US regulators have warned Holtec International to address a chilled work environment at the Palisades nuclear plant in Michigan. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission raised the warning after a worker fell into a reactor cavity and a bundle of fuel rods tilted over during refuelling. Staff reportedly feel hesitant to raise safety concerns. The commission has asked Holtec to correct the problems and will review the company's plan within 30 days, while downplaying any immediate risk to the public. Critics say financial and political pressure to revive nuclear power could raise accident risks.
An internal review of Seven West Media, conducted by consultancy Interchange and completed in July 2024, has not been made public. It was commissioned after Federal Court claims by former producer Taylor Auerbach, who said the network reimbursed Bruce Lehrmann for drugs and sex workers; Mr Auerbach acknowledged he had never seen an invoice, and Seven denied the claims. Staff described a workplace marked by sexism, bullying and harassment, and said executives close to former chairman Kerry Stokes were shielded. Interviewees also spoke of ratings pressure and calls from the chairman.
A new UNSW Canberra study led by Dr Catherine Deen says workplace culture, safety concerns and inflexible working conditions limit women from joining Australia's truck driver workforce. Women make up just 6% of truck drivers and 4% of heavy vehicle drivers. The research, based on a national survey of more than 480 drivers, found that 70% of respondents believed female drivers were likely to face sexual harassment. The researchers recommend national workforce targets for women, better licensing access and stronger safety reporting. They warn that recruitment without retention is a revolving door.
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Western Australia's work safety regulator has issued an improvement notice to Talison Lithium after a survey found workers at its Greenbushes mine were exposed to psychosocial hazards. The survey identified excessive work demands, inadequate resourcing, and poor work conditions as factors causing significant psychological harm. Talison employs over 1,500 workers at the site, which produces about 20 per cent of the world's lithium. The company's CEO has apologised to staff and said it is working to address the issues.
