"Fake" WorkSafe psychologist jailed for five years; Builders back Victoria's "odd" harmonisation demands; WA premiums to increase for the second time in three months; and Queensland mining sector announces falling injury rate, issues three safety alerts.
The Queensland Supreme Court has upheld a District Court decision and awarded $240,000 in damages to a secretary who was injured lifting a box of paper, after it rejected her employer's claim the lift was an "ordinary task".
Employer fined for dangerous-goods breach after horrific acid spill; Rail workers trained to support traumatised mates; Tasmanian asbestos victims win access to no-fault compensation; and HWSA developing quad bike safety tools.
Two Queensland employers that failed to alert employees to a trip hazard have been ordered to pay more than $550,000 to a worker who was injured while taking a shortcut over a knee-high barrier chain.
Victorian employer Baiada takes OHS "control" dispute to High Court; Worker exposed to asbestos three times awarded $1.15 million; Qld employer fined for insulation death as WA commences switchroom campaign; and ACT regulator publishes guide to Workplace Privacy Act.
Discriminatory workers' comp legislation abolished in Western Australia; and Employers urged to review systems after second tree-related death in two days.
Workplace germ control urged as flu cases spiral; Unwary employers at risk of breastfeeding discrimination; and WorkCover NSW releases "officer" fact sheet, appoints new workers' comp bosses.
A mine worker who slipped while showering at an offsite camp has won compensation for an acute shoulder injury, with the Queensland IRC defining a "remote" site as one that is a long way from where a "substantial number" of its workers usually reside.
The draft model Work Health and Safety Regulations and Codes of Practice for mining have been released for public comment, but "harmonisation" appears to be a long way off for this sector, with at least four jurisdictions looking to introduce their own laws.
Regulators issue warnings on no-go zones after electrocutions; Queensland disasters expose safety gaps, but employers reluctant to invest more in OHS; Tasmania says it could amend harmonised mining laws; and WorkCover SA suspends rehab provider for misconduct.
