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.
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.
A PCBU and its director have escaped prosecution for fatality-related category 2 WHS breaches because of "evidentiary issues", but have been convicted and fined for failing to cooperate with the investigation into the death.
> "Safety reset" agreed on after string of fatalities; > PCBU allegedly failed to act on induction advice before death; > Health department charged with OHS discrimination; and > Prohibition notice numbers nearly tripled in ACT.
> 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.
A regulator has defended its decision to accept WHS enforceable undertakings from two PCBUs in lieu of prosecution after a fuel fire at a public event, despite opposition from a number of the victims.
Employees on a major project where a fatality occurred engaged in unlawful industrial action when they refused to work instead of performing the safe and appropriate alternative duties provided by their employer, the Fair Work Commission has found.
> Height and housekeeping fines top $200k after new round of charges; > New environment statute with WHS clause introduced in NT; and > Design and load skate alerts issued after crush incident.
Shift rosters requiring workers to work 28 days in a row could soon be a thing of the past, with three unions claiming victory in their fight for less dangerous and more family friendly arrangements.
