In the media
Delivering For Victoria's vulnerable
workers
Under the scheme, providers of labour hire services will be
required to hold a licence and hosts will be required to only use
licensed providers. To obtain a licence, providers will be required
to pass "a fit and proper person test" and show
compliance with workplace laws, labour hire laws, and minimum
accommodation standards (19 June 2018).
More...
Falls the focus of Cross Border safety program in
NSW
The safety regulators will be taking part in the Cross Border
Construction Program, which will see inspectors come together to
visit local building sites on both sides of the border to reduce
the risk of workers being injured in falls (19 June 2018).
More...
Update on the demolition of the Anglesea Power
Station
WorkSafe is working with Alcoa, contractors and technical advisors
on plans to complete the demolition of the Anglesea Power Station.
As Victoria's occupational health and safety regulator,
WorkSafe is ensuring the demolition work complies with safety laws
and regulations (18 June 2018).
More...
Union warns on demolition
CFMEU Victorian District Mining and Energy Division organiser
Duncan MacGregor expressed safety fears for nearby residents and
workers if the demolition of Morwell Power Station was to go ahead
(18 June 2018).
More...
NSW businesses make Safety Promise
More than 100 NSW businesses have pledged to provide a healthy and
safe workplace through SafeWork NSW's innovative Safety Promise
program. Every Safety Promise is published online here (18 June
2018).
More...
Toowoomba transport company fined $60,000 for depot
disaster
A Darling Downs transport company was recently fined $60,000 in the
Toowoomba Magistrates Court under the Work Health and Safety
Act 2011. Head of Workplace Health and Safety Queensland Dr
Simon Blackwood said the incident may have been prevented if the
company had set aside an exclusion zone and implemented its safe
work method statement (18 June 2018).
More...
'Work live' and risk your life
Electrical businesses, contractors and workers are being warned
about the dangers of working on live switchboards or circuits, as
WorkSafe inspectors crack down on electrical risks. Energy Safe
Victoria Director of Energy Safety Paul Fearon has urged all
contractors and supervisors to understand their obligations
concerning electrical workers, especially apprentice, working live
(14 June 2018).
More...
Worker impaled by starter bar
In February 2018, a worker was impaled by a starter bar after
falling into a 1.8m deep excavation at a construction site. This
incident highlights the falls risks associated with excavation and
trench work. Since 2012 there have been 358 accepted workers'
compensation claims for injuries caused by pits and trenches,
mainly in the construction industry (13 June 2018). More...
Two workers burnt in chemical explosion
In May 2018, two workers were seriously injured in a fire, possibly
caused by an explosion, while combining chemicals in a four bay
metal garage. Both required hospital treatment for serious burns.
Since 2012, there have been 169 accepted workers' compensation
claims for incidents involving flammable liquids or gas. Of these,
14 involved fuel igniting or exploding (12 June 2018).
More...
Published – articles, papers, reports
Safe Work Australia Fatality
statistics
As of 1 June 2018, there had been 58 fatalities reported to Safe
Work Australia - this is three more than the update on 25 May -
three in one week. These fatalities were: one each in Transport,
postal and warehousing; manufacturing; and mining. The numbers and
industries may vary from one report to the next, as Safe Work
receives more detailed information.
More...
In practice and courts
NSW
SafeWork NSW: Exposure of workers to hydrogen sulphide
gas - Safety Alert 12/06/2018
This safety alert is for NSW workplaces which may use, generate,
store or handle hydrogen sulphide (H2S) gas. It
will help them to identify sources of potential exposure and manage
risks to health and safety.
More...
SafeWork NSW: Fire hazards & containment netting -
Safety Alert 21/06/2018
This safety alert reminds people of the fire hazards associated
with containment netting or equivalent used in the construction
industry, and the measures that should be implemented to control
the associated risks.
More...
Queensland
Electrical Safety Office: New eligibility requirements
for electrical contractor licences
From 1 July, new requirements commence for Queensland electrical
contractor licences, including additional training for qualified
technical persons (QTP) and qualified business
persons (QBP). Transitional provisions for
exceptional circumstances will be in place until 31 December (19
June 2018).
More...
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland: Sign
collapse
The purpose of this safety alert is to highlight the risk of
collapse of self-supporting signs, and to raise awareness of the
need to properly design, maintain and inspect sign structures. If
an inspection uncovers defects with the sign and/or its supporting
structure, obtain written advice of a suitably qualified Registered
Professional Engineer of Queensland (19 June 2018).
More...
Queensland industrial manslaughter laws –
countdown to 1 July
The Queensland Parliament introduced industrial manslaughter
provisions into the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Electrical
Safety Act 2002, and Safety in Recreational Water
Activities Act 2011 in October 2017. The new offence captures
a person conducting a business or undertaking, or a senior officer,
who is found to have negligently caused the death of a worker in
Queensland.
More...
WorkCover Queensland maintains $1.20 average premium rate for 2018-19
Cases
Worksafe Victoria Prosecution Result Summaries & Enforceable Undertakings
The Crown in the Right of the State of Victoria (Department of
Health and Human Services) 18/06/2018
Failure to provide information, instruction, training or
supervision Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004
21(1)&(2)(e) ; Melbourne County.
Legislation
Queensland
Heavy Vehicle National Law and Other Legislation Amendment Bill
2018
Introduced by: Hon M Bailey MP on 15/02/2018
Stage reached: Passed with amendment on 13/06/2018
Assent Date: 18/06/2018 Act No: 10 Commences: see Act for
details.
Victoria
Labour Hire Licensing Bill 2017
Passed the Victorian Legislative Council 19 June 2018.
This publication does not deal with every important topic or change in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you have found this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances please contact one of the named individuals listed.
