Browsing: Coronavirus, COVID-19 | Page 23

A recent multi-million dollar COVID-19 workers' comp case shows that employers need to be aware of the risk of sending workers into high-risk environments, and that their responsibilities aren't limited to the workplace, two senior employment lawyers say.

For R U OK? Day today, a clinical services expert has highlighted the difficulties of meeting work demands during the COVID-19 pandemic, and stressed that reaching out to colleagues can "spark a life-changing conversation". Meanwhile, a safety regulator has outlined how to develop a mentally healthy workplace through the risk management process.

• Rapid antigen tests key to workplace safety and reopening: ACCI; and
  
• Mass breaches and speeding targeted by safety regulator.

Coinciding with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the pilot of a major psychosocial safety climate program, delivered by Comcare and leading WHS experts, has shown how a pro-psychological health agenda can work quickly to protect staff.

• WHS incidents behind manslaughter prosecutions revealed;
  
• Recently prosecuted employer charged after falling-object death; and
  
• Another state mandates COVID vaccines for health workers.

• Dingo attack prompts workplace safety prosecution; and
  
• COVID vaccines mandated in major WA sector.

A study on the rapid, widespread adoption of workplace mask requirements for the COVID-19 pandemic has identified the need for "urgent action" to protect workers affected by hearing loss from "devastating" communication problems.

• COVID lockdowns creating WHS gaps, PCBUs warned; and
  
• WA releases resources and start date for WHS transition.

Australia's new no-fault COVID-19 vaccine claims scheme will be applied retrospectively and, according to business groups, better facilitate workplace vaccination programs, reduce business risks and accelerate the reopening of the economy.

The death of a NSW worker who contracted COVID-19 on a work trip to New York has been found to have occurred in the course of his employment, entitling his widow to death benefits and possibly more than $15 million in medical expenses.