The model Work Health and Safety Regulations are being amended to reduce the accepted levels of a toxic substance in fumes and workers' blood, after WHS ministers agreed to the changes.
An employer has been fined $225,000 after a worker was fatally crushed by part of a 20-tonne truck, which had been propped on wooden blocks, while a regulator has urged PCBUs to review regulations for falling objects, after a worker was killed by a tailgate.
An employer has committed $113,000 to raising awareness of a contagious disease, after its vaccination system failed and four workers were exposed to and contracted the illness. Meanwhile, another employer has introduced a cutting-edge forklift management system under a $225,000 enforceable undertaking.
One of Australia's oldest employers will establish a complaints resolution unit, staffed by professional mediators, to tackle workplace bullying and harassment, after committing to all recommendations of an equal opportunity review.
An OHS regulator has busted a range of myths about what workers can and can't do under safety laws in the lead up to Christmas, while a lawyer has advised employers to press ahead with "good behaviour" emails for work functions, despite these messages being widely mocked by staff.
Employers are being urged to prepare for the new version of the Australian Dangerous Goods Code, while the Federal Government has announced that researchers will conduct alertness tests on heavy vehicle drivers, under an $828,000 fatigue-reduction project.
Health services will ensure remote workers are accompanied by second responders during emergency call-outs, and appoint experienced WHS advisors to oversee and support them, under review recommendations accepted by the Northern Territory Government.
