> Mirror WHS Bill debated in WA Lower House, industry concerned; > Two duty holders charged with multiple WHS breaches after fall; and > WHS regulator investigating two falls, one fatal.
Safe Work Australia has released a series of guidance materials clarifying: PCBUs' duties to monitor the health of workers exposed to hazardous substances; the substances that trigger this obligation; and how to act on medical reports.
Mental health conditions remain a key "disruptor" in Australia's workers' comp schemes, but a low-intensity cognitive behaviour therapy program and early intervention are facilitating recovery, Comcare's CEO has told the National Workers' Compensation Summit.
A government department that was charged with category 2 WHS breaches after a motorcyclist crashed and died at a road works site, which wasn't set up on accordance with Australian Standards, has been permitted to enter a $1.4 million undertaking in lieu of prosecution.
As with asbestos, manufacturing and installing engineered stone products is likely to prove too hazardous under any system of controls, and should be banned, a NSW MLC says. Meanwhile, Victoria has introduced mandatory safety training for solar workers.
A crane operator originally charged with the manslaughter of a co-worker has pleaded guilty to reckless conduct, and faces penalties of up to five years' jail and $300,000.
> Another state introduces $1,000 phone distraction fines; > Compliance Code for silica made in Vic, WA makes Chinese translations; and > Wiring Rules amended.
> Director charged under CoR safety laws in national first; > Employer failed to act on OHS advisor's advice; and > Company should have made delivery drivers hand over their keys.
A tribunal full bench has confirmed it is unnecessary to calculate an injured worker's whole person impairment before rejecting his bid to be treated as seriously injured on an interim basis.
> NSW tweaks WHS Codes, investigates deaths, releases RTW paper; > Work operations suspended, as safety laws amended for Qld DV victims; and > Strategies for tackling musculoskeletal disorders released in WA.
