Concerns have been raised over the push by some governments and industry groups in Australia to reduce OHS red tape, after the Royal Commission on the Pike River Coal Mine tragedy found a direct link between the disaster and the repeal of "detailed" safety regulations.
The Queensland Government will consider introducing performance-based OHS laws, under a plan to reduce the "regulatory burden" on businesses by 20 per cent within six years.
In what was a busy day for safety today, Australia's 10-year work health and safety strategy was officially launched, the Safety Ambassador of the Year was announced, and an interpretive guideline on the entry provisions of the model WHS Act was released.
Work policies needed to avoid harassment-related financial loss; Go home on time on 21 November to reduce work stress; and Essential safety news from the ACT, Qld, SA, WA and the ATSB.
A safety campaign that was guided by more than 1200 ideas provided by workers, was just one of the initiatives used by Wesfarmers Ltd businesses in 2011/12 to reduce their LTIFRs.
Employers, unions, governments and other organisations have been directed to focus on seven "action areas" across seven high-priority industries, under Safe Work Australia's new 10-year workplace health and safety strategy.
Black boxes and access to drivers' records key to better truck safety, says ALC; Unions call for compulsory crush-protection devices on quad bikes; Review of Seacare scheme to examine ways to reduce employer premiums; and Alert issued after crane-derailment fatality.