> Two individuals fined over fatal fall from mobile plant; > Nearly 1,000 improvement notices issued in safety blitz; and > Australia's first occupational dust diseases register commences.
> 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.
Businesses will be forced to review their WHS and vehicle policies under planned "technology-neutral" road laws that significantly extend prohibitions on driver distractions like mobile phones and in-vehicle displays.
> Four entities including manager charged over teenager's death; > OHS improvement notices maintained after quad case withdrawn; and > New drug testing rules commencing under RSNL.
The Queensland Government has failed in its appeal against a judgment that purportedly saved a PCBU more than $2.6 million in electrical safety compliance costs, but will look to major legislative changes to address its safety concerns.
Safety professionals and employers seeking easier access to the Australian Standards they're expected to comply with would be well-advised to make submissions on the new distribution and licensing framework.
Duty holders that engage in reckless conduct during the manufacture, transport or storage of dangerous goods could be fined $6.4 million or jailed for 10 years, under new Victorian laws. The move comes after firefighters called for tougher penalties and a "pro-charge" policy to crack down on the "stash and burn business model" in the waste industry.
> Should HSRs' offshore powers be aligned with WHS Act? > Manager charged over belittling language and other bullying; and > Major employer and others charged with multiple WHS breaches.
