In the media
New guidelines to combat gendered violence at work
WorkSafe has developed A Guide for employers: Work-related
gendered violence including sexual harassment in consultation
with the Victorian Trades Hall Council and other
employer and employee representative groups (13 March 2020).
More...
WHO gives advice on handling mental health toll from the
coronavirus
The World Health Organization acknowledged that the
coronavirus is causing stress in the global population. The
organization published mental health tips that include specific
advice for health-care workers, caretakers of children or older
adults, and people in isolation (10 March 2020).
More...
New campaign to improve safety of young workers
The Andrews Labor Government is warning employers to
protect young workers and making sure young Victorians are aware of
their rights through a powerful new campaign launched (10 March
2020).
More...
Company faces new chemical stockpile charges
WorkSafe has charged Bradbury Industrial Services Pty Ltd
with an additional 21 alleged breaches of the Dangerous Goods Act
relating to chemical stockpiles at three Craigieburn warehouses (07
March 2020).
More...
SafeWork advises employers on virus
SafeWork Australia has entered the potential spread of the
COVID-19 virus, releasing updated advice for people conducting a
business or undertaking in relation to the spread of the disease in
the workplace. Comcare has also updated its WHS advice, including
the directive that staff should review organisational policies and
measures for infection control (09 March 2020).
More...
Comcare seeks feedback on WHS undertaking
guidelines
Until 29 March, Comcare is seeking feedback on two
guidelines it has drafted that outline the purpose, acceptance
processes and procedure for giving a WHS undertaking (05 March
2020).
More...
Sex discrimination commissioner launches Respect@Work
report of the National Inquiry into Sexual Harassment in Australian
workplaces
Sex Discrimination Commissioner has launched Respect@Work,
the Australian Human Rights Commission's report of the National
Inquiry into Sexual Harassment in Australian Workplaces 2020.
Through a package of 55 recommendations, Respect@Work proposes a
new approach for government, employers and the community to better
prevent and respond to sexual harassment in the workplace (05 March
2020).
More...
Worker hit by steel beam dies in Victoria
A worker has died after being struck by a falling steel
beam at Point Cook on Tuesday. The fatality brings the number of
workplace deaths this year to nine, which is three more than at the
same time last year (04 March 2020).
More...
Law Society brands proposed miner manslaughter laws
'harsh and unjust'
The Queensland Law Society, mining companies, and the
mother of a seriously injured mine worker are concerned a proposed
law, which carries a maximum jail term of 20 years, would create a
culture of fear in mining operations (03 March 2020).
More...
Wholesale bakery fined $90,000 for breakdown of safety
procedures
A $50,000 fine was handed out in a Brisbane court this
week over an incident in which a nine-year-old boy was injured when
he fell off an inflatable amusement device he was riding (03 March
2020).
More...
BMA doubtful over QLD industrial manslaughter
reforms
BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) has made
its concern known to the Queensland Parliament that the industrial
manslaughter reform bill could have an opposite effect to that
intended (02 March 2020).
More...
Published – articles, papers, reports
Safe Work Australia fatality statistics
As at 27 February, there have been 28 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).
ABCC industry update - March 2020 edition
The March edition of Industry Update features the latest
activities of the ABCC: Phoenixing, Security of Payments, New Court
Matters, Court Outcomes (including workplace safety) and more.
More...
In practice and courts
Comcare seeks feedback on WHS undertaking
guidelines
Comcare has
drafted guidelines that outline the purpose, acceptance processes
and procedure for giving a work health and safety (WHS) undertaking
under the WHS Act
2011 (Cth). Comcare will be accepting feedback on its '
Guide to Work Health and Safety Undertakings' and '
WHS Undertaking Template' until 29 March 2020.
NSW
Safework NSW: Traffic control work
Information on the changes to the Work Health and Safety
(Traffic Control Training) Regulation was made on 20 December 2019,
with the the Traffic Control Training scheme transitioning from
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) to SafeWork NSW. The new regulatory
scheme will commence from 1 July 2020.
NSW resources regulator: Safety alert
S20-03
Tailgate hits worker's head – 05 March 2020
This safety alert provides safety advice for the NSW mining
industry.
Queensland
Coal mine worker struck by load haul dump | Business
Queensland
06 March 2020 | Mines safety alert 370
Coal Mine Worker struck by Load Haul Dump
Industry: Coal mines. Subject Vehicle collision or failure.
More...
Installing down-hole gauges at coal seam gas wells |
Business Queensland
04 March 2020 | Petroleum and gas safety information
bulletin 9
Installing down-hole gauges at coal seam gas wells
Industry: Petroleum and gas. Subject Equipment failure or
modifications.
More...
WorkCover Queensland: Coronavirus (COVID-19) workplace
risk management
It doesn't matter if you're a worker or someone
who is responsible for workers, you must identify and manage work
health and safety risks including the exposure to COVID-19.
Businesses should also plan to
respond to cases of COVID-19 at work in line with advice
provided by
Queensland Health (03 March 2020). More...
Victoria
Proposed Electricity Safety (Electric Line Clearance)
Regulations 2020
ESV invites interested parties to make comments on the
regulatory impact statement and proposed Regulations including any
proposed fees. Submissions must be received by 6 March 2020.
More...
Cases
Victorian Prosecution Result Summaries and Enforceable
Undertakings
Pivot Construction Group Pty Ltd
Frankston Magistrates' Court Occupational Health and
Safety Act 2004 Section 26
Outcome 11 March 2020
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.