The model WHS Act has been amended to ensure WHS regulators have appropriate powers to deal with prohibited asbestos when it is found in a workplace, according to Safe Work Australia. A total ban on asbestos came into effect in Australia on 31 December 2003 making it illegal to make, use or import asbestos in Australia. DespiteRead more
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Western Australia’s Work Health and Safety Bill 2019 recently passed through the Lower House of the State Parliament. If passed into law by the Upper House, the legislation will introduce a number of important changes and see workplace safety come under a single Act covering all workplaces. The laws include a number of provisions includingRead more
The UK government has announced plans to establish a new building safety regulator as part of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), in order to raise building safety and performance standards post-Grenfell. The new regulator will give “effective oversight of the design, construction and occupation of high-risk buildings.” The government also plans to extend the existingRead more
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
