OccPhyz Consulting

05/12/2025

Here is our final Under the Stethoscope newsletter for 2025. Merry Christmas!

06/10/2025

**Notice:** Our practice is currently experiencing limited communications due to an internet outage. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Normal operations are expected to resume tomorrow.

21/09/2025

21/09/2025

21/08/2025

Spirometry testing is necessary for an accurate diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is a cornerstone of optimised COPD management.

A new report from the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care highlights that the people who need it most are missing out.

https://buff.ly/jZN3PDF

06/08/2025

Work Productivity Loss in People Living With Long COVID Symptoms Over 2 Years From Infection
Naik, Hiten MD, SM; Zhu, Bingyue MS; Er, Lee MSc; Sbihi, Hind MSc, PhD; Janjua, Naveed Z. MBBS, MSc, DrPH; Smith, Peter M. MPH, PhD; Tran, Karen C. MD, MHSc; Levin, Adeera MD; Zhang, Wei MA, PhD

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 67(8):p 588-594, August 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003440
https://journals.lww.com/joem/fulltext/2025/08000/work_productivity_loss_in_people_living_with_long.2.aspx

30/07/2025

🔹 High risk diving work – are you doing it safely and legally? 🔹

If your workers are performing tasks underwater while breathing compressed gas, you may be carrying out high risk diving work and it must comply with the Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2299.1: 2015 Occupational diving operations – Standard operational practice.

This includes work such as:
🛠️ construction or repairs underwater (e.g. pipelines, ship maintenance, dock refurbishments)
🧐 inspection or testing of underwater structures (e.g. bridge pylons or dam components)
🥽 minor underwater maintenance work and inspections
🛳️ recovery or salvage of large items for commercial purposes (e.g. vessel salvage).

If your business undertakes any of this work, it’s essential to follow the correct safety procedures and legal requirements.

ℹ️ Learn more about what’s considered high-risk diving and how to stay compliant:
👉 https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/your-industry/diving-and-snorkelling/occupational-diving

28/07/2025

28/07/2025

Tools save time, but only when used safely 🛠️

Did you know?
▶️ Over 5600 injury claims in the Queensland construction industry (2019–23) were linked to powered and non-powered tools, appliances and equipment.
▶️ Since 2003, 22 worker fatalities have been linked to the use of these tools.
▶️ Even common tools like angle grinders can cause serious injuries without proper controls.

Powered and non-powered tools, appliance and equipment incidents are preventable, which is why WHSQ’s statewide construction compliance campaign is now underway. Inspectors are auditing sites to check for:
✅ safe systems of work
✅ guarding and maintenance of tools and equipment
✅ adequate training of workers.

📄 Find out more about the campaign and how you can prepare: https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/laws-and-compliance/compliance-and-enforcement/our-approach/whs-compliance-and-field-services-proactive-compliance-program-2024-2027/_nocache?fbclid=IwY2xjawLzzU1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFOWnlja0ZYQVl0SU05UUh6AR6WGtJD9CeZs9Gys2kA9s1VDBAAqXklqDmK6oVUFEdIJL4JSbcEe1QdH6JjSA_aem_T8TIIfC-PnjIVA5TSWTUMA

28/07/2025

27/07/2025

From 29 July 2025, amendments to the WHS Regulation mean PCBUs must provide regular hearing tests for workers who use PPE to protect against harmful noise that exceeds exposure standards.

What you need to do:

✅ Test workers within three months of them starting the relevant work
✅ Test all affected workers at least every two years
✅ Avoid penalties — PCBUs that fail to comply could receive fines of up to $6,000 (60 penalty units)

Regular audiometric testing protects your workers’ hearing and ensures you meet your legal obligations.

🔗 Find out more by reading our FAQs: https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/safety-and-prevention/hazards/hazardous-exposures/noise/audiometric-testing-frequently-asked-questions