> Workplace exposure thresholds halved in WA; > KFC operator failed to provide safety supervision; and > Did you miss OHS Alert's latest quarterly update?
Information-exchange laws that help WHS regulators target employers exposing workers to existing and emerging occupational health risks have passed NSW Parliament, with important amendments. NSW has also made regulations for injured workers whose earnings are affected by COVID-19.
The World Health Organisation's workplace health and safety guidelines for COVID-19 are "unacceptably complacent" in parts and overlook evidence on workplace outbreaks, according to an occupational health academic, who fills in some of the "gaps".
> Employer fined in latest action on coffee burns; > Labour-hire workers not properly trained; and > PCBU and directors fined for disregarding asbestos regulations.
> New dangerous goods offences and mine rules made in NSW; > Dangerous goods changes and penalties commence in WA; and > WA's presumptive COVID-19 protections take effect.
A PCBU's WHS breaches, which led to the hydrogen sulphide deaths of two workers and put a third in mortal peril, were in the high range of culpability and warranted a near maximum pre-discount penalty, a judge has ruled.
> COVID face coverings can create new work risks, regulator warns; > "Second line of defence" prescribed for Qld mines; > Employers reminded of new quad bike safety standards; and > New online system helps WHS notifications in Tas.
A quarter of the 3.6 million Australians exposed to carcinogens at work are exposed to five or more different cancer-causing substances, according to researchers who have identified those most at risk.
