Browsing: Fatalities

• Duty holders face fatality penalties of up to $4.2m and jail; and
  
• Work-related PTSD protections pass in Qld.

An employer with a "useless" safe work method statement has been fined for five workplace safety breaches, after a young worker was killed by an unsecured concrete panel.

In a film produced for toolbox talks and pre-shift meetings, a young worker has explained how his boss disregarded his safety concerns in the moments before they were nearly killed by a powerline. The boss was later fined for safety breaches. Some 1,500km away, regulators have issued warnings after a spate of work-related powerline incidents, including a fatality.

• WHS manslaughter Bill introduced ahead of national vote; and
  
• Missing asbestos register and burns prompt fine and warnings.

A PCBU has been handed a pre-discount WHS fine of $600,000, plus $45,000 in costs, after its flawed electrical isolation system caused the death of a subcontractor in a tank, and serious injuries to two workers who attempted to save the man.

• New standard tackles "one of the deadliest" workplace hazards;
  
• WHS warnings follow carbon monoxide and vehicle incidents; and
  
• Union issues cease-work advice for Sydney smoke and particles.

• Unassessed solvent used before death, employer fined;
  
• WHS charge follows installation failings; and
  
• WHS regulator expresses dismay at latest forklift incident.

The ACT Government has confirmed plans to transfer the offence of industrial manslaughter from the Crimes Act to its WHS laws, in a move that is likely to increase the maximum fine by millions of dollars.

A global employer will down tools and conduct meetings on minimising occupational cancer risks, for World Day for Safety and Health at Work today. World safety day has also prompted renewed calls for Australia-wide industrial manslaughter provisions and an accelerated response to the review of the model WHS laws.

A national employer has been found guilty of eight WHS charges, after it failed to adequately check the competencies of a new hire, who later caused a road accident resulting in two deaths.