An employer has been commended for how it dealt with an abusive and confrontational worker while also addressing his allegations that a supervisor was bullying a co-worker.
A worker's lump sum payment for an old injury must be assessed under repealed rather than new legislation, a tribunal full bench has found in slashing the man's entitlements by more than $60,000.
An employer has been found not liable for injuries sustained by a worker who fell at a work function and hit his head, with a tribunal ruling his injury was of a type specifically excluded by workers' comp laws. However, the worker is appealing.
A superior court has agreed to reconsider three cases that could force employers to review their liability for injuries, including one involving the negligent acts of doctors, and another pertaining to a journey claim.
> Federal Court concerned by timing of HSR's dismissal; > Anti-violence Bills introduced in two states; and > Workers' comp Bill removes step-down payments for Tas police.
The South Australian Greens are introducing a WHS Amendment Bill to create the offence of industrial manslaughter with an "emergency" defence, while Federal Labor has hinted at plans to better harmonise WHS laws, in addition to introducing the offence nationally.
Previous compensation payments cannot be taken into account in calculating a worker's average weekly earnings if their injury recurs following their return to work, a tribunal has affirmed.
A property manager has been convicted and fined over a time-saving measure that caused serious crush injuries, while a WHS regulator has raised concerns over the electrical integrity of plant installed by overseas contractors.
Yesterday's sentencing of South Australia Police (SAPOL) over the death of an employee in a freezer has provided crucial WHS lessons for PCBUs with workers who work alone. Meanwhile, the State Government has flagged laws to protect the health of emergency workers from "disgusting behaviour".
A WHS regulator's investigative function will receive a $390,000 boost, after South Australia Police (SAPOL) was handed a record-equalling fine over the death of a worker in a freezer at a training facility.
