Industry News
John Holland and Thiess admit to OHS failings, will fund major safety research investment
Two of Australia’s largest construction companies, John Holland and Thiess, have entered into a $225,000 enforceable undertaking after two concrete sound barrier panels, each weighing 11.3 tonnes, fell from a contractor’s truck near the Eastlink tollway project in Ringwood, Melbourne, in October 2006. [ + ]
Security company faces court for allegedly underpaying workers $21,000
The Fair Work Ombudsman has launched a prosecution against a security company, alleging it underpaid 19 employees more than $21,000. [ + ]
No photo, no expiry, no licence for NSW high-risk workers
To meet national standards, a number of older high-risk work licences will require conversion and renewal before 31 December 2012. This includes licences issued before 1996, licences issued between 1996 and 2004 without an expiry date, and licences issued with an expiry date but not renewed within 12 months of expiring. [ + ]
Hohenstein scientists determine measurements for gloves that fit
Scientists from the Hohenstein Institute are creating a database of hand measurements to improve the fit of protective gloves for use in cold stores, steelworks, building sites etc, or for sporting use. [ + ]
Wormald issues fire safety reminder to businesses
Fire protection specialist Wormald is warning businesses to be extra vigilant about using portable heaters and electrical appliances in the workplace. [ + ]
Proposed NSW Asbestos Plan: have your say
The draft NSW state-wide asbestos plan is now available on the WorkCover website for an eight-week public consultation period. Public comment is open until 5 pm, Friday 17 August 2012. [ + ]
APESMA survey finds professionals get bullied too
A new survey of 351 APESMA members has revealed that almost 5% of Australian engineers, scientists and other professionals have witnessed acts of violence in their workplace. [ + ]
National road safety tribunal to improve safety for Australian road users
Australia’s first national Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal began operation yesterday. The tribunal has the power to set pay and conditions for truck drivers to reduce the economic pressures on truck drivers to meet unfair and unrealistic deadlines which risk their own lives and the lives of others. [ + ]
Better protections for clothing industry outworkers
The Minister for Workplace Relations, Bill Shorten, has said that the improved conditions for outworkers in the textile, clothing and footwear (TCF) industry - most of them women - deliver nationally consistent rights and legal protections for the first time. [ + ]
Job control can reduce sick days from back pain
As Western Australia struggles with a skilled labour shortage, a Perth researcher and orthopaedic surgeon has published important findings on long work absences due to lower back pain. [ + ]
Australians work too hard, says expert
Overwork is significantly impacting the mental health and wellbeing of Australians, a Flinders University labour studies expert warns. [ + ]
Historic Equal Remuneration Order for hard-working community sector workers
The Gillard government has welcomed the first Equal Remuneration Order handed down by Fair Work Australia (FWA). The order details how the social and community sector workers - most of them women - will receive significant pay rises. [ + ]
High Court decision may put workers’ redundancy pay at risk, says Clayton Utz
Employees of collapsed companies may be adversely affected by the High Court’s ruling that the Commonwealth’s funding of the school chaplains program is constitutionally invalid. [ + ]
WorkCover investigating fatal forklift incident
WorkCover NSW is investigating after a 40-year-old male worker died in a forklift incident at Flemington markets this morning. [ + ]
RMIT sets the ball rolling in OHS program accreditation
The OHS profession moves into a new era with the first university-level program approved by the new Australian OHS Education Accreditation. [ + ]