Browsing: Authority/inspectorate (QLD) | Page 53

Harmonised safety laws for the heavy vehicle sector are being amended to facilitate the introduction of electronic fatigue diaries and increase some penalties by more than 200 per cent. This article also examines related safety initiatives in NSW and the Northern Territory.

• Seacare and "exit contributions" Bills progress;
  
• ACT passes asbestos Bill and applauds safety improvements;
  
• Asbestos levy cut by 12.5 per cent in Tasmania;
  
• ACCC recalling unsafe disposable respirators; and
  
• Alerts issued after bike death and overloaded-truck incident.

• HSR powers and notification rules restored by Qld Bill; and
  
• Qld launches FIFO review and inquiry.

• Workers still exposed to hazardous lead paint; and
  
• Fatality reports and alerts released in four jurisdictions.

John Holland has been fined $110,000 in the first of two safety prosecutions it is facing relating to the incident-ridden construction of the Brisbane Airport Link.

Major legislative changes occurred in all nine Australian jurisdictions in the first quarter of 2015. This article examines these and other developments in work health and safety and workers' compensation.

• Workers prosecuted for risking colleagues' safety;
  
• Employer fined after learner driver of faulty truck hits worker;
  
• Duty holders urged to ditch or modify unsafe quad bikes; and
  
• NSW and Qld issue chemical and fire alerts.

• WA announces record-low WorkCover premiums;
  
• GP trial to speed up RTW process;
  
• Sun safety doesn't end with autumn, says WorkCover Qld; and
  
• NSW issues drowning alert.

Governments are being warned against making "brutal cuts" to their workers' comp schemes as the workforce ages, while WorkCover Queensland has outlined how to improve the health and safety of older workers.

• SWA amends 'inaccurate' WHS Code and other documents;
  
• Agencies release fatality reports and alerts; and
  
• WA employer fined $50k for unsafe fuel storage.