Browsing: Coronavirus, COVID-19 | Page 24

Icare NSW has revealed circumstances where workers who suffer adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines could be eligible for workers' compensation, while the State Government has announced legislation to improve the workers' comp system and clarify the powers of its WHS regulator and other bodies.

A WHS regulator has confirmed that three workplaces have been fined heavily for COVID-19 vaccination breaches, while a survey has found many businesses are looking to mandate vaccines, and highlighted associated concerns around labour-hire arrangements.

• Big bank trials rapid COVID tests, reveals wellbeing strategies; and
  
• "Injured" fraudsters ordered to pay more than $80k.

The Qantas Group has highlighted its duty to provide the "safest possible environment" to its employees, and the fact that a single worker can come into contact with thousands of people in a single day, in announcing a two-part COVID-19 vaccine mandate for its workforce.

High-profile health and safety lawyer Michael Tooma has raised serious concerns about proposed vaccine-related amendments to WHS statements of regulatory intent, while the Victorian Government has urged people to get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible, in reintroducing its permit system for workers.

E-interventions for workplace stress break down traditional barriers to programs for preventing mental and physical illness, and can be maximised by incorporating two goals at the design phase, researchers have found.

Australia's WHS regulators are likely to amend their statements of regulatory intent to protect employers that don't mandate COVID-19 vaccinations, and are cracking down on the unlawful performance of non-essential work, with closure orders and high fines.

• Tiered system guides workplace COVID vaccine mandates; and
  
• Burnout targeted in latest draft safety Code from WA.

Employer SPC has hit back at claims it failed to consult workers on its mandatory COVID-19 vaccination regime, stressing the mandate is a "business decision" to ensure the health and safety of staff and others.

A major survey has found many employers aren't enforcing mandatory mask-wearing rules, while a peak employer group has called for workplace COVID-19 vaccination programs, NSW has made a work-resumption plan with vaccine rules, and Queensland has added a string of occupations to its vaccination priority group.