A worker has failed to convince the Fair Work Commission that his positive drug test was "exacerbated" by the surge of adrenalin he experienced while fighting a fire on a front-end loader.
With warmer weather fast approaching, employers have been warned of the safety risks associated with seasonal work and natural disasters, while NSW has waived some asbestos regulations in fire-affected areas.
Severe weather and hand-tool warnings issued in NSW; ACT flags mandatory asbestos training and suspends high-risk licence; and NT adopts new dangerous goods driver training course.
The Queensland Coroner has recommended the mandatory use of hazard-reducing devices (HRDs) for welding work, after a worker was electrocuted while welding in humid conditions.
CFMEU issues heat policy after builders "forced" to work in heatwave; AWU calls for action after two firefighters killed; Queensland workers' comp report delayed as QCU issues protest warning; Unions campaign for more asbestos-eradication funds; and New health tests for rail workers must be matched by wellness programs, says RBTU.
Employers are again being warned about the hazards associated with working in heat, following the suspected heat-related death of a Queensland worker, and with high temperatures forecast for most jurisdictions over the next few days.
More senior executives "than ever before" can now be found liable for safety breaches linked to work Christmas parties, an OHS lawyer says. Also in this article, employers have been put on notice after a worker sustained permanent injuries from heatstroke.
Transport-industry employers must carefully prepare and train their workers in emergency breakdown procedures, the Western Australian Coroner has advised, after a truck driver became stranded in the desert and died.
