Employers will be required to prepare a "silica hazard control statement" and obtain a special licence under proposed Victorian regulations affecting four sectors and 24 sub-industries. Meanwhile, tighter workplace exposure thresholds, including for diesel emissions, take effect in NSW next week.
Industrial manslaughter provisions should be amended in Queensland to ensure all companies that negligently cause a worker's death can be prosecuted, according to a major inquiry report that also makes important recommendations on safety metrics.
> Tougher worker health surveillance rules applied in WA; > International Standard for work-related safety signs released; and > Female injury rate and pandemic show need for WHS change: ACTU.
Safe Work Australia has updated the model WHS Regulations and its guidance on the meaning of "person conducting a business or undertaking", while WHS provisions have been amended in NSW and South Australia, and the ACT has established a public register for reporting infringements by WHS licensees.
The International Organisation for Standardisation has released an OHS Standard, available for free in a read-only format, on working safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. The document includes practical guidance on protecting employees as they return to their usual workplaces under easing pandemic restrictions.
> Alarms ignored, worker killed, employer fined $540k; > WHS guides for worker accommodation and events released in NSW; and > WHS exemption extended in NSW.
> New diesel threshold takes immediate effect in WA; > Federal Bill creates new framework for chemical risk controls; > Change management process missing at time of tank rupture; and > Safety inspectors rebuild failed structure for fatality probe.
> Site-specific induction overlooked before powerlines incident; > High WHS fines for mines pass Tas Parliament; and > SWA urges duty holders to eliminate common fatality risk.
> All mental injury claims automatically covered by Vic Bill; > New WHS Regulations made for mines in SA, commence soon; and > More COVID isolation payments introduced for SA workers.
