Browsing: Jurisdiction (SA) | Page 81

A South Australian employer that failed to ensure delivery drivers stood in safety zones while their vehicles were unloaded has been fined $80,000, after a truck driver was crushed by a 1.7-tonne machine, sustaining numerous debilitating injuries.

Communicating with employees who are absent on workers' compensation has benefits for both workers and employers, but it is vital employers find out how often a worker would like to be contacted, according to a regulator's customer services general manager.

Employers have limited opportunities to influence medical panel determinations in workers' comp disputes, but should always provide as much documentation as possible to advance their position, says Minter Ellison Lawyers partner Maria Billias.

The South Australian Government says it will suspend three WHS Codes of Practice because builders believe they could push up the cost of houses, even though it ridiculed the Housing Industry Association (HIA) for making an identical claim just over a year ago.

A South Australian employer that repeatedly engaged a maintenance contractor to fix an inherently unsafe mechanical hoist, instead of overhauling the machine, has been fined for OHS breaches, after a worker fell down the hoist shaft and was knocked unconscious.

A casual employee with a long-term work-related injury should be paid long service leave for 20 years of service, rather than 35 minutes worth of wages, a full Industrial Court in South Australia has confirmed.

Employers that disagree with an insurer's decision on a workers' comp claim should prepare well to make their written and spoken appeal submissions as "compelling" as they can, says employment lawyer Hedy Cray.

Vic workers' comp Bill passes, but second Bill stalls; SA Bill will adversely affect RTW rates and drug tests, says Lucas; WorkCover SA Corporation Bill passes; and WorkCover medical fees go up in Western Australia.

NT employer fined after failing to learn from industry death; and South Australia's safest employers announced.

Work-related death toll rises sharply; and NSW in brief.