What’s covered? The Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is significantly impacting Australian workplaces. This webinar is designed to assist human resources, legal counsel, risk and senior executives to prepare to deal with existing and future challenges. Harmers Workplace Lawyers presenters: Michael Harmer, Chairman & Senior Team Leader, Madeleine Boyd, Senior Associate and Zeb Holmes, Solicitor, cover:Read more
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As employers collect personal information from workers and workplace visitors to control the risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, they are being reminded that they must comply with relevant privacy laws. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has released guidance intended to help entities regulated by the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (Privacy Act)Read more
A guide has recently been published targeting sun safety, particularly solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR), which can be deceptive because it cannot be seen or felt, does not depend on temperature, and can be high even on cool and cloudy days. The Safe Work Australia guide provides practical advice on managing risks associated with exposure to UVR andRead more
There is currently a shortage of disposable particulate respirators in Australia due to an increase in demand from health care workers and from the public and because many Chinese manufacturers have temporarily shut down. This is an issue for workplaces which require disposable respirators to protect workers from exposure to hazardous dust generated from variousRead more
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
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a list of EPA-registered disinfectant products that have qualified for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The list of over 270 products was recently updated to include nearly 200 additional products—including 40 new products that went through the agency’s expedited review process. While disinfectantRead more
In an Australian first, Victorian employers that work with engineered or manufactured stone will be required to prove compliance with safety measures and obtain a licence, in order to reduce the risks of workers contracting silicosis. The proposed scheme would also restrict the supply of engineered stone to only businesses or individuals who hold aRead more
FREE WEBINAR The Coronavirus and Australian Businesses Monday 16 March 2020 12pm to 1:30pm (AEDT) REGISTER NOW The Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is already significantly impacting Australian workplaces. This free webinar will assist human resources, legal counsel, risk and senior executives to prepare to deal with existing and future challenges. Harmers Workplace LawyersRead more
The World Health Organisation (WHO) is encouraging businesses to implement a number of low-cost measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus within workplaces or while employees are travelling. In January 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of a new coronavirus disease in Hubei Province, China to be a Public Health Emergency ofRead more
Regulators around the country are cracking down on silicosis, with the introduction of the new national exposure standard designed to guide employers in protecting workers from silica dust. Silicosis is an incurable lung disease that results from inhalation of silica dust, said Professor Graeme Zosky, Deputy Director, Menzies Institute for Medical Research at the UniversityRead more
