniformity regardless of geographic location. Participants' concerns about meeting KPIs increased their work-related pressures, normalised unsafe work practices, and were a cause of recruitment and retention concerns. These perceived influences suggest that rehabilitation workers have a lower likelihood of developing and maintaining compassion satisfaction and a heightened risk of developing compassion fatigue than other rural or remote healthcare workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A total-factor framework is developed for measuring safety performance. • A global DEA model is established. • The construction safety performance in Australia has been promoted by pure technical elements. • The scale factor is not an important force driving safety performance. • The safety performance improvement model is developed. Introduction: Safety is one of the critical and persistent challenges in the construction industry. Measuring safety performance could allow decision-makers to check safety production processes and enhance the health and safety environment. Method: This study developed a total-factor framework based on the global Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method to measure safety performance. The performance trend and influencing factors of pure technical efficiency and scale efficiency were separately investigated. The safety performance of construction employees in Australia was measured as a case study. Results: The results demonstrate that the safety performance in the Australian construction industry has been evidently enhanced, which is mainly promoted by the progress of pure technical elements. The scale factors did not play a positive and important role in driving the performance. Conclusions: The increasing regional differences in safety performance could be reduced by learning the practices from the benchmark construction industry, such as a young worker program, small business safety program, workplace mental health program, and advanced construction technologies. Practical Applications: The method can be utilized to measure safety performance and investigate the pathways to enhance performance without influencing production inputs and outcomes. The model and experiences of how to promote safety performance on the policymakers and employers were recognized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To explore if there are differences in shift patterns and work‐related factors between metropolitan and regional/rural healthcare shift workers and their risk of poor sleep and mental health. Furthermore, explore whether these factors impact on medical errors, workplace and car/near car accidents. Design: A cross‐sectional study. Setting: An anonymous online survey of healthcare shift workers in Australia. Participants: A total of 403 nurses, midwives and paramedics completed the survey. Main outcome measures: Sample characteristics, employment location, shift work‐related features, sleep and mental health measurements, workplace accidents, medical errors and car/near car accident post shift. Results: Regional/rural healthcare shift workers were significantly older, had more years' experience, worked more nights, on‐call and hours per week. Those in metropolitan areas took significantly longer (minutes) to travel to work, had higher levels of anxiety, increased risk of shift work disorder, reported significantly more workplace accidents and were more likely to have a car/near car accident when commuting home post shift. Both groups reported ~25% having a medical error in the past year. Workplace accidents were related to more on‐call shifts and poor sleep quality. Medical errors were associated with fewer years' experience, more evening shifts and increased stress. Car accidents were associated with metropolitan location and increased depression. Conclusion: Differences in work‐related factors between metropolitan and regional/rural healthcare shift workers were observed. Some of these factors contributed to occupational health and safety risks. Further exploration is needed to understand how to reduce occupational health and safety risks, and improve employee and patient safety both in both regional/rural and metropolitan areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Need for recovery (NFR) is an early indicator of work-related fatigue that has negative implications for worker health and safety. However, little attention has been paid to NFR in the construction industry. This study aims to investigate NFR patterns across site-based construction practitioners and their relationships with job (i.e., perceived role overload and main role) and employee characteristics (i.e., age, gender, educational level, marital status, and having children or not) in the construction industry. Data collected from 243 site-based construction practitioners were analyzed by latent class analysis (LCA) and multinomial logistic regression. Four NFR classes were identified by LCA and defined as low, moderately low, moderately high, and high. Results revealed that a combined 54% of site-based construction practitioners belonged to the moderately high and high NFR classes. Multinomial logistic regression revealed that site-based construction practitioners who perceived more role overload (versus those who perceived less role overload), held site management positions (versus tradespeople), or were female (versus male) were more likely to be in the high NFR class. The significance of this study lies in enriching the knowledge of NFR in the construction industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To support policy makers and healthcare workers to reduce high rates of bullying, discrimination, and harassment (BDH) that affect doctors in Australian specialty training sites. Methods. This audit assessed the quality of policies regarding BDH and associated complaints of the Australian Medical Council-accredited Australasian specialty training Colleges (Colleges). Policies were systematically identified and scored against a national standard BDH policy checklist. Results. Fourteen of the 16 Colleges have each written and curated their own BDH policies for their members, with wide variation between Colleges regarding content and processes. This impairs the efficacy of BDH handling in specialty training sites. Conclusions. Key areas for improvement were identified. A checklist is proposed that is specific to College BDH policies and processes involving specialty training sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. There are no guidelines to assist midwifery academics or students in determining the optimal time to return to their educational programs following pregnancy. Rather, students need to navigate balancing new motherhood with the pressures of returning to their clinical midwifery placement and completing their statutory requirements to meet the Australian Midwife Accreditation Standards before the end of their program. The aim of this study was to seek best practice information that provides guidance to academics supporting midwifery students returning to study after maternity leave. Methods. An analysis of contemporary Australian legislation, workforce guidelines, professional association statements, and university policies was undertaken to determine what guidance is available to assist midwifery academics in providing advice to midwifery students about the optimal time to return to their studies following birth. This document analysis was performed during 2021–2022 and followed Altheide and Schneider’s 12 step process divided into five stages to clarify best practice advice for midwifery academics to provide guidance to students returning to study after maternity leave. Results. Policy documents that refer to pregnancy confirm women have legal rights, and there is clear guidance on maternity leave; however, advice for midwifery students on the optimum time to return to study and clinical placements after birth is missing from the result of this document analysis search. Conclusion. Transition to motherhood during the postnatal period is an important time. Clear national guidelines are needed to provide support and recommendations regarding a safe and optimal time to return to study and placement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The objective of the online survey was to determine worker attitudes towards, perceptions on hearing loss, and management of workplace noise; and to identify barriers within current strategies that prevent effective management of hearing health in Australian mines. Design This cross-sectional study utilized a modified survey design, initially designed for use by Safe Work Australia for a broader study published in 2010. Study Sample The survey questionnaire was made available online to volunteer participants, recruited with the assistance of State and National Health and Safety, and mining organizations. Volunteer participants were required to be proficient in English, be employed by an Australian underground or open cut mine, including coal processing plants; or work as a contractor on one of the specified mine sites. All mining employees, regardless of occupation, job title, and occupational hearing loss classification or status, were invited to complete the questionnaire. Results Almost 60% of respondents indicated that they had high noise exposure for than 10 yr or more, and have some trouble hearing, mostly associated with infrequent tinnitus. Nearly 71% of these workers believe that the noise control strategies in their workplaces are effective, but this mostly refers to the use of hearing protection devices. Conclusion The results indicate that general knowledge on the cause and effect of noise exposure in the workplace is well understood. However, due to the long latency associated with the development of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), there is an issue urgency in terms of risk management. It is surprising that most of the respondents recommended more inspections and administrative controls, especially since most respondents were health, safety, and environment (HSE) professionals. HSE professionals should be advocating for higher order, more permanent solutions, and not purely administrative controls and personal protective equipment. These findings raise the question of whether there is a multifaceted working-culture issue that needs to be addressed, in combination with higher order control implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Redshaw, AS, Carrick-Ranson, G, Bennett, H, Norton, KI, and Walker, A. Effect of aging on movement quality in Australian urban firefighters. J Strength Cond Res 37(11): e601-e608, 2023--Adequate levels of movement quality (MQ) are required to safely perform occupational tasks in physically demanding and hazardous professions such as firefighting. Although it is well established that MQ deteriorates with age in population studies, there is conflicting evidence in older tactical populations. This study sought to examine the relationship between age and MQ in Australian urban firefighters. The impact of physical activity, injury history, and body mass index on MQ were also explored. The MQ of 324 professional Australian urban firefighters was assessed using MovementSCREEN MQ assessment tool. Scores of whole-body MQ ranged from 35.3 to 82.6 (0-100 scale), with a mean score of 59.2 6 10.0. There was a moderate, negative association between MQ and age (r520.500; p # 0.001), with those older than 50 years of age having significantly lower scores of MQ than their younger counterparts (p # 0.001). Secondary analysis found that higher body mass index (r520.285; p # 0.001), lower habitual physical activity levels (r 5 0.165; p # 0.003), and the presence of any musculoskeletal injury in the previous 12 months (p 5 0.016) had significant negative effects on composite MQ. Firefighters older than 50, obese, and engaging in low levels of physical activity should be considered a high priority for functional strength training interventions to maintain adequate MQ throughout their careers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Australia, work health and safety legislation applies to all workplaces, including those where disability-related supports and services are provided. It is thus relevant to people with disabilities (including people with intellectual disabilities) and the workers supporting them. The legislation allows work health and safety regulators to take enforcement action against people and organisations that breach their legal duties, including through prosecution and agreeing to enforceable undertakings. Using legal databases and registers of enforcement actions, this article examines the extent and circumstances of prosecutions and enforceable undertakings in Australian disability-related services and supports and identifies nine lessons for providers of services to people with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face major financial losses due to mental health issues affecting employees at all levels but seldom apply programs to promote wellbeing and prevent mental health issues among employees. To support the development of a multi-country workplace-based mental health intervention for SMEs (MENTUPP), a multinational consultation study was conducted. The study aimed to examine the experiences and needs of SMEs concerning the promotion of employee wellbeing, and the prevention and management of non-clinical mental health problems in workplaces. Methods: A survey consisting of open and closed questions was designed to assess key informants' opinion about the acceptability, the use, and the implementation of interventions to promote wellbeing and prevent mental health issues in the workplace. Academic experts and representatives of SME organisations, specific sector organisations, labour or advocacy groups, and occupational health organisations across the nine MENTUPP intervention countries (eight European countries and Australia) were invited to complete the survey. Data were collected via the online platform Qualtrics. Sixty-five of 146 informants responded, representing a 44.5% response rate. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the quantitative data and qualitative data were analysed through thematic analysis. Results: Measures to create mentally healthy workplaces were most used in SMEs, while more specific mental health interventions, such as training staff on how to promote wellbeing, were hardly used. Managers lack resources to implement mental health interventions and are concerned about employees spending too much time on these interventions during working hours. Receiving information about the economic benefits of mental health interventions and hearing successful testimonials from other SMEs can persuade managers otherwise. Employees have concerns about confidentiality, discrimination and stigma, and career opportunities when using such interventions. Conclusions: The study identifies a variety of challenges, needs and possibilities related to implementing mental health interventions in SMEs. Employers need to be convinced that investing in mental health in the workplace is worth their time and money. This requires more studies on the (cost-)effectiveness of mental health interventions. Once employers are engaged, their knowledge and competencies about how to implement such interventions should be increased and privacy concerns of employees to participate in them should be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demands of commissions of inquiry, legislators, and regulators that disability service providers' boards of directors have greater involvement in the governance of quality and safeguarding have been increasing, both in Australia and overseas. However, there is no empirical literature on how disability service provider boards might govern for quality and safeguarding. In contrast, there is a substantial literature on the impact of boards on the quality of care in the hospital sector and a small but developing literature on board influence on work health and safety. This article examines what might be learnt from both literatures and considers what findings might – and might not – be hypothesised to be transferable to the governance of disability service providers. Further, the article outlines a model for researching the boards of disability service providers and their influence on quality and safeguarding, and contributes ideas towards a research agenda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Nursing workplace injuries related to staff-assisted patient/resident movement occur frequently, however, little is known about the programs that aim to prevent these injuries. The objectives of this study were to: (i) describe how Australian hospitals and residential aged care services provide manual handling training to staff and the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on training; (ii) report issues relating to manual handling; (iii) explore the inclusion of dynamic risk assessment; and (iv) describe the barriers and potential improvements. Method. Using a cross-sectional design, an online 20-min survey was distributed by email, social media, and snowballing to Australian hospitals and residential aged care services. Results. Respondents were from 75 services across Australia, with a combined 73 000 staff who assist patients/residents to mobilise. Most services provide staff manual handling training on commencement (85%; n = 63/74), then annually (88% n = 65/74). Since the COVID-19 pandemic, training was less frequent, shorter in duration, and with greater online content. Respondents reported issues with staff injuries (63% n = 41), patient/resident falls (52% n = 34), and patient/resident inactivity (69% n = 45). Dynamic risk assessment was missing in part or in whole from most programs (92% n = 67/73), despite a belief that this may reduce staff injuries (93% n = 68/73), patient/resident falls (81% n = 59/73) and inactivity (92% n = 67/73). Barriers included insufficient staff and time, and improvements included giving residents a say in how they move and greater access to allied health. Conclusion. Most Australian health and aged care services provide clinical staff with regular manual handling training for staff‐assisted patient/resident movement, however, issues with staff injuries, as well as patient/resident falls and inactivity, remain. While there was a belief that dynamic in‐the‐moment risk assessment during staff‐assisted patient/ resident movement may improve staff and resident/patient safety, it was missing from most manual handling programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Resilience of safety management systems has a positive impact on safety performance in building R&M companies. • Resilience of safety management systems can be measured by people resilience, place resilience, and system resilience. • Safety performance is affected by the interactions between people resilience and place resilience. • Safety performance is affected by the interactions between place resilience and system resilience. Introduction : The complex and dynamic nature of building repair and maintenance (R&M) work tends to create safety risks for workers. Resilience engineering approach is identified as a complementary to conventional safety management techniques. Resilience of safety management systems is characterized by the capabilities to recover from, respond during, and prepare for unexpected situations. This research aims to conceptualize resilience of safety management systems in the building repair and maintenance context by introducing resilience engineering principles into the safety management system concept. Method: Data were collected from 145 professionals in building repair and maintenance companies in Australia. The structural equation modeling technique was utilized to analyze the collected data. Results: The results confirmed three dimensions (i.e., people resilience, place resilience, and system resilience) with 32 measurement items for assessing resilience of safety management systems. The results revealed that safety performance of building R&M companies was significantly affected by the interactions between people resilience and place resilience and the interactions between place resilience and system resilience. Conclusions: Theoretically, this study contributes to the safety management knowledge by theoretically and empirically supporting the development of concept, definition, and purpose of resilience for safety management systems. Practical Applications: Practically, this research proposes a framework for assessing the level of resilience of safety management systems that is characterized by employees' capabilities, supportiveness of workplace, and supportiveness of management to recover from safety incidents, react during unexpected situations, and prepare for preventative actions before occurrence of undesirable events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mental health nurses experience both organizational and practice‐related stressors in their work. Resilience is an interactive process of positive adaptation following stress and adversity. There is limited evidence on how personal resilience is applied to mental health nursing practice. The aim of this interpretive narrative study was to explore mental health nurses' stories of resilience in their practice for the purpose of gaining an understanding of resilience resources they draw on when dealing with challenging workplace situations. A storytelling approach was used in semistructured phone interviews with 12 mental health nurses who measured high on resilience (Workplace Resilience Inventory) and caring behaviours (Caring Behaviours Inventory). Within and across case narrative analysis produced stories of resilient practice within four themes: proactively managing the professional self; sustaining oneself through supportive relationships; engaging actively in practice, learning and self‐care; and seeking positive solutions and outcomes. Nurses displayed poise in stressful situations and grace under pressure in demanding and emotionally challenging interactions, holding dignity and respect for self and others, with the aim of achieving positive outcomes for both. Resilient practice is the responsibility of organizations as well as individuals. To develop practice and support staff retention, we recommend organizations use tailored professional development to cultivate a growth mindset in new and experienced staff, develop organizational strategies to build positive team cultures, and prioritize strategies to reduce workplace stressors and strengthen staff psychological safety and well‐being. The use of narrative techniques in reflective practice and clinical supervision may help build nurses' resilience and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is taking centre stage in economic growth and business operations alike. Public discourse about the practical and ethical implications of AI has mainly focussed on the societal level. There is an emerging knowledge base on AI risks to human rights around data security and privacy concerns. A separate strand of work has highlighted the stresses of working in the gig economy. This prevailing focus on human rights and gig impacts has been at the expense of a closer look at how AI may be reshaping traditional workplace relations and, more specifically, workplace health and safety. To address this gap, we outline a conceptual model for developing an AI Work Health and Safety (WHS) Scorecard as a tool to assess and manage the potential risks and hazards to workers resulting from AI use in a workplace. A qualitative, practice-led research study of AI adopters was used to generate and test a novel list of potential AI risks to worker health and safety. Risks were identified after cross-referencing Australian AI Ethics Principles and Principles of Good Work Design with AI ideation, design and implementation stages captured by the AI Canvas, a framework otherwise used for assessing the commercial potential of AI to a business. The unique contribution of this research is the development of a novel matrix itemising currently known or anticipated risks to the WHS and ethical aspects at each AI adoption stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia reaches its peak, medical radiation practitioners (MRPs) are at capacity both physically and emotionally. High workloads and stress impact the mental wellbeing of MRPs, with suppression of feelings and emotions resulting in experiences of compassion fatigue. From a MRP workforce perspective, the long-term cost of the pandemic has yet to be realised. MRPs need to be supported to prevent unintended health consequences. Robust management interventions will be required to support the MRP workforce to manage and hopefully mitigate compassion fatigue transitioning out of the pandemic. What is known about the topic? COVID-19 has highlighted the pressures on the healthcare system and subsequent effects on the healthcare workforce. Relatively little is known about this topic in relationship to the psychological wellbeing of medical radiation practitioners. What does this paper add? This paper recognises some of the effects of the impact of COVID-19 and contributes to literature on wellbeing Human Resource Management in the allied health sector. What are the implications for practitioners? Identification of various management interventions required to actively support medical radiation practitioners to manage and address compassion fatigue transitioning out of the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Providing care to methamphetamine‐related callout events in the prehospital environment is often complex and resource‐intensive, requiring staff to manage agitation and violence‐related side effects of methamphetamines. In Australia, emergency responders are increasingly required to attend events related to methamphetamines, even though reports suggest methamphetamine use across Australia has declined. The aim of the study was to explore Australian police and paramedic experiences attending methamphetamine‐related events. A qualitative descriptive phenomenology design was employed using semi‐structured interviews with employed police (10) and paramedics (8) from Australia. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Participants described the complexities associated with providing prehospital care to people affected by methamphetamines. Participants described associated domestic/family violence, increased levels of violence, challenges with communication, and responder emotional and psychological distress and physical injury. Violence associated with methamphetamine use is a critical factor in prehospital care. Workplace violence and family/domestic violence are important issues that require further research to ensure families and staff are well supported and have the services they need to continue responding to people affected by methamphetamine use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Working in high consequence yet low frequency, events Australian fire service Incident Controllers are required to make critical decisions with limited information in time-poor environments, whilst balancing competing priorities and pressures, to successfully solve dynamic large-scale disaster situations involving dozens of personnel within the Incident Management Team, including of front-line responders from multiple jurisdictions. They must also do this within the boundaries of public and political expectations, industrial agreements, and the legal requirement to maintain a safe workplace for all workers, inclusive of volunteers. In addition to these operational objectives, fire services must also provide realistic training to prepare frontline staff, whilst satisfying legislative requirements to provide a safe workplace under legislation that does not distinguish between emergency services and routine business contexts. In order to explore this challenge, in this article we review the different safety standards expected through industrial and legal lenses, and contextualize the results to the firefighting environment in Australia. Whilst an academic argument may be presented that firefighting is a reasonably unique workplace which exposes workers to a higher level of harm than many other workplaces, and that certain levels of firefighter injury and even fatality are acceptable, no exception or distinction is provided for the firefighting context within the relevant safety legislation. Until such time that fire services adopt the legal interpretations and applications and develop true safety management systems as opposed to relying on "dynamic risk assessment" as a defendable position, the ability of fire services and individual Incident Controllers to demonstrate they have managed risk as so far as reasonably practicable will remain ultimately problematic from a legal perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID‐19 pandemic has thrown up innumerable challenges throughout the world, especially evident in the healthcare system. In emergency medicine, there is a new urgency around the clinical and ethical dilemmas clinicians face as they make decisions that impact upon the lives of their patients. Emergency clinicians are accustomed to upholding duty of care and acting in the best interests of patients. Clinical judgements are made every day about a patient's capacity to make their own decisions and act with free will. It is foreseeable that a duty of care owed to a patient may be in conflict with the responsibility to the health and safety of a community. What is particularly fraught for clinicians is the lack of clarity around this potential duty of care to the community, and navigating the potential conflict with duty of care to the patient. How much danger does the community need to be in, and how definable, imminent and specific does that risk need to be? An attempt to protect the community may well constitute either a breach of confidentiality or a breach of duty of care. This paper will explore the complex issues of respect for autonomy and the principle of non‐maleficence, in the setting of COVID‐19 and public health orders and illustrate the uncomfortable uncertainty that exists surrounding care of some of the most vulnerable patients in the community when their actions are contrary to public health recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study is to explore primary health care nurses' mental health, concerns and perceived safety and supports during COVID‐19. Background: Respiratory pandemics have negative impacts on nurses' wellbeing. While literature is replete with hospital nurses' experiences, there is less exploration of COVID‐19 impacts on primary health care nurses. Given the importance of primary health care nurses in the health system, understanding their experiences is vital. Methods: Three hundred and fifty nine primary health care nurses responded to an online cross‐sectional survey. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS‐21) was used to measure emotional state. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: DASS‐21 scores indicated that 39.6% of participants were experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety or stress. Of those, 41.8% were experiencing symptoms on one scale, 26.9% were experiencing symptoms on two scales and 31.2% were experiencing symptoms across all three scales. Most participants identified that their feelings were related to COVID‐19. Conclusions: COVID‐19 is having a significant impact on primary health care nurses' mental health. Nurse managers need to develop strategies to effectively address nurses' concerns and effectively support them to sustain the workforce during and after the pandemic. Implications for Nursing Management: Findings from this study can inform the design of effective nurse support programmes to reduce mental health impacts and promote staff wellbeing during the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Solvent Retention Capacity (SRC) method has been widely used in evaluating soft wheat quality elsewhere but not in Australia. This paper studies the potential of applying SRC to predict the Australian soft wheat quality in sugar snap cookies, which the Indonesian mills value. The cost-effective hybrid SRC method improves efficiency and repeatability in general by replacing the manual shaking mechanism with a programable multitube vortex shaker. The hybrid SRC method helps to reduce work health and safety risks by eliminating manual tube shaking steps. The collaborative laboratory study is conducted with two Indonesian mills and compared against SRC measured by the hybrid and automatic SRC methods. All SRC values measured using the hybrid SRC method are significantly correlated with those measured with manual and automatic SRC methods: SRC water (r = 0.8–1.0, p < 0.0001); sucrose (r = 0.9, p < 0.0001); sodium carbonate (r = 0.9, p < 0.0001); and lactic acid (r = 0.7–0.8, p < 0.01). Among the four SRC solvents, considering the SRC water is highly effective in discriminating hard and soft wheat, the high correlations between different laboratories, the relatively smaller standard deviation across laboratories and storage time and temperature at 22 °C and the significant correlation with cookie spread, it could be the best predictor of Australian soft wheat quality. Overall, the hybrid SRC method could be helpful in the Australian soft wheat breeding program, especially in the early-stage selection of soft wheat cultivars. The cookie spread negatively correlates with Rapid Viscosity Analyser peak viscosity (r = −0.8, p < 0.01), suggesting Australian soft wheat targets a lower pasting property for a better cookie performance. The SRC values of flour samples from four different soft wheat cultivars are affected by storage temperature at 22 °C and 32 °C over 12 months with inconsistent trends. The flour samples stored at various temperatures across 0, 1, 3, 6 and 12 moths, particularly those kept at a higher temperature, have more variability in their SRC values and higher uncertainty, which must be accounted for when comparing results between different laboratories. A standard SRC range will be established in collaboration with the Indonesian mills to categorise the Australian soft wheat quality suitable for the Indonesian market. [Display omitted] • Hybrid Solvent Retention Capacity (SRC) improves test efficiency and repeatability. • Hybrid SRC is cost-effective and improves health and safety measures. • SRC is useful in determining the Australian soft wheat quality in cookies. • Hybrid SRC could be used for early screening soft wheat lines suited for Indonesia. • SRC values of soft wheat are affected by storage temperature and duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. This study examined the content and impact of a new digital communication medium, called a VIDCAST, implemented at a large hospital and health service when the COVID-19 pandemic was announced, and the key concerns held by staff at the time when the health service was preparing for the COVID-19 pandemic to arrive in this health service. Methods. A mixed-methods approach was used. Thematic analysis of 20 transcripts of daily VIDCASTS broadcast between 30 March and 24 April 2020 was undertaken, in addition to descriptive analysis of feedback from an anonymous online survey. Results. Survey feedback from 322 staff indicated almost universal satisfaction with this new communication method. The VIDCASTS provided a new COVID-safe method for the Executive to connect to staff at a time of uncertainty. Thematic analysis of the content of the VIDCASTS revealed three themes: 'Accurate Information', 'Reassurance and Support' and 'Innovation'. The Executive was able to reassure staff about what the organisation was doing to safeguard the health and wellbeing of all, and enabled an effective response to the pandemic. Conclusions. The digital communication channel of VIDCASTS, rapidly operationalised at a major Australian hospital and health service in March 2020, provided important information and support for staff as it prepared for the anticipated COVID-19 surge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. This study investigated the short-term psychosocial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospital clinical staff, specifically their self-reported concerns and perceived impact on their work and personal lives. Methods. Nurses, midwives, doctors and allied health staff at a large metropolitan tertiary health service in Melbourne, Australia, completed an anonymous online cross-sectional survey between 15 May and 10 June 2020. The survey assessed respondents' COVID-19 contact status, concerns related to COVID-19 and other effects of COVID-19. Space was provided for free-text comments. Results. Respondents were mostly concerned about contracting COVID-19, infecting family members and caring for patients with COVID-19. Concerns about accessing and using personal protective equipment, redeployment and their ability to provide high-quality patient care during the pandemic were also reported. Pregnant staff expressed uncertainty about the possible impact of COVID-19 on their pregnancy. Despite their concerns, few staff had considered resigning, and positive aspects of the pandemic were also described. Conclusion. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a considerable impact on the work and personal lives of hospital clinical staff. Staff, particularly those who are pregnant, would benefit from targeted well-being and support initiatives that address their concerns and help them manage their work and personal lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Domestic/family violence (DFV) and child protection co-occurrence of risk is common, with related homicides remaining a grave public concern. Recognising and prioritising high-risk cases that pose a lethal risk remains a complex challenge for practitioners across a range of services and legal jurisdictions. There are significant gaps in practice knowledge about how to assess and respond to high-risk cases involving child protection and DFV concerns, while working safely and effectively. This paper reports on qualitative research conducted with practitioners from a range of justice and service delivery organisations in Queensland, Australia. A community of practice, supported by the U.S. based Safe & Together Institute, provided the forum for data to be collected on participants' reflections and observations. An action research framework was employed to connect practice learning into research data through an iterative cycle of reflection and review. Ethnographic note taking was used to document arising policy and practice issues. Discussions in the CoP were also recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was undertaken combining inductive and deductive techniques. Key findings include: learning from and partnering with women; applying a perpetrator pattern-based approach in high-risk cases; engaging with men as fathers; and improving the role of the judicial system. Practice needs to be informed by centring the victim/survivor perspective, which requires a collaborative approach while maintaining system integrity to hold the perpetrator within system responses to ensure accountability. There are important learnings for developing service sector responses and future research on high-risk cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: We aim to determine safety attitudes of nurses and midwives across a Local Health District in Australia and compare results 1 year later following facilitated feedback of results. Background: Positive safety cultures are imperative for positive patient and staff outcomes. Staff member's attitude contribute to an organisations safety culture but can differ between health professional groups and across different subcultures. Method: The Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ‐Short version) was administered to all nurses and midwives within a Local Health District in NSW, Australia in 2019 and 2020. Results were facilitated back to nursing/midwifery leadership teams with an expectation of developing and enacting an action plan, based on results. Results: Of the six domains in the SAQ‐Short version, five domains scores increased significantly (p <.001) over the time period. Conclusions: Measures over time are important to establish differences in perceptions and feedback on impact of actions. Facilitated feedback of results shows meaning when nursing/midwifery leadership staff have data explained and an opportunity to discuss and plan. Implications for Nursing Management: This study shows that facilitated feedback of quantitative survey results brings improved results when a survey is replicated. Nurse managers should enact a contextualized action plan with teams based on survey results to influence improvement in safety attitudes of staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought into focus obligations for health services to protect the health and safety of their staff, arising from Occupational, Health and Safety legislation and the duty of care owed by a health service as an employer. Health workers, by nature of their work, are a particularly at-risk population in the context of COVID-19. This article examines the legal standard of care that healthcare employers owe their staff in terms of reduction of risk exposure, both physically and psychologically, to COVID-19, the obligation to provide staff with personal protective equipment, adequate hygiene, cleaning and the consequences for breaching these standards. This article also explores the right to dismiss employees who are non-compliant with their obligations. What is known about the topic?: It is well known that health workers are an at-risk population for COVID-19, particularly those with direct exposure to affected patients. Since early 2020, healthcare services have faced substantial challenges in managing employee risk while complying with Occupational, Health and Safety law in Australia. What does this paper add?: This paper explores the standard of care that healthcare services owe their staff in terms of reduction of risk exposure within the current Australian legal framework, as well as the rights and obligations of healthcare service employees. What are the implications for practitioners?: Health services should be aware of the range of legal obligations to protect healthcare workers from the consequences of COVID-19 in order to minimise risk as much as reasonably practicable for employees. This includes ensuring access to adequate personal protective equipment, psychological support, adequate hygiene and cleaning of the physical workspace as well as the appropriate reporting of incidents and exposures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To explore the experiences of strategic leads for nurse education as they sought to respond to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Design: We utilised a qualitative interpretative approach to explore education leaders' experiences of leading during the early months of the pandemic. Methods: Nineteen leaders with significant strategic responsibility for nurse education in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom were identified via purposive sampling and agreed to participate. Interviews were held between May and July 2020. Results: Four overarching themes arose from the analysis: (1) Crisis driven adaptability & flexibility; (2) Responsive, complex and changing communication; (3) Making decisions for student and staff safety; (4) Looking to the future; stronger partnerships. Conclusion: Internationally, while nursing education leaders faced different problems, they shared a common goal amidst the crisis to remain student‐centred. They demonstrated they were able to face major challenges, respond to large scale logistical problems and make decisions under significant and ongoing pressure. Impact: In responding to the pandemic, nurse leaders shared knowledge and offered mutual support. This bodes well for future collaboration. The move to online learning accelerated an existing trend and it seems likely that this will continue. Given the pressures they experienced over an extended period, the sector may wish to consider how it prepares and supports existing and future leaders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the effect of organizational identification on safety voice behaviour, focusing on the mediating role of safety motivation and the moderating role of management commitment to safety and psychological safety. Design: The study used a cross‐sectional questionnaire and a convenience sampling method. Method: Data were collected online during November 2019 from 165 staff members from a disability healthcare organization in Australia that employs over 800 staff. Nearly 80% of the study sample were healthcare workers without supervisory responsibilities, and the remainder were senior staff with some operational duties. Measures of organizational identification, safety motivation, perceived management commitment to safety, psychological safety and safety voice were collected. Data were analysed using a moderated mediation model available with the SPSS PROCESS macro. Results: Findings show that organizational identification interacted with management commitment to safety to predict safety motivation, such that only healthcare employees who identified with their organization and perceived that their management cares about safety would feel that safety was personally important to them. In turn, safety motivation predicted safety voice. However, the effect of safety motivation on safety voice was only significant when psychological safety was low. Conclusion: These findings offer initial evidence for the important role of organizational identification in prompting safety voice, how the relationship is contingent on management commitment to safety and psychological safety. Impact: Healthcare professionals' discretionary sharing of ideas and suggestions are crucial to organizational performance and both staff and patient safety. However, safety voice involves inherent social risks because speaking up might not always be perceived positively by co‐workers and leaders. We recommend that managers implement specific strategies to cultivate employee identification with the organization and demonstrate a genuine and visible commitment to safety so that employees will be motivated to raise safety concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Shift work has been proposed to disturb alertness and decrease cognitive efficiency. However, studies so far have had varied findings. The aim of the present study was to compare cognitive function following shifts at different times of the day in an Australian ED context. Methods: A prospective, self‐controlled observational study was conducted on medical and nursing staff at a tertiary referral centre and regional hospital ED. Participants were required to complete the Trail Making Test (TMT), a neurocognitive test consisting of two parts (TMT‐A and TMT‐B), at baseline (at the start of the day) and at the end of their shift (day, evening or night). Related samples Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests were used to compare post‐shift TMT performance to baseline in medical and nursing staff. Results: Over a 5‐month period, 140 ED staff were recruited including 109 doctors and 31 nurses. After a night shift, medical staff (n = 85) and nursing staff (n = 29) took longer to complete the TMT‐B by 3.4 s (P < 0.001) and 7.1 s (P = 0.01), respectively, compared to baseline. Post‐evening shift, medical staff (n = 59) took longer to complete the TMT‐A by 0.3 s (P = 0.02). Conclusions: Night shift work was associated with a longer TMT time. This may indicate a decrease in cognitive performance, in particular, visual attention, processing speed, task switching and executive function and may implicate the quality of care for patients and worker safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In 2018, we developed and implemented a novel approach to recognition and response to occupational violence and aggression (OVA). It included routine use of the Brøset Violence Checklist for all ED patients integrated with a score‐based notification and response framework. The present study evaluated the impact of the new process on staff knowledge, perceptions and confidence regarding OVA in ED and the rate of security events related to OVA. Methods: The present study was conducted in a metropolitan hospital ED in Australia. Evaluation was by online before and after survey of nursing staff, point prevalence study of risk classification and comparison of OVA‐related events involving security in the year before implementation and the year after the programme was embedded. Results: One percent of patients were assessed as high violence risk with a further 4% at moderate risk. The introduction of the Brøset Violence Checklist increased documentation of violence risk assessment. It also improved staff perception of organisational support and awareness of behaviours associated with the risk of violence. There was a statistically significant reduction in unplanned OVA‐related security responses (relative risk 0.75, 95% confidence interval 0.62–0.89). There was also a statistically significant shift to proactive management through early detection and intervention (relative risk 2.22, 95% confidence interval 1.85–2.66). Conclusion: A process including routine OVA risk assessment and a notification and response framework reduced unplanned security events due to OVA and increased staff confidence in recognition and management of OVA. This approach may be suitable for use more broadly in ED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction A number of health issues have been identified as prevalent within the Australian heavy vehicle driving population. Mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety, are among those disorders that have been regularly reported, however, the contributing factors are yet to be elucidated. Methods This study aimed to assess the associations between workplace factors such as years of employment, social interaction and shift length, with depressive and anxious symptomology in a cohort of 60 Australian heavy vehicle drivers. Results Significant positive associations were identified between depression and alcohol use (P = 0.044), coffee consumption (P = 0.037), number of accidents during career (P = < 0.004), and number of hours driving per shift (P ≤ 0.001). Anxiety was found to be positively associated with a number of hours driving per week (P ≤ 0.001), and the number of accidents or near misses during a driving career (P = 0.039). Conclusion Several workplace factors were identified as being correlated to depression or anxiety within this cohort, suggesting potential changes to rostering systems and education regarding alcohol use may benefit the mental health of this driver population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We conducted a survey to understand the challenges faced by the staff of residential aged care facilities (RACF), during the COVID-19 pandemic. Background: In the current pandemic, the RACF workforce has been required to work under stressful conditions, with immense mental and physical pressures, resulting in anxiety and stress felt towards their jobs. Study design and methods: We electronically surveyed both clinical and non-clinical staff at public and private RACFs in Australia in June and August 2020. The survey asked a mix of openended and closed questions about preparedness for the pandemic, information flow, experience with personal protective equipment (PPE), management of suspected COVID cases, restrictions on visitors, and impact on RACF staff personal and home life. Quantitative data were analysed in SPSS; qualitative data using content analysis. Results: We received 371 responses: 198 from clinical staff and 168 from non-clinical staff. Respondents were between 20--71 years old, and 87% were female most commonly from Victoria (28%) or New South Wales (28%). The majority (80%) felt that Australian RACFs were well-prepared for the pandemic and 87% agreed that relevant healthcare authorities were contactable for information needed. A total of 37% reported challenges in estimating and ordering appropriate quantities of protective equipment. Ninety percent of facilities reported screening residents for possible symptoms and 77% introduced precautions or quarantine measures to protect residents. Most participants (98%) reported their RACF implemented restrictions on visitor access and 43% reported unfair or abusive treatment by family or friends of the residents. Commonly reported personal impacts included: workload increase, stress, emotional toll, family issues and fatigue. Support from colleagues as well as training, de-brief sessions and frequent meetings were identified as helpful facilitators during this time. Conclusion: We identified a wide range of practices and coping strategies among Australian RACFs. Whilst a majority of respondents reported coping well, a large proportion reported struggling both mentally and physically. Factors reported as helpful by the respondents may assist RACFs in planning for future pandemics. Implications for research, policy and practice: Understanding the challenges faced by all levels of staff within RACFs may aid decision-makers on a range of different levels -- researchers, aged care providers, local/regional/state health departments and national leaders within government to help inform the development of interventions that may help the sector to recover, as well as prepare for potential future outbreaks. Of particular importance, are interventions or initiatives that focus on supporting the physical and mental health of staff i.e. those that prevent or minimise worker fatigue, emotional burnout and stress. What is already known about the topic? • Nursing staff in Australian RACFs did not feel prepared for the COVID outbreak in their workplace. • Early in 2020, RACF nurses experienced a greater overall workload and some had their staff hours reduced by their employers due to financial constraints caused by the outbreak. What this paper adds • This paper offers a comprehensive insight into how RACF staff coped both individually and as part of the facility overall during the COVID crisis. • It identified that a commonly reported source of stress was first-hand verbal abuse from family or friends of residents in response to visitor and lockdown restrictions implemented by the authorities. • The paper highlighted that whilst the majority of respondents felt that RACFs were well prepared for managing residents during the pandemic, some facilities experienced significant problems with workloads, PPE and human resourcing. • Furthermore, the survey showed that on an individual level, some staff experienced significant mental and physical stress during the outbreak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Globally, there is growing concern regarding workers' illicit drug use and its implications for health and workplace safety. Young workers in male-dominated industries, such as construction, may be more susceptible to illicit drug use, risky drinking and its associated harms. Purpose/objectives: To investigate drug use and perceptions of risk among male construction workers, drawing comparisons between workers under 25 years with older age groups. Methods: Workers in Sydney, Australia (N = 511) completed a survey measuring past year illicit drug and alcohol use, psychological distress and perceptions of drug-related risks to health and safety. Prevalence in the total sample was compared with national estimates, and differences between younger and older survey respondents were examined using logistic regression models. Results: Survey respondents' cocaine, meth/amphetamine and cannabis use was significantly higher than estimates of male employees nationally (OR = 6.60, 3.58, 1.61, respectively). Young workers ≤24 were more likely to frequently use illicit drugs, drink heavily, and report psychological distress than those aged 35+. Workers ≤24 were least likely to perceive that drug use posed high risks to health or safety when compared with 25-34 and 35+ age groups. Conclusions/importance: The findings highlight the high prevalence of illicit drug use amongst young construction workers, representing threats to workplace safety even if used outside work hours. Greater emphasis on potential adverse effects of alcohol and drug use and closer examination of contributory workplace factors are required. These findings have practical implications to inform occupational health and safety programs and interventions in high-risk workplaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has legislated and aims to be net zero emissions by 2045. Such ambitious targets have implications for the contribution of hydrogen and its storage in gas distribution networks Therefore, we need to understand now the impacts on the gas distribution network of the transition to 100% hydrogen. Assessment of the viability of decarbonising the ACT gas network will be partly based on the cost of reusing the gas network for the safe and reliable distribution of hydrogen. That task requires each element of the natural gas safety management system to be evaluated. This article describes the construction of a test facility in Canberra, Australia used to identify issues raised by 100% hydrogen use in the medium pressure distribution network, consisting of nylon and polyethylene (PE) as a means of identifying measures necessary to ensure ongoing validity of the network's regulatory safety case. Evoenergy (the ACT's gas distribution company) have constructed a Test Facility, incorporating an electrolyser, a gas supply pressure reduction and mixing skid a replica gas network and a domestic installation with gas appliances. Jointly with Australian National University (ANU) and Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) the Company has commenced a program of "bench testing", initially with 100% hydrogen to identify gaps in the safety case specifically focusing on the materials, work practices and safety systems in the ACT. The facility is designed to assess: • Materials in use including aged network materials and components • Construction and installation techniques both greenfield and live gas work • Purging and filling techniques • Leak detection both underground and above ground • Emergency response and make safe techniques • Issues associated with use of hydrogen in light commercial and domestic appliances. To educate and train: • Technicians and gas fitters on infrastructure installation and management • Emergency response services on responding to hydrogen related emergencies in a network environment; and • manage public perceptions of hydrogen in a network environment. Australia has an enviable safety record for the safe and reliable transport, distribution and use of natural gas. The ACT natural gas network owned and operated by Evoenergy is one of the newest in Australia and has leveraged off the best materials and practices in Australia to build its network. The paper addresses major safety issues relating to the production/storage, distribution and consumer end use of hydrogen injected into existing gas distribution networks. The analysis is guided by the Safety Management System. The Hydrogen Testing Facility described in the paper provide tools for evaluation of hydrogen safety matters in the ACT and Australia-wide. Testing to date has confirmed that polyethylene and nylon pipe and their respective jointing techniques can contain 100% hydrogen at pressures used for the distribution of natural gas. Testing has also confirmed that current installation work practices on polyethylene and nylon pipe and joints are suitable for hydrogen service. This finding is subject to variation attributable to staff training and skill levels and further testing has been programmed as outlined in this paper. Testing of gas isolation by clamping and simulated repair on the hydrogen network has established that standard natural gas isolation techniques work with 100% hydrogen at natural gas pressures. • World first leak testing of hydrogen impact on nylon distribution pipe. • Leak testing of hydrogen on nylon and polyethylene pipe under real world conditions. • Testing of existing gas distribution work practices for safe use with hydrogen. • Testing each element of a gas Safety Management System for safe use with hydrogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emergency nursing is a physically demanding occupation yet research suggests they do not meet current physical activity guidelines. Current interventions have had limited effectiveness increasing nurses' physical activity, possibly due to a failure to acknowledge physical activity in another domain (e.g., occupational). This study aimed to determine the bidirectional associations between emergency nurses' occupational and leisure time activity levels on work days. Data from 49 emergency nurses (44 females and five males) wearing an ActiGraph accelerometer and completing work and sleep diaries for up to four weeks were analysed. An activPAL inclinometer was simultaneously worn by 41 nurses. Time spent in different activity levels and postural positions during work and leisure time were determined. Multi-level analyses examined bidirectional associations between emergency nurses' activity levels at work and during their leisure time. Moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity prior to a morning shift was associated with more sedentary time and less physical activity at work. Conversely, occupational stepping time was associated with more sitting, standing and stepping time after each shift. These findings provide critical insights into how and when researchers should intervene to facilitate adequate recovery for nurses' post-shift and balance competing demands on their leisure time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feminist research that takes an intersectional approach has highlighted how a woman's migration status can influence their ability to disclose domestic and family violence (DFV) and access formal support in the countries where they live, work and study. In recent years, research in Western multicultural societies such as Australia has shed light on the ways that restrictive state policies work against victim-survivors and can result in women delaying formal help-seeking, withstanding violence for longer periods and presenting at frontline services at a point of crisis. While important findings have been generated, very few Australian studies have documented responses to violence among women with insecure migration status, including the strategies they rely on to resist different forms of control and to keep themselves safe during a relationship with a violent partner. This article draws on data from a study with 18 victim-survivors who experienced DFV when they were living in Victoria, Australia, and their migration status was 'insecure', and 23 professional stakeholders. It explores how women drew on personal strategies to resist, cope with, put a stop to and survive DFV. The article uses 'citizenship' as a lens to interpret women's experiences and in doing so draws attention to the ways that women's options for responding to DFV were impacted by the conditional nature of their migration status. It also highlights women's expressions of agency and explores the actions victim-survivors took, which influenced their lived experiences in different ways in the weeks, months and years following their move to the country. The article seeks to contribute to scholarship that challenges assumptions of passivity in research on DFV with migrant women and draws attention to the ways that women worked to ensure their safety and survival despite the limited recognition of their experiences in state policies that address gendered violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The COVID‐19 pandemic has presented an international health crisis of a scope not seen in our lifetime. While much attention has been paid to health workers in critical care and acute areas, nurses working outside of hospitals are also significantly affected. This study sought to investigate the experience of nurses working in Australian primary healthcare during the COVID‐19 pandemic. In particular, it sought to understand the implications on their employment status, role, and access to personal protective equipment. Design and Methods: Nurses employed in primary healthcare across Australia were invited to participate in a cross‐sectional online survey through social media and professional organizations. The survey tool was composed of demographics, and of questions about the nurses' employment, work role, and access to personal protective equipment. Findings: Of the 637 responses received, nearly half (43.7%) reported a decrease in hours and threatened or actual loss of employment. While most respondents felt that they had sufficient knowledge about COVID‐19, they expressed concern about work‐related risks to themselves and their family. Most respondents described never or only sometimes having sufficient personal protective equipment in their workplace. Just over half of respondents (54.8%) felt well supported by their employer. A third of respondents (34%) perceived that care provided in their workplace was significantly or slightly worse than before the pandemic. Conclusions: This is the first study of primary healthcare nurses' experiences during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The study findings highlighted a concerning level of insecurity around primary healthcare nursing employment, as well as issues with the availability of personal protective equipment for these nurses. The perception that the pandemic has resulted in reduced quality of care needs further exploration to ensure that those with chronic conditions are supported to maintain and promote health. Clinical Relevance: Understanding the implications of COVID‐19 on the primary healthcare nursing workforce is vital to ensure staff retention and care quality. Ensuring that the community remains healthy and supported at home is vital to both reduce the burden on the health system and reduce secondary mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The use of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) remains predominantly in the private sector. In the public sector, the effect of the implementation of RAS on theatre staff is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the knowledge and attitudes of theatre staff before and after implementation of RAS in the public sector. Methods: In all, 250 theatre staff, including nursing, medical and support staff, were invited to participate in the study. A survey investigating the benefits of RAS for patients and staff, concerns towards the workplace environment and facilitators towards the implementation of new technology was administered before (June 2016) and after (February 2019) the implementation of a comprehensive RAS program. Results: The survey was completed by 164 (65.6%) staff before and 200 (80.0%) staff after the implementation of RAS. With time, most nursing (P = 0.002) and medical staff (P = 0.003) indicated that RAS may benefit patients by reducing intraoperative complications, whereas support staff remained uncertain about this benefit (P = 0.594). Before the implementation, most medical staff indicated that RAS would benefit staff, although after they were unsure about this benefit. Overall, before RAS implementation, theatre staff were mostly concerned about workplace safety, but this concern was significantly reduced after RAS implementation (P < 0.010). Conclusions: With time, operating theatre staff considered their RAS program to be associated with enhanced benefits to patients, and their concerns regarding workplace safety were significantly reduced. Conversely, theatre staff were unsure about the benefits of RAS to themselves. It is important for organisations to consider the evolving impact of new technology on their staff and to refine ongoing education and training programs in line with these changes. What is known about the topic?: The implementation of RAS is rapidly evolving in major hospitals. Therefore, it is important to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and experiences of operating theatre staff before and after the implementation of RAS, especially in the public sector. What does this paper add?: This study found that with time theatre staff considered RAS to be beneficial to patients, and their initial concerns about the effect on workplace safety were significantly reduced. What are the implications for practitioners?: It is important for organisations to consider the evolving impact of the implementation of new technology on operating theatre staff and to refine ongoing education and training programs as required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chemical restraint (CR) (also known as rapid tranquilisation) is the forced (non‐consenting) administration of medications to manage uncontrolled aggression, anxiety, or violence in people who are likely to cause harm to themselves or others. Our population of interest was adults with mental health disorders (with/without substance abuse). There has been a growing international movement over the past 22 years towards reducing/eliminating restrictive practices such as CR. It is appropriate to summarise the research that has been published over this time, identify trends and gaps in knowledge, and highlight areas for new research to inform practice. Aims: To undertake a comprehensive systematic search to identify, and describe, the volume and nature of primary international research into CR published since 1995. Methods: This paper reports the processes and overall findings of a systematic search for all available primary research on CR published between 1 January 1996 and 31 July 2018. It describes the current evidence base by hierarchy of evidence, country (ies) producing the research, CR definitions, study purpose, and outcome measures. Results: This review identified 311 relevant primary studies (21 RCTs; 46 non‐controlled experimental or prospective observational studies; 77 cross‐sectional studies; 69 retrospective studies; 67 opinion pieces, position or policy statements; and 31 qualitative studies). The USA, UK, and Australia contributed over half the research, whilst cross‐country collaborations comprised 6% of it. The most common research settings comprised acute psychiatric wards (23.3%), general psychiatric wards (21.6%), and general hospital emergency departments (19.0%). Discussion A key lesson learnt whilst compiling this database of research into CR was to ensure that all papers described non‐consenting administration of medications to manage adults with uncontrolled aggression, anxiety, or violence. There were tensions in the literature between using effective CR without producing adverse events, and how to decide when CR was needed (compared with choosing non‐chemical intervention for behavioural emergencies), respecting patients' dignity whilst safeguarding their safety, and preserving safe workplaces for staff, and care environments for other patients. The range of outcome measures suggests opportunities to standardise future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite personal safety apps claiming to increase safety, few studies have examined the usefulness of such apps in reducing public stranger violence. A content analysis of personal safety apps available in the iTunes store and Google Play identified location-based services, personal alarms, crowd-sourced hot spot data, and geofencing as the most common features. The majority of apps offered interventions either at the time of the event or post-event, suggesting that they may reduce a user's fear of crime but have limited usefulness in reducing vulnerability to victimization. Implications for users, app designers, and key stakeholders are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Clinical placement is an essential aspect of student training in professional postgraduate psychology. However, students can be exposed to risk during clinical placement. Further, anecdotal evidence suggests that barriers may hinder formal reporting of adverse events occurring during placement. The objective of this study was to investigate the incidence and nature of psychology students' exposure to risk during clinical placement. This study also sought to explore key stakeholders' perceptions of risks to students engaging in placement. Method: A sequential explanatory mixed‐method design was utilised. The quantitative element of the study involved a questionnaire capturing the experiences of 70 students currently undertaking clinical psychology placement in healthcare services within Australia. This was followed by qualitative semi‐structured interviews with 10 industry‐based stakeholders associated with clinical placements across seven Australian universities. Results: Preliminary evidence indicates that psychology students can experience adverse events while on clinical placement, and that industry‐based stakeholders can also encounter professional risk resulting from student contact. Low uptake of formal incident reports among students was demonstrated. The quality of risk‐related training was shown to vary across the industry, indicating a need for streamlined training approaches to risk management. Finally, strategies to support students and supervisors were raised. Conclusions: Novice students may be inadequately prepared for the risks arising in unpredictable clinical placement milieu. They may also be unaware of their rights and avenues for reporting. Further support and resources designed to equip health services and universities for student exposure to risk during placement is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The last 15 years has witnessed a surge in rail-related human factors research but little has examined the Track Worker role. Track work often takes place whilst trains are running under the protection of Lookouts who provide warning of approaching trains. Despite—or perhaps because of—these measures, there is a notable prevalence of incidents involving Lookouts, warranting a closer look at the nature of their task and the wider sociotechnical system (STS) to identify what may be learned for railway safety management. A systematic review of incident reports involving Lookouts was undertaken on Australian and UK rail incidents from 2006 to mid-2018 with a qualitative meta-analysis (n = 31) revealing nine factors corresponding with STS dimensions at the organisational, social, task and individual level. Much of the risk lay in the set up and implementation of Lookout working, and in Track Worker group dynamics—factors endemic to working whilst trains are running—rather than specific to the Lookout, with such factors arguably applicable across other Track Worker groups. Findings point to a need for more targeted research into the STS aspects of track working, as well as improving the training and/or procedures of those managing the Lookout protection system of work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bulldozers are used extensively on surface mine sites and have been previously identified as being associated with high amplitude whole-body vibration exposures. Previous investigations of this equipment have involved either a very small number of measurements, or measurements of very short duration (or both); or the data obtained were incompletely reported. This research reports 69 measurements (median duration 440 min) obtained from 15 different dozers during operation at a surface coal mine. More than one-third of vertical vibration measurements exceeded the ISO2631.1 Health Guidance Caution Zone when expressed as VDV(8). Considerable variability in measurement amplitudes was found. This was also true within measurements obtained from the same dozers on different shifts suggesting, by a process of elimination, that the remaining variability in whole-body vibration amplitude is a function of some combination of task characteristics, geology, and operator behaviour; rather than equipment-related variability, such as maintenance, suspension, seating, or track design. Short-comings in the evaluation methods provided by ISO2631.1 are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]