Buddying up or forming groups can encourage sedentary workers to take regular activity breaks, improving their health and overcoming the perception that such breaks aren't acceptable, New Zealand researchers have found.
An employer has been granted leave to challenge a decision allowing an injured worker to pursue damages in a jurisdiction with "unfettered" common law rights, with an appeals court finding the case involved important laws that apply across the country.
An employer that failed to formalise a procedure requiring a hazardous task to be performed by maintenance personnel, has been convicted and fined for exposing a worker to the risk of catastrophic injury or death.
As with asbestos, manufacturing and installing engineered stone products is likely to prove too hazardous under any system of controls, and should be banned, a NSW MLC says. Meanwhile, Victoria has introduced mandatory safety training for solar workers.
A franchisee of a major fast food chain has claimed that WHS laws do not confer an entitlement on its workers to have a drink or go to the toilet outside their scheduled 10-minute drink break, in an ongoing Federal Court case.
A crane operator originally charged with the manslaughter of a co-worker has pleaded guilty to reckless conduct, and faces penalties of up to five years' jail and $300,000.
Occupational medicine experts have made a case for better management of electrical injuries in the workplace, after finding cognitive and psychological problems are prevalent in workers who have received electric shocks.
> Another state introduces $1,000 phone distraction fines; > Compliance Code for silica made in Vic, WA makes Chinese translations; and > Wiring Rules amended.
A worker is suing his employer for psychological injuries allegedly caused by the stress and humiliation of being pushed onto a stage and forced to dance and sing during a work conference.
The functions of elected health and safety representatives do not include an express power to attend compulsory examinations conducted by regulatory inspectors and question attendees, a superior court has ruled in a fatality case.
