Failing to repair an excavator's broken reversing alarm and flashing light contributed to the partial amputation of a worker's arm and has cost a NSW contractor nearly $200,000 in fines.
More workers could be encouraged to claim compensation for work-related hearing loss, after the NSW WCC found that tinnitus can tip claimants over the permanent impairment threshold.
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.
Workplace germ control urged as flu cases spiral; Unwary employers at risk of breastfeeding discrimination; and WorkCover NSW releases "officer" fact sheet, appoints new workers' comp bosses.
A mining employer has been ordered to pay an injured labour-hire worker - who fell from a steep ladder on a 50-tonne dump truck - more than $1.2 million, after the NSW Court of Appeal confirmed that "common practice was not necessarily prudent practice".
S-x-related workers' comp claim proceeds to Federal Court; Victorian employer that overlooked cheap, safe procedure fined $80K; Workers' comp fraudster caught after advertising second job; and Rail operators urged to crack down on Kronic.
The draft model Work Health and Safety Regulations and Codes of Practice for mining have been released for public comment, but "harmonisation" appears to be a long way off for this sector, with at least four jurisdictions looking to introduce their own laws.
A NSW transport company has successfully relied on the High Court Kirk decision to challenge a $200,000 fine it received over the death of an employee.
In this update, OHS Alert outlines all the important OHS and workers' compensation legislative changes made in the second quarter of 2011. We also recap the most significant court and tribunal rulings and other developments in each jurisdiction.
