Intense and extended working hours, unrealistic expectations and fewer staff to pick up the slack are all contributing to unsafe working conditions, according to an accirt report into occupational health and safety issues facing Australian media workers. Read it here.

The Alliance commissioned accirt, a research arm of Sydney University, to undertake an investigation into how occupational health and safety issues affect news workers. The project was funded with the financial assistance of WorkCover New South Wales and gives the industry a basis from which to review the current International Federation of Journalists Safety Code against the Australian work environment.

The report raises many safety concerns from carrying heavy loads and driving for long periods to get to a story to covering traumatic events, graphic court hearings and death knocks. It also highlights the problems faced in getting sufficient information and resources to undertake effective risk management.