Browsing: Coronavirus, COVID-19 | Page 16

Now is a crucial time for workers, for the sake of their mental health, to be discussing pandemic-related challenges with their managers, but nearly half of Australian workers are uncomfortable initiating these important conversations, according to research released with two guides on the issue.

A worker's submission that there were ways for her to safely carry out her work, without "limiting" her human rights through a COVID-19 vaccine mandate, did not identify any exceptional circumstances warranting a vaccine exemption, a commission has found in the second of two almost identical cases.

• Beware new-year fatigue with COVID-forced work changes;
  
• Mask rules eased in another jurisdiction, WHS advice issued; and
  
• RPE guidance published after 162 WHS notices issued.

Employers that maintain a positive "COVID-19 safety climate" curb "moral disengagement" where workers rationalise irresponsible actions that harm others, a timely study has shown.

• Prohibition-notice powers for COVID maintained by Vic Bill; and
  
• Employers told to "redouble" safety efforts on release of death toll.

An employer's obligation to consult with workers on COVID-19 vaccine mandates does not extend to implementing measures required by public health orders, the Fair Work Commission has ruled.

Police officers are among those who have applauded a parliamentary inquiry's call for the NSW Upper House to reject a Bill scrapping presumptive compensation for workers with COVID-19. The inquiry slammed the State Government's cost-blowout claims and its failure to properly consider alternatives to dumping the benefit.

• WHS regulators stepping up enforcement, warn lawyers; and
  
• Guilfoyle's decision on mine explosion dismays union.

• RAT regimes don't replace other workplace controls: SWA; and
  
• New workplace mask and vaccine rules announced in Vic, NSW.

• Workplace COVID controls and exemptions outlined as WA re-opens; and
  
• COVID affects injury recovery and RTW outcomes: SWA.