What's News

WorkSafe puts timber mill operators on notice
30 November 2009
WorkSafe says it has put timber mill operators on notice to improve safety following the prosecution of a company and its director on workplace health and safety charges. More...

Third death associated with insulation scheme
30 November 2009
A third death of a worker fitting insulation as part of a federal government scheme has prompted a rethink on its administration with a greater emphasis on safety and training standards. Unions welcomed the move but want contractors properly policed to ensure compliance to the new standards. More...
Alert: OHS Reps – Confined spaces

Comcare begins proceedings against Linfox for forklift incident
1 December 2009
Comcare says it has begun proceedings in the Federal Court against Linfox Australia in relation to a forklift incident which resulted in serious crush injuries to an employee. More...

SES Victoria ordered to carry out state-wide safety review
1 December 2009
WorkSafe Victoria says the State Emergency Service has been ordered to carry out a state-wide safety review and improve its operations as part of a penalty ordered by a Mildura Magistrate. The authority says the SES was also convicted and fined $75,000 after WorkSafe charged it with safety failings which led to the drowning death of a volunteer in 2007. More...

Government Home Insulation program safety standards get boost
30 November 2009
Environment Minister Peter Garrett has announced all persons installing insulation under the Government’s Home Insulation Program will soon be required to meet boosted training or minimum skill requirements, following a recent ban on the use of metal staples for foil insulation and a mandatory requirement that down light covers be installed announced on November 1. More...

Safety levy row
3 December 2009
Local mining companies could be forced to pay more than $1 million in fees for more WA safety inspectors. The Mines Safety and Inspection Amendment Bill 2009 has been passed through the WA Parliament’s Lower House for mining companies to pay a levy of $250 per full-time employee to monitor employee occupational health and safety issues. More...

Company fined $650k over death of worker
30 November 2009
A construction supply company has been convicted and fined $650,000, over the death of a worker in 2005. The company, Barro Proprietary Limited, was found guilty of breaches of the occupational health and safety act. More...

Transport company fined $30,000 over incident involving injury to worker’s legs
23 November 2009
WorksafeWA says a transport company has been fined $30,000 over an incident where a worker’s legs were crushed under the wheels of a truck trailer. More...

Publications/ Conferences

NSW miners fatigue guidelines issued
The NSW Mine Safety Advisory Council has released a new guideline on fatigue management in the mining industry. The document, ‘A guide to developing and implementing a fatigue management plan’ includes advice on contributory factors to fatigue, who should have a fatigue management plan and how to manage the risks of fatigue. More...

National Draft OHS laws submissions available for viewing
24 November 2009
SafeWork Australia says the public comment period on the model national OHS laws has passed and submissions are now available through its website. More...

Queensland Electrical Safety legislation
The Queensland government has introduced new legislation in the wake of the deaths. The Electrical Safety (Installation of Ceiling Insulation) Notice 2009 No. 242 applies to each person who conducts a business or undertaking that includes the installation of ceiling insulation, and requires such a person to ensure that: metal or other conductive fasteners are not used to install ceiling insulation; the installation of ceiling insulation complies with the AS/NZS Standard, Electrical installations Relevant records are kept for five years. The Notice commenced on 1 November 2009. More...
Alert - Electrical risks to insulation installers
This Alert highlights the risks when installing insulation and working near electrical equipment in ceilings and provides guidance about how to identify and control all hazards. More...