A coronial investigation into the death of a Tasmanian worker has highlighted the importance of regularly assessing the competency of staff, no matter how extensive their experience. It has also demonstrated the limited utility of personal protective equipment.
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.
Regulators issue warnings on no-go zones after electrocutions; Queensland disasters expose safety gaps, but employers reluctant to invest more in OHS; Tasmania says it could amend harmonised mining laws; and WorkCover SA suspends rehab provider for misconduct.
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.
An ACT employer, which claims it received incorrect advice on right-of-entry laws from an "industry body", has been fined for denying two union officials access to a worksite to investigate safety concerns.
The manufacturer of a piece of equipment has been ordered to pay half of an injured Tasmanian worker's $400,000 damages bill, after the Supreme Court found it had been obliged, during the design process, to consider the safety of inattentive users.
Workers' comp fraudster jailed for at least 12 months; Comcare prosecuting Defence Force, again; WorkSafe WA to target mobile plant and conduct safety forums; and Tasmanian mine safety Code revoked.
Victoria's average premium rate to remain static; Employer fined for sloppy response to improvement notices; and New Tasmanian asbestos rules and transport guides released.
