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WorkCover lowers the boom
19 February 2010
Two construction companies have had severe fines slapped on them after a Batemans Bay worker had a narrow escape from death earlier this week. WorkCover has slapped a series of infringement notices on project contractors Water Infrastructure Group and SG & CA Grey Formwork Pty Ltd. An order for improvement was also issued on the project’s scaffolding. More...

Bosses rapped for valid sacking
19 February 2010
Employers said the latest tribunal ruling had implications for businesses, particularly in NSW, with its onerous occupational health and safety obligations. More...

Inadequate safety systems for chemicals results in prosecution
17 February 2010
A Fireproof clothing business has been fined $135,000 after a worker suffered corrosive chemical burns to the face. According to WorkSafe Victoria, the court was told Flame Safe Fabric Specialists had failed to provide adequate protective equipment and safety training to its staff. Flame Safe Fabric Specialists was found guilty of ten charges under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004. More...

Vehicle hoist incidents prompt safety concerns
17 February 2010
Industry and Investment NSW has issued a safety bulletin to the mining industry concerning the use of light vehicle service hoists. Industry and Investment recommends that all mines consider the AS 1418.9:1996 Cranes – Vehicle Hoists standards, prior to purchasing a hoist. The mines must also refer to the design registration compliance requirements contained within clause 136(3) of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2001. More...

Longwall hydraulic system safety alert issued
16 February 2010
The Mine Safety Operations Branch of Industry & Investment NSW has issued a safety alert following the over pressurisation of a longwall hydraulic system, which resulted in the catastrophic failure of hydraulic isolation valves and other fittings in the pump station. More...

McCain Foods pleads guilty over workplace accident
15 February 2010
MCCAIN Foods is facing a hefty fine after a maintenance fitter lost his thumb in a machine three years ago. McCain Foods pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to provide and maintain a safe working environment. The prosecution said the maximum penalty for the offence was $966,870, but submitted that a fine ranging between $70,000 and $90,000 on each charge would be appropriate. More...

Safe Work Australia releases national noise exposure and control measure report
9 February 2010
SAFE Work Australia has released the new national Noise Exposure and the Provision of Noise Control Measures in Australian Workplaces Report. Obtaining regularly updated noise exposure surveillance data is said to be a key and important source of information for OHS and workers’ compensation policy. More...

CCIQ: Confusion surrounds Health and safety laws
10 February 2010
One of Queensland’s peak industry bodies says there is considerable confusion about new national occupational health and safety laws, with business owners do not realizing the laws have not taken affect and the requirement still stands under state law. The requirement to employ an accredited Workplace Health and Safety Officer (WHSO) will be eliminated under the new laws not be in force until 2012. More...

OHS overhaul: landmark ruling to affect Qld prosecutions
11 February 2010
A landmark decision in the High Court of Australia (Kirk) will have a significant impact on OHS prosecutions in Queensland. This decision means that courts will require much more detail about how particular actions or omissions by the employer breached OHS requirements. More...