The ASCC has pronounced the recent harmonisation talks on a national strategy for OHS to be “constructiveâ€.

NSW representatives have joined today’s meeting of the occupational health and safety working group, according to an announcement by the ASCC just before one o’clock this afternoon.

NSW representatives have been directed to wait for a commitment from the ASCC that today’s harmonisation talks will be subject to four principles outlined at the 18 May COAG meeting before joining in the discussions.

Prohibition notices stopping some of the work at an Adelaide building site remain in place after three workers were taken to hospital with smoke inhalation on 13 July.

The Automation Business Forum that was to run a day prior to the Manufacturing Technology InFocus exhibition in October has been postponed until 2007.

The annual Automate exhibition will be held for the 18th year running, but for the first time will be presented under the new name Manufacturing Technology InFocus (MTech).

The maximum fines for South Australian corporations convicted of safety breaches are set to triple.

A recruitment drive for 12 new inspectors at WorkCover NSW will start this week, bringing its total force to 313.

Recruiters must push clients to address OHS or risk losing their workforce, according to Bill Scales, chairman of the Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASCC).

Forklift owners and operators have been warned of the potential safety risks associated with the hiring or buying of equipment with unfamiliar control pedals.

A new group standard was introduced in New Zealand on 1 July.

Tasmania’s OHS penalties may be significantly increased following an announcement by the government that the state’s workplace health and safety is being reviewed.

Visitor attendance and exhibitor results have pronounced the first Queensland Safety Show and Forum a resounding success, although some exhibitors have yet to decide whether to sign on for 2007.

A Sydney green waste recycling company and its director have been fined a $137,940 by the NSW Industrial Court after a 15 year-old apprentice lost his arm as a result of a workplace incident.

The rate of occupational cancer in Australia is much higher than the 2% generally accepted in the past.