Inside track: Work health and safety – In the media, published articles, papers, reports, in practice & courts and cases

In the Media

The workers most at risk from heatwaves may not be who you think
As the climate changes and heatwaves become more frequent and severe, it's vital we do more to understand who is most vulnerable and how we can reduce their risk (26 January 2021). More...

What workplace health and safety measures should we keep post pandemic?
A just-released survey by members of The Executive Centre on business sentiment has revealed that most believe strongly that it's a good idea to keep in place workplace safety measures – even after impact of Covid-19 is no longer a factor. The questions were posed to 425 respondents across 14 countries (21 January 2021). More...

Sexual harassment taskforce launched for mining
The Minerals Council of Australia is introducing a taskforce to respond to sexual harassment in the mining sector, expanding its safety focus to "the safety of a whole person" (20 January 2021). More...

New guidance available for inspecting and maintaining elevating work platforms
Did you know that elevating work platforms, or EWPs, need to be inspected at least annually? Safe Work Australia has published new guidance for inspecting and maintaining EWPs (20 January 2021). More...

Why COVID-19 has left many employed Australians feeling undervalued and overworked
It's well established that unemployment is associated with adverse health outcomes, but those who keep their jobs aren't likely to emerge from the pandemic unscathed in terms of their occupational health either. In fact, employees working under pandemic conditions are likely to be exposed to increased effort and reduced rewards, caused or exacerbated by their new circumstances amid the pandemic (20 January 2021). More...

Guides to make workplaces "mentally safe" amid COVID-19 released
The National Mental Health Commission, in collaboration with the Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance, has released evidence-based guides to support workplace mental health (20 January 2021). More...

New guide sets out WHS undertakings
Comcare has published a new guide on Work Health and Safety (WHS) undertakings following a period of public consultation last year. Comcare said WHS undertakings were legally binding commitments by employers to deliver effective health and safety initiatives that benefitted workers, industry and the community (18 January 2021). More...

Published – articles, papers, reports

Safe Work Australia fatality statistics
As at 31 December, there have been 166 Australian workers killed at work in 2020.The numbers and industries may vary from one report to the next, as Safe Work receives more detailed information (to check for updates and more details on fatalities since 2003, go to the Safe Work Australia Work-related fatalities webpage).

In practice and courts

NSW

Centre for WHS: The ageing demographic of the Australian workforce: Prevention of work health and safety harm
The Centre for WHS is interested in research that will provide greater understanding of how to prevent psychological and physical harm among older worker. Click here to apply for the EOI (closes 28 January 2021). More...

Queensland

Workcover Queensland alert: Person falls from water tank
The risk of falling is common in construction, but may also occur during many other work activities. Managing work health and safety risks is an ongoing process. Risk management involves four steps (20 January 2021). More...

Victoria

Energy Safe Victoria: Summarising the new Registration and Licensing Regulations
On 1 January 2021 the Electricity Safety (Registration and Licensing) Regulations 2020 came into force, replacing the 2010 Regulations, which were revoked on 31 December 2020. ESV has produced a document summarising the key changes in the new Electricity Safety (Registration and Licensing) Regulations 2020 (21 January 2021). More...

Energy Safe Victoria: EnergySafe magazine – Summer 2020/21
In this issue we announce the implementation of a new licensing regime for Lineworkers (including Cable Jointers) (19 January 2021). More...

Cases

Prosecution Result Summaries and Enforceable Undertakings
Information about the most recent prosecution and Enforceable Undertaking outcomes.

Central Victorian Welding & Fabrication Pty Ltd – Bendigo Magistrates' Court
Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 Section21(1) & 21(2)(a)
Outcome 15 Jan 2021

Air Synergy Pty Ltd – Werribee Magistrates' Court
Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 Section21(1) & 21(2)e
Outcome 14 Jan 2021

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