Psychosocial factors impede workers' recovery from musculoskeletal injuries, but disability screening tools can be used in novel ways to identify and match treatments and avoid unnecessary surgery or other procedures, a workplace physiotherapist says.
> Worker vaccinations compulsory under new Vic laws; > Electrical safety licensing system passes Parliament; and > Mandatory disease tests to protect more workers in WA.
Exclusion sanctions imposed on businesses that commit WHS breaches could be extended under a Federal Government plan to improve the safety and efficiency of the building industry.
A return-to-work specialist has urged stakeholders to "think outside the square" and adopt innovative interventions to fill the service gap for workers with complex and chronic psychological injuries requiring long periods off work.
> Mirror WHS Bill debated in WA Lower House, industry concerned; > Two duty holders charged with multiple WHS breaches after fall; and > WHS regulator investigating two falls, one fatal.
Ramping up wellbeing and support services, like an onsite EAP, health checks and a "concierge service", helped a major law firm maintain workers' mental health during the gruelling work demands of the banking royal commission, according to the firm's national health, safety and wellbeing manager.
A company director told an employee he was considering sacking an injured staff member and "taking my chances" just two weeks before he dismissed a worker seeking common law damages, the Fair Work Commission has found in awarding the worker lost wages.
Safe Work Australia has released a series of guidance materials clarifying: PCBUs' duties to monitor the health of workers exposed to hazardous substances; the substances that trigger this obligation; and how to act on medical reports.
Mental health conditions remain a key "disruptor" in Australia's workers' comp schemes, but a low-intensity cognitive behaviour therapy program and early intervention are facilitating recovery, Comcare's CEO has told the National Workers' Compensation Summit.
A government department that was charged with category 2 WHS breaches after a motorcyclist crashed and died at a road works site, which wasn't set up on accordance with Australian Standards, has been permitted to enter a $1.4 million undertaking in lieu of prosecution.
