A national employer has ensured its standard workers' comp and return-to-work processes effectively function in every jurisdiction, as well as across a diverse range of industries, by incorporating the "tightest" regulations from each state and territory, the National Workers' Compensation Summit has heard.
Employers can significantly reduce the risk of injury and legal exposure by providing flexibility and resistance training to workers who perform manual tasks, according to a workplace safety lawyer, who is also a certified personal trainer.
The Fair Work Commission has found that workers aren't required to report bullying to their employers before applying for stop-bullying orders, and that sacking a worker doesn't necessarily nullify his or her bullying application.
A Fair Work Commissioner has slammed a sacked worker for "acting the eejit" and groping a waitress while staying at a hotel, in finding his employer had "good grounds" to dismiss him.
An employer that puts "pressure" on managers to prevent injuries, and gives them the resources to do so, has created a culture where nine in 10 workers feel they can openly discuss safety issues, its national WHS manager says.
Introducing or changing drug and alcohol policies that include testing regimes create both opportunities and challenges for employers, which must consider consultation, privacy and a host of other matters throughout the process, an international law firm says.
A groundbreaking international study has confirmed that occupational exposure to diesel engine exhaust can cause cancer. Meanwhile, the NSW EPA has announced plans to require coal mines to develop best-practice ways to cut diesel emissions.
