> WHS Amendment Bill bypasses health privacy laws in NSW; > WHS regulators issue warnings after lion attack, other incidents; > Qld announces workers' comp premium rate for 2020-21; and > Labour-hire licensing scheme narrowed in SA.
Uber and other gig economy companies will be forced to pay workers' comp premiums under a Queensland plan, while the State Government has revealed the average premium rate for 2019-20.
An employer has successfully challenged a decision to change its industry classification for workers' compensation purposes, which increased its annual premium by more than $150,000.
> Anti-violence initiatives launched in Vic and WA; > Harmonisation "architect" appointed OSH Commission chair; > Average premium rate and "apprentice discount" announced in Qld; and > SafeWork NSW responds to LPG explosion with blitz.
In this article, OHS Alert examines the latest safety and workers' comp developments in five jurisdictions, including the release of new workers' comp guidelines, safety regulations, safety alerts and reports.
Queensland's workers' comp Amendment Bill has hit a stumbling block, with a parliamentary committee divided on provisions that restore common law access to all injured workers, and prevent employers from accessing prospective employees' injury histories.
July continues to be a busy month for safety and workers' comp issues in Queensland, with the State Government introducing a Bill restoring common law access to all injured workers, and allowing those affected by the 2013 common law changes to seek additional compensation.
