Safe work procedures developed for machines must specify what workers should do, as well as what they shouldn't, the South Australian Magistrates Court has noted in fining an employer for OHS breaches.
Middle managers will be put through "culture change" training programs under a plan to improve safety in the construction sector, according to the Master Builders Association's official response to the ACT construction-industry inquiry.
In the lead up to the busy Easter holiday period, and in light of a recent fatality, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland is urging employers to ensure safe practices are in place at roadwork sites. It also advises employers to reduce the risks of psychological injury through supervisory support and other measures.
A study that encourages transport operators to promote caffeine-consumption in their fatigue management plans has been labelled by the TWU as dangerous and misleading.
A Flying Doctors pilot who claimed his CEO laughed about safety issues has had his unfair dismissal claim upheld, even though the Fair Work Commission found he had made dismissible inflammatory allegations against the employer.
Waterfront employers that obey the model WHS Act will not face additional compliance costs with the introduction of the Code of Practice on managing stevedoring risks, the Maritime Union of Australia has stressed at rallies today.
A worker who wasn't provided with personal protective equipment while using a hand tool has been awarded more than $850,000 in damages, after he sustained a permanent eye injury.
Safe Work Australia has published a guidance note on the known hazards of 16 chemicals, and how to determine when to stop exposing workers to them. Also in this article, manufacturers have been put on notice after a second SWA report found the sector has the highest workers' comp and incident rates for young workers.
Many employers resort to "blaming and retraining" workers when an OHS incident occurs, but improving safety hinges on improving leadership, says Norton Rose Lawyers partner Michael Tooma.
