A 42-year-old mesothelioma sufferer, and member of the "third wave" of asbestos victims, has been awarded a record $3 million in exemplary and other damages, with a court warning that widespread appreciation of the hazard does little to protect workers and home owners.
A PCBU accused of failing to take steps to prevent a worker's fingers being amputated, and another that allegedly failed to comply with its own asbestos-removal plan, have been allowed to enter low-spend WHS undertakings in lieu of prosecution.
Manufacturers and suppliers accused of failing to disclose the risks posed by their products are facing a national class action from workers exposed to potentially deadly silica dust. Meanwhile, a mesothelioma victim has been awarded damages to cover his preferred, expensive care arrangements.
> 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.
Individuals who knowingly or recklessly import asbestos-containing products like building materials can now be imprisoned for up to five years, under new customs laws.
> Infringement notice priorities and alerts issued in Qld; > WHS amendments step up asbestos training rules in ACT; and > UK increases enforcement of carcinogenic welding fumes.
Two employers have been fined a total of $180,000 after a worker died falling 11 metres thorough a skylight, while a company has been handed a second round of fines for asbestos and document-request breaches, just five months after it and its two directors were fined $605,000 under environment laws.
