Industry News
$168K+ fine after worker falls attaching shade sail to 5.5 m pole
An individual has been convicted and fined over an incident in which a worker attaching a shade sail to a pole 5.5 m in height sustained serious injuries in a fall. [ + ]
Safety of welding processes — have your say
Until 12 July, Safe Work Australia is inviting consultation on potential options to strengthen how welding processes are regulated. [ + ]
30th annual national Spinal Health Month gets underway
June is national Spinal Health Month and to mark its 30th year, the Australian Chiropractors Association has released the results of recent research. [ + ]
Electric shock fine increased six-fold on appeal
Over a powerlines-related electric shock, a civil construction company originally fined $15,000 without conviction has, on appeal, been convicted and fined $90,000. [ + ]
Charges laid after worker fatally crushed by articulated front-end loader
A recycling centre is facing charges after an articulated front-end loader reversed into a 26-year-old worker sorting recycled goods, causing fatal crush injuries. [ + ]
$78K fine after temporary guardrail collapse saw worker fall three metres
After a temporary guardrail collapsed, resulting in a worker falling onto a canopy frame above the ground floor, a construction company has been fined $78,000. [ + ]
Calls for renewed focus as National Road Safety Week gets underway
Transport Australia, Safer Australian Roads and Highways Group, and the Australasian College of Road Safety are calling for a focus on practical, proven road safety measures. [ + ]
$55K fine after work experience skylight fall results in paraplegia
After a person on work experience fell more than 3.5 metres through a skylight, resulting in paraplegia, a roofing company has been convicted and fined $55,000. [ + ]
Entries open for 2026 Augusta Zadow Awards
With grants of up to $25,000 for WHS initiatives benefitting women and young workers in South Australia, entries are open for SafeWork SA's 2026 Augusta Zadow Awards. [ + ]
Green waste grinder fatality leads to $470K+ fine
After a worker was fatally injured while attempting to clear a blockage in a green waste grinder from within the feed chute, a recycling centre has been fined $472,500. [ + ]
Workplace Health & Safety Show returns to Melbourne next week
Running 20–21 May at the MCEC and attracting 6000+ attendees, Victoria's Workplace Health & Safety Show will feature 200+ exhibitors, 70+ speakers and 40+ CPD seminars. [ + ]
2026 National Safe Work Month theme announced
'Safe work is for life' has been announced as the theme for October's National Safe Work Month — acknowledging that WHS is about more than preventing harm in the moment. [ + ]
Victoria seeks feedback on draft Code of Claimants' Rights
Victoria is seeking feedback on a draft code developed following legislative amendments last year to the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act. [ + ]
Young worker's fatal fall lands construction company $150K fine
A construction company has been convicted and fined after a 23-year-old worker fell three metres through an unprotected stair void to the concrete floor and later died. [ + ]
$575K fine after 750 kg wheel assembly fell on apprentice mechanical fitter
A mining company has been fined $575,000 after an 18-year-old apprentice mechanical fitter became a paraplegic following a wheel assembly falling on him. [ + ]
