Industry News
SafeWork inspections across Newcastle worksites after $400k fine
Newcastle construction sites can expect unannounced visits from SafeWork NSW inspectors this week, as high-visibility safety checks are conducted across the region. After a number of serious injuries on worksites across the state, inspectors are targeting sites undertaking high-risk work. Inspectors are looking out for: Working from heights & falling objects Electrical safety Site amenities…
Read MoreWorker fined for hindering WorkSafe investigation
A worker has been convicted and fined $4,000 after the Alice Springs Local Court found them guilty of hindering an NT WorkSafe investigation. The worker plead guilty to failing to comply with a written notice to produce documents and information without reasonable excuse. In February 2018, the worker and two subcontracters were using a telehandler…
Read MoreBuilder Fined $850,000 After Worker Fall
A Builder has been fined $850,000 after a worker fell to their death on a residential site where no SWMS was prepared or adhered to. According to WorkSafe Victoria, the company pleaded guilty to a single charge of “failing to ensure that persons other than employees were not exposed to risks to their health and…
Read MoreVictorian Employers Must Inform WorkSafe of COVID Cases
New regulations mean Victorian employers are now required to immediately notify WorkSafe should they become aware a worker has a confirmed positive Coronavirus (COVID-19) diagnosis. These new regulations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act aim to help WorkSafe reduce health and safety risks in the workplace due to COVID-19. Quickly reporting positive cases and…
Read MoreSafeWork NSW Inspectors Targeting Cranes in Compliance Blitz
SafeWork NSW Inspectors will be conducting a statewide crane compliance blitz this month. This comes after a new report from SafeWork’s Centre for Work Health and Safety and RMIT, which examined the factors contributing to crane incidents. The study found a number of key contributors to potential incidents including: Worker competence Time pressures associated with…
Read MoreSafeWork SA Announces Second Round of EWP Compliance Checks
SafeWork SA has announced a statewide Elevated Working Platform (EWP) compliance audit, commencing the week of 08/07/2020 and lasting 3 months. Mobile EWPs carry significant risk to both operators and other workers. Any personnel responsible for the operation of an EWP requires proper training and support to ensure that any and all work is conducted…
Read MoreVictoria Introduces New Workplace Manslaughter Laws
As of July 1st, Victorian employers are subject to new workplace manslaughter laws and face tough new penalties should their negligence lead to a worker’s death. The new laws target any PCBU (person conducting business or undertaking) failing to uphold their health and safety obligations, which leads to a worker dying on the job. The…
Read MoreCOVID-19 Information from WHS Regulators
WHS regulators are responsible for enforcing and regulating WHS laws. Here is a list of Australian WHS Regulators and their information and support channels regarding COVID-19. Comcare – Comcare has issued guidance for workers and employers on work health and safety and workers’ compensation in relation to the coronavirus outbreak. The information includes advice on WHS obligations, managing risks and compensation coverage. SafeWork NSW – Coronavirus Worksafe…
Read MoreSafeWork SA High Risk Construction Work Audits
In a recent media release, SafeWork SA has stated that they will begin auditing high risk construction work from February 2020 onwards. Construction is one of the most dangerous industries, and exposes workers to numerous hazards, resulting in high levels of workplace injuries and fatalities. There are 18 activities defined as High Risk Construction Work…
Read MoreHigh Risk Work Licences Suspended in SA
SafeWork SA recently suspended the High Risk Work Licences of three individuals after two separate incidents involving the unsafe operation of a mobile crane. In the first incident, the crane operator used the crane’s hook to transport a rigger from one level to another, sometimes called “riding the hook.” The second incident saw the crane…
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