March 2025 - Sherm

Is RF EME the Next Emerging WHS Risk? Here’s Why You Should Pay Attention

Posted on 28/03/2025 by Caroline Kingston

In today’s tech-saturated world, Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Energy (RF EME) is everywhere—from mobile phone towers and Wi-Fi routers to smart meters and industrial antennas. While most regulatory bodies claim current exposure levels are safe, growing independent research suggests it’s time to look deeper.

At Sherm, we’re always thinking ahead for our clients. That’s why we’ve just released a new RF EME Awareness Procedure and Risk Assessment Template as part of our commitment to emerging risk management.

⚠️ The Science Isn’t Settled—But the Risk Is Real

Regulatory bodies like ARPANSA and ICNIRP base exposure limits on thermal effects (tissue heating). However, independent research—including the BioInitiative Report and studies published in peer-reviewed journals—highlights non-thermal biological effects such as:

Oxidative stress
Sleep disturbance
DNA damage
Neurological changes
Increased cancer risk

These effects have been observed at exposure levels well below current “safe” limits.

📋 What Sherm Clients Can Access Now

Our new RF EME document pack includes:

A practical RF EME Awareness Procedure aligned with WHS obligations
A ready-to-use Risk Assessment Template for evaluating site-based exposure
A contrast between ARPANSA/ICNIRP standards and precautionary guidelines recommended by the BioInitiative Report

These documents are perfect for organisations working near high-frequency zones or simply wanting to stay ahead of emerging compliance expectations.

🧭 Leading with Precaution

While there may be no official consensus yet, the principle of “better safe than sorry” has never been more relevant. Proactive management of RF EME exposure isn’t just smart risk governance—it’s responsible leadership in health and safety.

Ready to empower your workforce and strengthen your WHS compliance?

👉 Contact Sherm to learn more or request access to our RF EME documentation suite.

Modifications to Plant and Equipment Guards

Posted on 18/03/2025 by Caroline Kingston

Modifications to plant and equipment guards should not be made without proper assessment and approval due to several legal, safety, and compliance reasons.

Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations

Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and associated regulations, employers must ensure that machinery and equipment are safe for use.
Modifying guards may create new hazards, making the equipment non-compliant with Safe Work Australia standards.

Manufacturer’s Specifications and Warranty

Modifications may void the manufacturer’s warranty and liability coverage.
Manufacturers design guards to meet AS/NZS safety standards, and unauthorised changes can compromise their effectiveness.

Risk of Injury and Legal Liability

Guards are designed to prevent entanglement, crushing, cutting, and impact injuries.
Unauthorised modifications can expose workers to serious injuries, leading to workers’ compensation claims, legal penalties, and prosecution.

Compliance with Australian Standards

This standard governs the safety of machinery and requires guards to be designed and installed to prevent operator exposure to hazards.
Modifying guards may render the equipment non-compliant, leading to legal consequences and enforcement actions by Safe Work regulators.

Consultation and Risk Management Requirements

WHS laws require employers to consult with workers and safety representatives before altering plant and equipment.
A formal risk assessment is required before making any changes to safety controls.

Potential for Increased Maintenance Costs and Downtime

Unapproved modifications can cause equipment failure, breakdowns, or inefficiencies, increasing downtime and repair costs.

What Should Be Done Instead?

If changes to guards are necessary, they should be:
- Assessed by a qualified engineer or safety professional.
- Approved by the manufacturer where possible.
- Tested and documented through a risk assessment process.
- Compliant with relevant Australian Standards and WHS laws.

Plant and Equipment Emergency Stops

In addition to avoiding unauthorised modifications to plant and equipment guards, it is essential to check the operation and positioning of emergency stops to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Compliance with WHS Regulations and Australian Standards

The Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act 2011 mandates that plant and equipment must have effective emergency stops.
AS/NZS 4024.1604 (Emergency Stop Principles) specifies that emergency stops must be:
- Easily identifiable and accessible.
- Located in positions where operators can quickly activate them.
- Designed to override all other controls and stop the machine immediately.

Risk of Delayed Emergency Response

Poorly positioned or non-functional emergency stops can delay critical responses, leading to serious injuries or fatalities.
Regular checks ensure that emergency stops are operational and within easy reach of workers.

Prevention of Equipment Damage and Downtime

A functional emergency stop prevents further mechanical damage to equipment in case of malfunction.
Proper positioning helps reduce machine downtime and costly repairs.

Legal and Financial Consequences

Failure to ensure emergency stops are functional and correctly positioned may result in Safe Work Australia enforcement actions, penalties, or even prosecution.

Best Practices for Emergency Stop Checks

Visual Inspection – Ensure emergency stop buttons are clearly marked (red with a yellow background) and not obstructed.
Operational Testing – Regularly test emergency stops to confirm they work as intended.
Worker Accessibility – Ensure emergency stops are within easy reach of operators and maintenance personnel.
Training and Awareness – Educate workers on proper emergency stop usage and procedures.

Sherm Software will schedule routine Workplace Inspections to ensure plant and equipment safety guards and emergency stops are regularly tested, while Sherm’s Training and Competency module will leave employers with the peace of mind that their workers have been educated on the importance of proper emergency stop usage and procedures.

Streamline Workplace Safety with Sherm’s ISO 45001 Software

Posted on 12/03/2025 by Caroline Kingston

Workplace safety is critical to business success, and having the right tools to manage occupational health and safety (OHS) efficiently is essential. Sherm Software offers an advanced ISO 45001-compliant solution that streamlines safety processes, ensuring compliance, reducing risks, and fostering a proactive safety culture.

What is ISO 45001 Software?

ISO 45001 is the international standard for OHS management systems, helping businesses identify risks, control hazards, and maintain compliance with safety regulations. Traditional safety management methods often involve manual documentation and disconnected systems, leading to inefficiencies. Sherm Software simplifies these processes by automating incident reporting, risk assessments, compliance tracking, and audit management.

With a centralised, cloud-based platform, Sherm Software enables organisations to monitor safety performance, track corrective actions, and ensure seamless communication among team members. This proactive approach helps prevent workplace accidents and reinforces a culture of continuous improvement.

Why Choose Sherm Software for ISO 45001 Compliance?

Sherm Software is designed to meet the unique safety needs of businesses, offering a user-friendly platform with key features such as:

Incident Reporting & Management – Capture, track, and resolve workplace incidents efficiently, ensuring corrective actions are implemented.
Risk Assessments & Hazard Identification – Identify and evaluate workplace hazards with structured workflows, ensuring compliance with ISO 45001 standards.
Audit & Compliance Tracking – Maintain real-time records, generate automated reports, and prepare for regulatory inspections with ease.
Safety Documentation Management – Centralise safety policies, procedures, and training records, ensuring accessibility and version control.
Automated Notifications & Alerts – Keep employees informed about safety tasks, compliance deadlines, and upcoming audits.

The Benefits of Implementing Sherm Software

Investing in Sherm Software brings significant advantages, including:

Reduced Workplace Incidents – Proactive hazard identification and risk management prevent accidents, ensuring a safer work environment.
Increased Efficiency – Automating OHS processes saves time, reduces administrative burdens, and improves overall productivity.
Improved Regulatory Compliance – Businesses remain compliant with ISO 45001 and other legal requirements, reducing risks of penalties and fines.
Enhanced Employee Engagement – A user-friendly platform empowers employees to report hazards, participate in safety programs, and stay informed about workplace safety.

How Sherm Software Streamlines Safety Management

Sherm Software centralises all safety data, ensuring that businesses can monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and safety trends in real time. With built-in analytics and reporting, businesses can make data-driven decisions, optimise safety processes, and demonstrate compliance during audits.

Additionally, Sherm’s cloud-based system allows access from any device, ensuring that safety managers, supervisors, and employees can collaborate seamlessly, regardless of location. Automated workflows eliminate the need for manual record-keeping, reducing human error and ensuring that safety initiatives are executed effectively.

Invest in Workplace Safety Excellence with Sherm

Ensuring workplace safety is not just about compliance—it’s about creating a secure and productive work environment. Sherm Software provides the tools needed to manage safety proactively, reduce risks, and drive operational excellence.

By implementing Sherm’s ISO 45001 software, businesses can stay ahead of regulatory requirements, build a safety-first culture, and enhance overall performance.

Discover how Sherm Software can revolutionise your workplace safety management today!

Month: March 2025