The overhaul of South Australia's WorkCover scheme began today, with the State's Return to Work Bill introduced to Parliament, along with an Employment Tribunal Bill.
A worker who told WorkCover SA he broke his hand when he tripped, when he actually sustained the injury by punching a wall, has become the second worker in two days to be penalised for workers' comp fraud.
Proposed and actual major changes to the harmonised WHS Acts, as well as surprising developments in the non-harmonised states, dominated OHS Alert's pages in the second quarter of 2014. Check out this review of all the most important safety and workers' compensation news from the three months to 30 June.
A South Australian worker who played competitive basketball while claiming workers' compensation for wrist injuries has been handed a three-month suspended jail sentence.
OHS changes cut compliance costs in Victoria; WA handed power to contest unsafe industrial action; Stewart-Crompton reviewing SA's mirror WHS Act; Heavy vehicle operators face new penalty regime in NSW; and Long-load road rules amended in Tasmania.
WorkCover NSW reveals 2014-15 premium rates; SA Independents to determine future of cancer compensation laws; and Maximum workers' comp payments increasing in WA.
An upcoming review of South Australia's mirror WHS Act will focus on how often union officials have used their new workplace entry rights, as required by a deal made with "no pokies" MLC John Darley two years ago.
