An $82,500 fine imposed on a Northern Territory mining company after a worker began a job without being informed of specific hazards highlights the importance of ensuring adequate supervision and instruction.
The NSW IRC in Court Session has rejected an employer's argument that unions should not receive "moieties" of OHS fines because they could be perceived as windfalls.
Legislation introduced in Queensland aims to improve safety in the mining industry by ensuring that mines inspectors have a broader range of OHS skills. The State has also passed amendments to its workers' compensation laws.
The NSW Government has this morning announced a five per cent across the board cut in workers' compensation premiums, and an increase in benefits for some workers.
The Victorian WorkCover Authority has reported a strong financial result for the 2004/05 year and announced plans to introduce workers' compensation reforms next year.
WA workers' compensation changes commence next Monday; WorkCover NSW running free seminars on premium changes; WorkSafe Victoria targeting suburban industrial estates this month; SA launches return to work awareness campaign; and Latest guides and safety alerts.
The NSW IRC in Court Session has fined the NSW Police $150,000 after a "foolish" practical joke, and has recommended that it look into the adequacy of current guidance on noise management as part of an agreement made with the prosecuting union.
Premium-paying agencies in the Comcare system won't meet the National OHS Strategy's 2007 injury reduction targets without "considerable and sustained improvement", Comcare's annual report says.
