Under proposed amendments to NSW's OHS Act, WorkCover inspectors will be able to order employers to stop work if they don't have workers' compensation insurance.
National: Asbestos week starts today; OHS managers in strong demand; NSW: $100,000 to improve asbestos awareness; Victoria: Fact sheets available on proposed compensation changes; New OHS Act far from "cutting edge", say unions; WorkSafe warns on lifting clutches; New guides on noise and falls prevention; WA: Information on new OSH laws; and Fatal fall prompts safety reminder.
The NSW Government has announced it will oversee a trial of a safer sharps technology to reduce needlestick injuries, and plans to extend the timeframe for launching OHS prosecutions, in response to the recommendations of a parliamentary inquiry into serious injury and death in the workplace.
The Victorian Government has introduced a new Bill that would compensate injured workers whose employers fail to offer suitable employment, and streamline the common law process.
As well as imposing substantially higher penalties and jail terms for breaches, Victoria's new OHS Bill introduces a new duty on the designers of workplaces and makes it easier to prosecute corporations' senior officers, who have previously been effectively immune.
NSW: Review announced for asbestos compensation scheme; WorkCover unit to assist small, medium businesses; Victoria: New guidance for farmers on falls prevention; and National: Tips for avoiding computer-induced eye strain.
A major construction company has been fined $133,000 after it "flouted and abused" the terms of a demolition licence exemption, by delegating its responsibility to risk assess and supervise the work.
An independent member of SA's Legislative Council has released a draft Bill that provides for $500,000 fines and 20-year jail terms for employers and senior officers who negligently or recklessly contribute to a work fatality.
A US expert on sleep has told a conference today that regulation of working hours is crucial for preventing fatigue-related tragedies at work and in the community.
