New workers' compensation regulations have taken effect in NSW and Queensland, while NSW's Finance Minister has claimed that returning injured workers to work by an average of just one day earlier could save the WorkCover scheme millions of dollars.
The benefits of adopting harmonised WHS Regulations for the mining sector will outweigh the costs, while safety standards could diminish under the alternative options, according to a regulatory impact statement.
The first non-pecuniary penalty orders made under NSW's mirror WHS Act show that WorkCover and the courts are "receptive" to applications for such orders in certain circumstances, according to a lawyer.
The Tasmanian Government has vowed to strengthen its mine safety laws and inspectorate, while NSW has moved a step closer to harmonising its mine safety laws, and Western Australia has released another draft version of its guide to mine safety supervision.
A NSW employer has been fined $300,000 over the death of a young student, while another employer has entered into a $427,000 enforceable undertaking under the State's new WHS Act.
Employer fined after bystander death; New CEO announced for Safety, Return to Work and Support; Better communication techniques reduce workplace stress; and Essential safety news from three jurisdictions.
An employer that was uninsured when a trainee suffered an injury had no right to question WorkCover NSW's acceptance of his claim, and must repay more than $10,000 in compensation payments.
Twelve mirror WHS Codes of Practice came into force in NSW this morning, while five old Codes were revoked, with the changes significantly affecting three industries, according to WorkCover.
