Archived News for OHS Sector Professionals
The Australian Workers' Union will be sending their National OHS Director, Dr. Yossi Berger, to Port Macquarie to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the contaminated worksite at the Pacific Highway upgrade just south of Port Macquarie.
Following Wednesday's reports of 5 road workers receiving medical treatment for nausea - after being exposed to strange clay-like material at the site, the AWU welcomed the State Government's announcement of an independent inquiry into the incident.
Newcastle Branch Secretary Richard Downie said the AWU was extremely concerned for any workers who may have been or still could be exposed to potentially lethal or carcinogenic materials and many serious questions needed to be answered.
Sexual harassment still rife
The University of South Australia has published a report that suggests sexual harassment remains a persistent problem in Australian workplaces.
Safe Work Australia releases Fatalities Monthly Report
Safe Work Australia has released its December Notified Fatalities Report, providing a national summary of work-related traumatic fatalities that were reported under Australian work health and safety jurisdictions.
South Australia Safe Work Awards 2012 entries open
Entries for the Safe Work Awards 2012 have now opened, which will acknowledge and reward the innovators and drivers of work place safety in South Australia.
Victoria hits out at OH&S harmonisation
Victoria has lashed out at the proposed Commonwealth OH&S harmonisation laws, saying that the legislation could cost the state more than $3.4 billion over the next five years.
WorkSafe experiment reveals shocking results
WorkSafe Victoria has conducted a mock worksite setup on a busy Melbourne street in which two actors posing as workers asked passers by to hand over a live cable from one to the other.
WorkSafe launches recruitment campaign
WorkSafe Victoria has launched its inspector recruitment campaign, with roles available across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
WorkSafe Victoria finds construction sector should do better
The incidence of heavy fines and work place safety incidents shows that the construction sector should improve its safety record, according to WorkSafe Victoria. The call comes after two incidents in late March that could have resulted in an injury or fatality.
Carter Holt Harvey loses appeal, fine doubled
Carter Holt Harvey Woodproducts Australia, a subsidy of BSG Holdings, has had its initial fine of $120,000 fine regarding workplace safety breaches doubled after it lost an appeal.
WHS Codes of Practice open for public comment
Five new work health and safety Codes of Practice have been opened for a 12-week public comment period.
WorkCover NSW to hold free asbestos safety webinar
WorkCover NSW will hold a free webinar this week to help businesses and workers better understand the recent changes in work health and safety laws regarding working with asbestos.
SA signs up to trackSAFE
The South Australian Government has joined an Australia-wide initiative to reduce level crossing and trespass incidents on rail networks following the launch of a national rail safety foundation, trackSAFE.
A new national inspectorate created to replace the ABCC
The Office of the Fair Work Building Industry Inspectorate will replace the Office of the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) affecting the building and construction industry.
Meeting held to consider banning work at a James Hardie asbestos site
A full council meeting of the State's peak union body will tonight consider applying an interim Green Ban to work on a former James Hardie site riddled with asbestos at Camelia, in Sydney's west.
WorkSafe shuts down construction site after worker's death
ACT Work Safety Commissioner Mark McCabe has advised that a prohibition notice has been issued for work to cease at an ACT construction site following safety concerns.
$1 million fine looms for Victorian building company
A building company has pleaded guilty to two breaches of workplace laws in Melbourne’s Magistrate’s Court.
National Workers Memorial plans revealed
Plans for a new $3 million National Workers Memorial have been revealed in Canberra, with the Federal Government funding the memorial to pay tribute to all Australians who have lost their lives to work related accidents and diseases.
Bendigo blitz uncovers breaches
WorkSafe Victoria has handed out 117 notices requiring businesses to act on breaches after the agency conducted a blitz on the Bendigo area.
Skin diseases costs released
Safe Work Australia has released two research reports on occupational skin diseases, finding that they cost up to $33 million per year.
SA OH&S laws set to be defeated in upper house
The South Australian Liberal opposition and Family First party have indicated they intend to block nationally harmonised workplace safety laws in the South Australian upper house.
WorkSafe Victoria announces strong half-year results
WorkSafe Victoria has announced results for the first half of 2011-12, with the key indicator of health - performance from insurance operations (PFIO) returning $118m, up from $61m in the previous corresponding period.