Browsing: Coronavirus, COVID-19 | Page 7

Working during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic caused considerable distress to many workers, but some psychosocial working conditions actually improved, pointing to strategies employers can implement to help staff cope with high-stress situations, according to a longitudinal study.

Qantas has failed to block two of four WHS charges alleging it engaged in discriminatory conduct towards an elected health and safety representative for taking actions relating to the cleaning of planes arriving from a COVID-19 hot spot.

A worker who was exposed to racist slurs, profane language and aggressive behaviour from his superiors and co-workers has won his permanent impairment claim, despite his employer's argument his psych injury was caused by a reasonable performance appraisal.

• Chemicals alert issued with GHS transition period expiring;
  
• New WHS dust regulations further amended in ACT;
  
• Controversial ACT COVID notice followed by WHS amendment; and
  
• RTW guide highlights "the most important relationship".

A nurse who was initially charged with recklessly attending work when she had COVID-19 - an offence potentially attracting jail time - has been fined $25,000 for failing to take reasonable care for the health and safety of people at her high-risk workplace.

The Fair Work Commission has affirmed that working safely, in a way that doesn't put fellow workers or the public at risk, is an inherent requirement of a job, in a dismissal case involving a former WorkSafe Victoria lawyer who breached vaccine rules.

A business manager who introduced workplace safety brainstorming sessions, which led to the development of a device that eliminates the need for workers to enter high-risk areas on roads, has received a major WHS award.

Highlighting the dangers of excessive remote work and barriers to safety management, a comprehensive analysis of European WHS data has confirmed that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly exacerbated a range of risks faced by workers in a major sector.

A global study has identified an alarmingly high prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder, in frontline workers, linked to nine major COVID-19 risk factors, highlighting the ongoing need for employers to monitor staff for symptoms of PTSD and provide appropriate support.

• WHS discussions urged ahead of COVID changes; and
  
• Safety Bill amends new direct-employment provisions in Qld.