Have you got your ‘Act’ together?
01 July, 2011 by Michael Selinger and Stephen Trew, Holding Redlich Lawyers
The harmonised safety laws across Australia are one step closer to becoming a reality and will bring about significant changes to the construction industry. With only six months to go until the new laws commence operation on 1 January 2012, businesses have a limited timeframe to become familiar with the new Workplace Health & Safety Act and regulations that will replace the current laws.
Officer’s duties under the Work Health and Safety Act
01 July, 2011 by Marissa Dreher and Kathryn Bion, Freehills
The model Work Health and Safety Act will commence in each jurisdiction in Australia from 1 January 2012. One aspect of the legislation that is significantly different to current laws is the duty imposed on ‘officers’ of a person conducting a business or undertaking.
OHS goes high-tech
01 July, 2011 by Luke Anear*
Safety professionals as well as business operators across different industry sectors and geographies are increasingly realising the significance of technology in workplace safety.
One in four Victorian workers surveyed found to have high cholesterol
30 June, 2011 | Supplied by: WorkSafe Victoria
WorkSafe Victoria is urging workers to talk to their bosses about signing up for the free WorkHealth checks, as latest data from the WorkHealth program shows many are unaware they’re at risk of common, yet preventable, chronic diseases.
HWSA pushes for quad bike safety
16 June, 2011
HWSA, the body representing Australasia’s work health and safety regulators, is taking a tougher stance on quad bike safety.
OneSteel fined over arc flash incident
15 June, 2011
Steel Manufacturer OneSteel has been convicted and fined over an “ad hoc work method”.
How will minimum wage increase affect employers?
15 June, 2011
The recent decision by the Minimum Wage Panel of Fair Work Australia increases minimum wage rates by 3.4% and the default casual loading for award and agreement free employees from 21% to 22%.
Tips to prevent angle grinder injury
15 June, 2011 | Supplied by: WorkSafe Victoria
WorkSafe Victoria has released a new guide on the use of angle grinders after 31 serious workplace injuries involving them.
Elliotts appoints General Manager
01 June, 2011 | Supplied by: Elliott Australia Pty Ltd
Elliotts has appointed Alan Metcalfe as General Manager.
New Zealand launches plan to tackle rate of construction accidents
31 May, 2011
NZ Minister of Labour Kate Wilkinson has launched a plan to bring down the rate of construction accidents.
WorkSafe Victoria uncovers high number of workplace breaches
27 May, 2011 | Supplied by: WorkSafe Victoria
WorkSafe Victoria has issued 264 improvement notices as part of the ‘Safe Towns’ campaign.
Company director convicted over injury to employee
27 May, 2011
A company director and his partner were prosecuted by SafeWork SA.
SafeWork SA issues safety reminder as planking incidents increase
24 May, 2011
SafeWork SA is reminding employers and employees of their legal obligations relating to workplace safety amidst the current debate on the practice known as ‘planking’.
WorkCover NSW announces recipients of $6.7m grants program
18 May, 2011 | Supplied by: WorkCover NSW
WorkCover NSW has announced recipients of the $6.7m grants program to help prepare for the new national harmonisation of work health and safety legislation.
WorkSafe Victoria's free workshop to help injured people return to work
17 May, 2011 | Supplied by: WorkSafe Victoria
WorkSafe Victoria has organised a free workshop to assist employers helping injured workers return to work.
