Browsing: Workplace safety representatives | Page 5

• Criminal checks of safety representatives enabled by NSW WHS Bill; and
  
• Injury-surveillance crackdown agreed to in Vic, in principle.

An employer's anti-bullying and grievance procedures require intervention by a WHS regulator because they lack processes to ensure they are timely and don't cause psychological injuries to those involved, a commission has found.

A major employer's conduct towards a health and safety representative after a safety meeting has been slammed by a tribunal, in throwing out the company's reasonable action claim.

Rio Tinto's toxic workplace culture of bullying, s-xual harassment and racism is the legacy of a system where career progression hinges on the discretion of direct supervisors and workers fear raising issues, according to a union group.

A five-member Fair Work Commission bench has detailed activities that do and do not constitute consultation with the meaning of the model WHS laws, in finding BHP failed to properly consult its workers before imposing a COVID-19 vaccination mandate at one of its NSW sites.

The duty of employers to consult with workers and health and safety representatives on hazards, risks and control measure extends to identifying and addressing cultural and language barriers, according to updated guidance released for feedback.

• WHS discrimination charge follows COVID suspension; and
  
• Employer fined $230k for pinch point breaches.

Properly ventilating work areas is a key precaution against COVID-19 as more workers return to the normal workplace, according to a wide range of resources released for health and safety representatives and others.

• Vaccine mandate satisfies safety consultation duties; and
  
• FIFO workers directed to get the COVID jab in WA.

• WHS regulator shuts sites for COVID breaches, calls in police; and
  
• Passed OHS laws increase deterrent effect of tough penalties.