National: Proposed laws aim to prevent avoidance of long-tail claims; WorkCover NSW investigating Sydney tunnel collapse; ACT WorkCover launches new website; and Smoking restrictions toughened in WA.
Injured workers in Victoria will be entitled to increased benefits for returning to work part time and a new return-to-work fund will be established as part of a $155 million package of reforms announced today.
The Defence Force failed to appreciate the risk of heat stroke when it allowed training to take place in extremely hot and humid conditions, the NT Coroner's Court has found. It has recommended the Chief of Army review the position of those responsible for allowing the exercises to occur.
Queensland employers were fined a record $3.3 million for workplace safety offences in 2004/05, and the number of successful prosecutions rose sharply.
The NSW Supreme Court has found a security company did not breach its duty of care to a man who was severely beaten by its employees, because it had properly trained them and their conduct was an independent act.
Despite continuing international research, there are still no clear rules for setting optimum shift patterns to reduce fatigue, say researchers. However some broad guidelines do apply.
OHS professionals should adopt a new approach to incident investigation to ensure the process results in prevention of similar problems in the future, according to a leading investigator.
