Browsing: Coronavirus, COVID-19 | Page 21

• Vaccine mandates extended to dozens of occupations in Vic; and
  
• New WHS strategic plan targets five sectors in NT.

• Safety month commences, focusing on COVID, bullying and more; and
  
• Do you use a forklift in NSW? Expect a visit, maybe a fine.

Failings by Victoria's Department of Health put its hotel quarantine employees and security guards at risk of serious illness or death through contracting COVID-19 from returned travellers or contaminated surfaces, a regulator has alleged in charging the Department with 58 breaches of the State OHS Act.

A Fair Work Commission full bench majority has ruled that it is "entirely" against the public interest to grant a worker, who was sacked for refusing a flu shot, permission to appeal against the quashing of her unfair dismissal claim.

Employers and individuals have been reminded of the "crippling" psychological consequences of occupational violence, following reports of aggression against COVID-19 vaccination staff and other frontline workers. Meanwhile, WHS researchers have urged businesses to beware the risks posed by artificial intelligence technologies.

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

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

The Victorian Government has claimed it has witnessed "appalling" levels of non-compliance with workplace safety regulations made for the COVID-19 pandemic in the construction industry, in shutting down the sector for two weeks.

Mandatory COVID-19 vaccine requirements are being applied to more sectors in Victoria, under a plan in which unvaccinated people will be "left behind". Another jurisdiction has announced Australia's "strongest vaccination plan" for workers, while the National Cabinet has agreed to integrate immunisation histories into check-in apps.

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