There was a "real and substantial connection" between a worker's employment and her car crash injuries because she was travelling to a doctor for work-related purposes when the incident occurred, a commission has found.
The first multi-jurisdictional study of injured Australian workers' claims experiences has found that a negative or neutral experience can have as much impact as poor health on return-to-work outcomes.
In this major report, OHS Alert outlines all the important work health and safety and workers' comp legislative changes made in the second quarter of 2019. We also revisit the most significant court and tribunal rulings and other developments in each jurisdiction.
A tribunal has found that a worker is not a credible witness and rejected his workers' comp claim, after viewing a video of him unnecessarily wearing a neck brace to a case conference with an insurer.
An employer has been found liable for injuries a FIFO worker suffered on a fishing trip with his general manager, because it impliedly encouraged him to engage in the activity to rest and recuperate after a demanding week of shift work.
"Basic clutter" like stacked boxes and bags on the floor is one of seven significant safety hazards frequently overlooked by employers, according to a global risk management provider.
A worker's psychiatric injury from being s-xually harassed by a colleague at a social club Christmas party was work-related, because the employer allowed other workers to cover for them so they could attend the function, a commission has found.
An employer could have avoided an adverse action complaint from an injured worker, who claimed his role was given to another worker, by being more clear and direct that the latter was only covering for him on a temporary basis, a court has found.
> Two-year exemption from new WHS clauses granted in NSW; > Vic passes controversial cancer Bill, offers more WorkWell grants; and > Alerts issued after fatalities, traumatic amputations and other incidents.
> Lack of documented loading procedures leads to paraplegia; > Workers' comp transitions and premiums announced in three states; and > New WHS Minister appointed in Tas.
