This article examines all the must-know workplace safety, workers' compensation and COVID-19 developments from July, August and September 2020, with highlights including a new WHS Code for the pandemic, the Dreamworld judgment, a record double-fatality fine and gross negligence cases.
The Federal Government has been accused of "inaction" affecting work safety standards, with Safe Work Australia's latest statistics report showing the national work-related fatality toll increased for the first time in more than a decade.
A PCBU allegedly failed to enforce safety standards and created a culture of non-compliance that led to a fatality, a judge has heard in upholding the business's WHS charge. However, the judge struck out a complaint against the business's co-defendant.
> Admin-control warning issued after PCBU fined; > Managers warned after vehicle falls 25m, kills operator; and > SA launches asbestos blitz, suspends another licence.
> Employer fined $850k over missing SWMS and fatality; > Individual convicted for hindering WHS investigation; and > More WHS offences attract on-the-spot fines in NT.
> Workplace COVID-19 controls encouraged by awards shift; > Injury prevention program covers 40,000 workers, and growing; and > Major workers' comp changes commence in NT next week.
> High-risk occupations overlooked in COVID-19 pandemic; > Warnings issued after crane and hose deaths; and > Another WHS regulator issues white card safety warning.
In this article, OHS Alert reviews all the need-to-know workplace safety and compensation developments from the second quarter of 2020, including Australia's first industrial manslaughter conviction, recklessness cases, work-related pandemic restrictions and wholesale legislative changes.
