The Fair Work Commission has admonished a large employer's human resources department and recommended it improve its practices, after a worker's stop-bullying application demonstrated the difficulties workers face when HR isn't actively involved in matters like injury management.
A coronial inquest has found a major workplace's "grossly deficient" record keeping was the main cause of a worker's asphyxiation death, and referred the actions "or inactions" of the manager allegedly responsible for updating the relevant records to a safety regulator for further investigation.
An Amendment Bill extending the offence of industrial manslaughter to Queensland's resources sector, with tougher financial penalties than under the WHS Act, has passed Parliament, and will commence on a day to be fixed by proclamation.
> SWA launches COVID-19 hub and home setup guide; > More work-related COVID-19 guides and fatality alerts issued; and > HSEQ manager appointed boss of NT WorkSafe.
> COVID-19 hygiene training mandated for WA work sector; > New worker killed by high-hazard task, PCBU fined; and > Individual fined over powerlines injury, COVID-19 reduces penalty.
A worker's exchange with inadequately trained supervisors in the aftermath of a violent altercation aggravated his PTSD from the incident, a court has found in ordering his employer to pay him more than $350,000 in damages.
Employers have been reminded of their WHS duty to take all reasonably practicable steps to protect workers from COVID-19, after ACTU polling found many workplaces still don't have proper social distancing, PPE and cleaning protocols. Meanwhile, the UK's work safety regulator has issued social distancing tips for distribution centres and other sites.
> More than 150 COVID-19 work injury claims lodged in NSW; > SWA weighs in on cleaning regimes for COVID-19; and > Workplace wellness programs crucial for self-isolating staff.
