A transport regulator chief has called for employers to provide safer environments, saying safety management systems are often ignored, and heavy vehicles are over-represented in rail-related accidents causing death.
Australia's OHS regulators will from January focus on "encouraging and assisting compliance" with the Work Health and Safety Act in the event of an alleged breach, and will be more likely to investigate employers that have been issued improvement notices in the past, according to the National Compliance and Enforcement Policy.
The NSW Government will tackle increasing mesothelioma rates by tasking WorkCover, and a co-ordinated group of State authorities, with managing the risks posed by asbestos in the workplace and the broader environment.
WorkCover NSW has since July 2008 issued nearly 400 improvement notices relating to first aid, suggesting employers should ensure their emergency-response procedures and facilities are in order.
The NSW Mine Safety Advisory Council has developed a host of guides that will help managers and workers identify and manage hazards such as dust, noise and fatigue, and develop "non-technical skills" - such as situation awareness - that are key to reducing incidents.
The maximum OHS fine recently handed to the manufacturer of the Malu Sara shows that regulators are willing to pursue upstream duty holders, according to lawyers, who have outlined five ways for plant manufacturers and suppliers to comply with safety laws.
The NSW coal mining sector's tumbling workers' comp premium rate demonstrates just how big a part proactive injury management plays in reducing costs, according to Coal Mines Insurance general manager Paul McIntyre.
The Heads of Workplace Safety Authorities (HWSA) have from four comprehensive campaigns found that many employers are failing to ensure forklift and scaffolding work and manual tasks are performed safely, and are calling on businesses to promote higher-order controls.
South Australia to ban synthetic marijuana detected in workers; WorkSafe calls for change after issuing more than 2000 notices; and "Small" safety initiatives to be recognised in revamped Victorian awards.
