Blog

The NSW Government recently introduced the Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Amendment Regulation 2019 under the Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Act 2013. The Amendment Regulation commences on 1 February 2020 and will amend the Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Regulation 2014 to address work health andRead more

The global Chartered body for safety and health professionals is urging the UK Government to provide assurance and certainty on the future of the UK’s health and safety system, as the December 12 general election looms. The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has urged any newly elected administration to prioritise workplace health andRead more

The Victorian Government has announced plans to boost WorkSafe Victoria’s ability to investigate and prosecute industrial manslaughter offences, including a crackdown on employers that destroy or cover up evidence after a fatality. The Andrews Labor Government’s $10 million package includes a specialist team to lead investigations and prosecutions of workplace manslaughter, which includes five newRead more

The Victorian Government this week introduced a new workplace industrial manslaughter law to Parliament which would, if passed as drafted, see penalties of $16 million and up to 20 years jail for employers responsible for negligently causing death. Interestingly, the new offence captures negligent workplace conduct that contributes significantly to a person sustaining an injuryRead more

USA: A group of occupational physicians has warned of “huge” workplace health and safety implications of marijuana legalisation, and is urging Congress to take the issue slowly. This comes as the National Safety Council (NSC) released a policy statement calling on employers to strictly prohibit cannabis use for workers in safety-sensitive positions – regardless ofRead more

The NSW Government has announced plans to halve the workplace exposure standard (WES) for silica, however the Greens say it is not enough to protect workers and that manufactured stone goods should be banned entirely. State Better Regulation and Innovation Minister Kevin Anderson said the government would support SafeWork Australia’s recommendation to reduce the WESRead more

A major workers’ compensation Bill in Queensland means psychologically injured workers will now only need to prove their workplace was a “significant” contributing factor in their injury, rather than a “major” cause. Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019, which passed Queensland Parliament earlier this week, amends the definition of a psychologicalRead more

While media attention surrounding combustible cladding has begun to wane, the construction and insurance industries continue to deal with the significant ongoing consequences of the issue. Governments across Australia are grappling with updated regulations for future construction and also the coordination (and funding) of remedial works to ensure that existing buildings do not pose anRead more

The Northern Territory Government has introduced an Amendment Bill that creates a WHS offence of industrial manslaughter, including a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Earlier this year, a damning review of the NT’s workplace health and safety practices found it to have the highest rate of workplace deaths per capita in the country. NT WorkSafeRead more

Victorians who own and drive their own vehicles to earn a living will soon find work conditions safer and fairer, according to new changes introduced by the state Labor Government. Amendments to the Owner Drivers and Forestry Contractors Act are designed to ensure these workers – including drivers that work for delivery services such as UberEatsRead more