Browsing: Industrial/employment issues | Page 175

Measuring workplace absences not only informs strategies to prevent them, but is one of many ways employers can determine their return on investment in health and wellbeing, according to a people risk expert.

The death of a worker who accidentally overdosed on painkillers has prompted a coroner to recommend employers provide better support to employees with health problems.

The inquiry into allegations of bullying against Victorian Small Business Minister Adem Somyurek - who resigned yesterday - considered the merits of referring the matter to police for investigation and prosecution under "Brodie's law", a Government report has revealed.

An employer that forced a domestic violence victim to resign has been ordered to pay her $27,500, in a case that "highlights the dangers of employers going for the 'quick fix' rather than dealing with the complexity of domestic violence".

Workplace housekeeping is crucial to keeping workers safe, and involves much more than sweeping and removing obstacles, according to a safety expert, who outlines five steps to developing a successful housekeeping program.

• FWC refuses to make findings on blocked bullying claim;
  
• Coroner warns of "likely" deaths under vehicles; and
  
• SWA reports lower death toll.

The parents of a worker who died in a car accident while driving from work to university have lost their appeal for death benefits, while a manager who sustained a psychological injury after being transferred has also been denied compensation on appeal.

A union's decision to challenge a ruling on sick leave in the High Court has highlighted the importance of employers having "good documents and a thoughtful decision-making process" to defend against adverse action claims, according to a senior IR lawyer.

An organisation's robust safety management system promotes "living and breathing" safety and has an "enviable safety track record", according to its HSQS manager, who has outlined 10 ways to reduce low-level injuries.

A worker who was sacked after he "went well beyond defending himself" in a workplace scuffle was harshly dismissed because of his lengthy service, but shouldn't be reinstated, the Fair Work Commission has found.