In the media

Consumers to save millions with trader check in New South Wales
Trader Check – a free, online one stop shop of information about traders – will put New South Wales consumers first and help businesses that do the right thing to compete. Once up and running, Trader Check will include  results of successful prosecutions against the licence holder under the Work Health and Safety Act, the Fair Trading Act or the Australian Consumer Law (10 October 2018). More...

Safe Work Month launches with focus on health and safety at small mines
The New South Wales Resources Regulator has kicked off Safe Work Month with its annual Health and Safety at Small Mines Roadshow. From Merimbula on the south coast to Broken Hill in the west and Ballina in the North, the roadshow will travel the State, visiting 15 key locations in total (08 October 2018). More...

Reopened Dreamworld inquest hears 'everybody' failed to ensure ride's safety prior to fatalities
A Dreamworld maintenance manager has conceded there was a "total failure by everybody" at the theme park to identify safety issues on the Thunder River Rapids ride prior to the October 2016 incident that killed four people. The inquest has been told some ride repairs were delayed for budgetary reasons and Dreamworld's safety guidelines had warned of the potential for rafts to tip (08 October 2018). More...

Workplaces under the spotlight in Productivity Commission inquiry into mental health
Australian businesses will be a focus of an independent inquiry into mental health that will recommend key priorities for the Federal Government's long-term mental health strategy (07 October 2018). More...

Update on Anglesea Power Station site
WorkSafe will continue to consult with Alcoa as the demolition of the Anglesea Power Station moves into the materials recovery phase. Alcoa must ensure they protect the health and safety of workers and the public as they process the materials from the collapsed structure (04 October 2018). More...

Two Companies fined more than $200K following construction worker fall
Two businesses have been fined more than $200,000 combined, after a worker fell two stories on a construction site in Ashfield. Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said Deicorp Pty Ltd was fined $75,000, and Rock Form Group Pty Ltd $127,500 at the Sydney District Court for failing to comply with health and safety laws (03 October 2018). More...

Mangoola coal mine commits to safety breach
Mangoola Coal Operations has accepted an enforceable undertaking following a workplace incident at the Mangoola open cut mine in 2016 (02 October 2018). More...

Easy to do work health and safety toolkit reduces small business burdens
A new self-assessment toolkit to improve health and safety in the workplace has been launched as part of Safe Work Month, which kicked off around the country at the beginning of the month (02 October 2018). More...

New South Wales pushes for 30% reduction in workplace fatalities
New South Wales has revised its targets and commits to reduce work-related fatalities by 30 per cent, and injuries and illnesses by 50 per cent within five years (01 October 2018). More...

Defence charged over cadet injuries
Federal prosecutors have laid charges against the Department of Defence after a Sydney high school student suffered serious injuries during an army cadet camp (02 October 2018). More...

Published - articles, papers, reports

Safe Work Australia Fatality statistics
As at 4 October, there have been 97 Australian workers killed at work in 2018. 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 Safe Work Australia.

In practice and courts

National

Australian Humans Rights Commission submissions open - National Inquiry into sexual harassment in Australian workplaces
The Commission is interested in hearing from individuals and organisations about their views and experiences relating to sexual harassment in Australian workplaces. Submissions are now open. The closing date for submissions is 31 January 2019. More...

New South Wales

Consultation @ Work conference
If you are a Health and Safety Representative (HSR), HSR training provider, small business, an employer or a worker, you are invited to attend our free Consultation @ Work Conference on the 31 October 2018 at Sydney Cricket Ground. More...

Queensland

QBCC: Safer buildings for Queensland
The Queensland Government recently amended the Building Regulation 2006 bringing in new safety laws in Queensland. From 1 October 2018 Building Owners may be required to register their buildings and complete the combustible cladding checklist. More...

Victoria

New asbestos and prevention of falls compliance codes now available
Four new compliance codes (codes) that align to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 are now available (11 October 2018). More...

WorkSafe Victoria Safety Alert: Safety when lifting or suspending loads
A reminder about safety when using cranes or other plant to lift or suspend loads near people (05 October 2018). More...

WorkSafe Victoria Safety Alert: Amusement structures: Chair-o-planes
Incidents involving amusement rides such as chair-o-planes can involve the risk of serious injury or death. To control the risks associated with chair-o-plane amusement structures, owners and operators should take the following actions (10 October 2018). More...

WorkSafe Victoria Safety Alert: Tower cranes: Pre-erection and commissioning inspections and tests
This alert advises tower crane owners (and informs their clients) of the need to ensure appropriate safety-critical inspections and tests are carried out before and during the erection of the crane, and as part of its commissioning on site (11 October 2018). More...

Cases

Victoria

Victoria Prosecution Result Summaries and Enforceable Undertakings

  • Joshua Avenell
    Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 Section 144 (1) Outcome 04 Oct 2018
  • Destination CAD Pty Ltd
    Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 Section 26 Outcome 04 Oct 2018
  • J Avenell Constructions Pty Ltd
    Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004,Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007
    Section 21 & 21 & Regulation 3.3.4; 5.1.9 Outcome 04 Oct 2018
  • Brechlen Pty Ltd
    Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 Section 21(1) & Regulation 5.1.9 Outcome 03 Oct 2018
  • Saigon Village Pty Ltd
    Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 Section 26(1) Outcome 01 Oct 2018
  • Hume Caravan & Camping Accessories Pty Ltd
    Broadmeadows Magistrates' Court Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 Section 23(1)
    Outcome 01 Oct 2018.

Legislation

Queensland

Reminder SL No 110 Building and Other Legislation (Cladding) Amendment Regulation 2018 (Qld)
The policy objectives of the Regulation are to determine the extent of the use of potentially combustible cladding on existing private buildings in Queensland and raise awareness with building owners of the risks associated with potentially combustible cladding. The Regulation commences on 1 October 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.