Workplaces in the five OHS jurisdictions where harmonised safety laws have taken effect are now safer and more productive, according to Federal Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten. But stakeholders continue to squabble over the draft model Codes of Practice.
The ACT will retain its "strong" regulations on hazardous chemicals and asbestos, and could become the first jurisdiction to establish a specialised inspectorate to deal with workplace bullying, when the harmonised safety regime takes effect.
Guide to harmonised Regulations released; South Australia marks Asbestos Awareness Week by retaining strong monitoring laws; ACT appoints new Industrial Relations Minister; and Alert issued after Queensland farmer's death.
Inquiry into the effect of "insecure" work on OHS announced; Finance employees urged to "dob in" workplace bullies; Falls from height and falling objects claim the most lives; ACT's safest employers and workers announced; and New Western Australian workers' comp forms available.
In this update, OHS Alert outlines all the important OHS and workers' compensation legislative changes made in the third quarter of 2011. We also recap the most significant court and tribunal rulings and other developments in each jurisdiction.
ACT unions will lose the right to prosecute employers for OHS breaches, after the Territory yesterday became Australia's third jurisdiction to pass a Work Health and Safety Bill.
Injured Odco contractor not an "employee"; Unions call for removal of all asbestos as WorkSafe ACT shuts down worksites; and Cancer comp laws for firefighters one step closer.
An ACT transport company that could have improved its potentially disastrous system for securing loads for a few hundred dollars has been ordered pay an injured driver $250,000 in damages.
