Industry News
Lineworker fined after apprentice suffers electric shock
An electrical line worker has been fined $10,500 for ignoring safety protocols, leading to an apprentice receiving severe burns and electric shock. [ + ]
Safety campaign launched ahead of engineered stone ban
A campaign launched by WorkSafe Victoria aims to raise awareness about the upcoming ban on engineered stone, effective 1 July 2024. [ + ]
SWA releases bushfire planning resources for workplaces
Safe Work Australia has released an information sheet to help PCBUs use the national fire danger rating and warning systems to assess the risks of bushfires in the workplace. [ + ]
Bus driver convicted after worker crushed
A Victorian bus driver has been convicted after a fellow worker was struck and seriously injured at a Leongatha depot. [ + ]
Safety alert issued after worker almost fatally crushed
NT WorkSafe has issued a safety alert after a worker was crushed by a 1.2-tonne forklift load while loading bundles of steel onto a trailer. [ + ]
Victorian employers fined $16m for safety breaches in 2023
Victorian employers have been reminded of the legal consequences they could face if they fail their health and safety duties, after the total fines for safety breaches hit $16 million in 2023. [ + ]
New exposure standard to improve welder safety outcomes
Work Health and Safety Ministers have agreed to reduce the workplace exposure standard for welding fumes from 5 mg/m3 to 1 mg/m3. [ + ]
Finalists announced for 2023 WorkSafe Awards
The WorkSafe Awards recognise excellence in workplace health and safety and return to work. [ + ]
Qld to strengthen electrical safety laws
The Queensland Government has proposed new laws to improve electrical safety and enhance the government's ability to regulate high-risk electrical products. [ + ]
New code of practice to eliminate gender-based harassment
Safe Work Australia has published a model code of practice to help PCBUs eliminate or minimise the risk of sexual and gender-based harassment at work. [ + ]
New SafeWork inspectors to promote health and safety in NSW
Thirty-five new graduates will join the SafeWork inspectorate team to help ensure NSW workers return home safely at the end of each day. [ + ]
Hoist safety blitz for SA automotive industry
Inspectors from SafeWork SA will visit automotive workshops across the state as part of a safety campaign targeting high-risk plant such as vehicle hoists. [ + ]
Australia to ban engineered stone due to silicosis risk
The use, supply and manufacture of engineered stone in Australia will be banned from 1 July 2024, to protect workers from respirable crystalline silica. [ + ]
Guidelines released for managing heavy vehicle driver fatigue
NT WorkSafe has released guidance material to help heavy vehicle owners and operators manage the risks of fatigue when driving. [ + ]
Qld introduces workplace safety law reforms
The Queensland Government has introduced legislative reforms to parliament stemming from recommendations from an independent review of the state's Work Health and Safety Act. [ + ]