Asbestos-eradication Bill passes as victims' register endorsed; NBN workers in Queensland had asbestos dust on their faces, says Bleijie; and WorkCover NSW reiterates warning on fake high-risk work licences.
Safe Work Australia members have agreed - for the second time in three months - to release the draft model Codes of Practice on the prevention of workplace bullying and stevedoring risks. The statutory agency has also finalised its cash-in-transit Code, and published a new notifiable fatalities report.
The Australian Law Reform Commission has made a number of OHS and workers' comp-related recommendations aimed at keeping mature-age workers in the workforce for longer, including extending incapacity payment periods.
Maritime OHS laws should be harmonised with the model WHS Act so that PCBUs and officers in the sector have a positive duty to reduce its high injury and premium rates, according to a review of the Seacare scheme released for comment yesterday.
Workplace bullying victims will be required to seek advice from an "independent" agency before taking their case to the Fair Work Commission, under the Federal Coalition's new IR policy, which also includes a plan to "urgently" review the necessity of the Safe Rates Tribunal.
The Federal Government has hit back at claims from BHP and others that current OHS and anti-discrimination laws provide the most effective mechanisms for eradicating workplace bullying, saying thousands of bullying victims would disagree.
A worker who defied his employer's safety principles in moving a locomotive without authorisation has had his unfair dismissal claim rejected, after the Fair Work Commission found he knowingly put the safety of his co-workers at risk.
Regulator explains how to reduce EWP and slip risks; Lack of support for ACT injury-reduction plan a "setback" for workers; New national maritime safety regulator to operate from July; and FWC appoints new vice presidents.
Waterfront employers that obey the model WHS Act will not face additional compliance costs with the introduction of the Code of Practice on managing stevedoring risks, the Maritime Union of Australia has stressed at rallies today.
Anti-discrimination package shelved as new Bill introduced; South Australia's average premium rate for 2013-14 announced; and New OHS ministers appointed in Western Australia and Northern Territory.
