Browsing: Authority/inspectorate (VIC) | Page 64

In this article, OHS Alert examines all the most important workplace safety and workers' compensation news from the second quarter of 2015, including a record OHS fine, a world-first decision on PTSD, and legislative changes in every state and territory.

• Worker with disability wins $170k in discrimination case; and
  
• Dangerous goods regulations extended in Victoria.

• Supreme Court decision sends safety-document warning;
  
• Anti-bullying regime creating "adversarial" environments; and
  
• Victoria establishes taskforce to tackle occupational violence.

A parliamentary inquiry into the alleged "cancer cluster" and other safety issues at Victoria's Fiskville Training College has identified widespread concerns about poor OHS training and careless handling of dangerous substances at the college.

• Discriminatory text messages lead to $10k damages bill;
  
• WorkSafe Victoria appoints CEO and launches claims app; and
  
• ACT Bill amends workers' comp Act and other legislation.

The Victorian Building Authority has defended its decision to prosecute an individual over the Swanston Street wall collapse that killed three pedestrians in 2013, and rejected claims it has set a precedent for major employers to "walk away" from safety and permit breaches.

• Plant modification causes Victorian worker's death;
  
• Safety inspectors issue 1300 notices in single WA campaign; and
  
• DMP issues warnings after "horseplay" injury and other incidents.

• Victorian workers' comp premiums for 2015-16 revealed; and
  
• Royal Commission urged to recommend domestic violence leave.

Victorian agencies must do more to stamp out occupational violence in the healthcare sector, and ensure it's properly recorded, with current incident data describing punches and attempted strangulations as "mild" or "near miss", the State Auditor-General has found.

Two Victorian employers accused of OHS breaches have committed to spending $570,000 on developing detailed safety guidance for the construction industry, funding safety research and other initiatives.