In the media
OneSteel fined $56,250 for unsafe lift
The Industrial Court has fined OneSteel Manufacturing $56,250 plus
legal fees for operating a heavy goods lift despite a number of
identified risks. SafeWork SA prosecuted the steelmaker under the
Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Act 1986 for failing to
ensure that plant was maintained in a safe (27 March 2014).
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Safety overhaul at Dubbo saleyards
The Dubbo Council says it has overhauled procedures at the
regional saleyards to improve safety for people working and
visiting them (25 March 2014).
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Crashes put spotlight on traffic management at mine
sites
A report into a serious accident at a Hunter coal mine has
highlighted the vulnerability of light vehicles operating near
heavy machinery (25 March 2014).
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Accidents waiting to happen: Fire-trap buildings in
NSW
Buildings across NSW are routinely declared safe despite being
potential fire traps, and contractors are installing poor fire
protection out of ignorance or to cut costs, two peak fire bodies
have warned. Fire Protection Association Australia says up to 40
per cent of buildings in NSW do not meet basic fire safety
standards (25 March 2014).
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Cootes Transport trucks allowed to stay on NSW
roads
Cootes Transport trucks will be allowed to stay on New South Wales
roads after the company agreed to implement a range of measures to
improve safety (20 March 2014).
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Published – articles, papers, reports
Notifiable Fatalities Monthly Report for December
2013
Safework Australia
There were 24 work-related notifiable fatalities during December
2013 — 19 male workers and 1 female worker and 2 male
bystanders and 2 female bystanders.
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In practice and courts
Current consultations closing in March
2014
Code of practice for the safe transport of radioactive material
(2014) - public comments. Submissions closed 28 March 2014
Hosted by the Australian radiation Protection and nuclear
Safety.
QLD: Explosives Information Bulletin 80: Supporting
competencies and other documents for user licences
Current statements of attainment must be provided when applying
for various licences issued by the Explosives Inspectorate. When
these documents expire, they must be renewed and evidence must be
provided when the licences are renewed (21 March 2014).
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NSW Reminder: Workcover Farmer Safety
Rebate
The rebate is available until April 30, 2014. The $2,000 rebate is
payable to businesses which spend money on initiatives to make
working with tractors or livestock safer, or reduce employee
exposure to sun and noise.
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Cases
DC PAYMENTS AUSTRALASIA PTY LTD (ACN: 097 550
519)
DC Payments Australasia Pty Ltd (DC) pleaded guilty to one charge
pursuant to section 23(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act
2004 in that it failed to ensure, so far as was reasonably
practicable that persons other than employees were not exposed to
risks to their health or safety arising from the conduct of its
undertaking as an employer. On 14 March 2014, the Court fined DC
$5,000.00 without conviction and costs in the amount of $3,245.00
(Moorabbin Justice Centre).
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Legislation
Queensland - Bills Progress
Work Health and Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Bill
2014
Introduced on 13/02/2014 Stage reached: Report from Committee on
25/03/2014.
Victoria - Statutory rules
No 9: Gas Safety (Gas Installation) Amendment Regulations 2014
Made 25/03/2014.
Proclamation of Commencement - 25 March
2014
Electricity Safety Amendment (Bushfire Mitigation) Act 2014.
Victorian Legislation can be viewed at www.legislation.vic.gov.au.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
