Browsing: Authority/inspectorate news

• WHS regulator issues more COVID notices, releases compliance checklist; and
  
• "Declining" crane and scaffolding compliance found by FSC.

In the latest major case on a WHS provision for "resolving" disputes, a union and eight of its officials have been fined for right-of-entry breaches at an incident-strewn infrastructure project.

A tribunal has rejected a worker's claim that he developed a back injury from prolonged workplace sitting. The worker contended his case was supported by his employer's safety documents on sedentary risks, and a failure to provide him with an adjustable desk in a timely manner.

• Mandatory COVID vaccine rule applied to another industry; and
  
• Plant warning issued in format first for WHS regulator.

A development company that disregarded a Code of Practice and its own procedures, apparently to save two hours of work, has been fined for safety breaches.

An employer has been convicted and fined $360,000, after its failure to address a safety risk forced a worker to improvise and lean over a six-metre-deep trench, resulting in his fatal fall.

• WHS regulator shuts sites for COVID breaches, calls in police; and
  
• Passed OHS laws increase deterrent effect of tough penalties.

• Worker handed WHS fine for category-2 caring breaches;
  
• WA pumps funds into WHS transition; and
  
• Silica compliance improving, but air monitoring a concern.

Elevating work platforms have been linked to hundreds of workplace injuries and a string of fatalities, with incidents resulting from structural failures, collisions and poor ventilation, Safe Work Australia has warned in releasing new guidance on the hazardous equipment.

• "Zero tolerance" workplace COVID blitz announced; and
  
• Employer fails to comply with Standard for automatic doors.