Workplace investigations under the harmonised OHS laws
30 August, 2011 by John Makris*, Special Counsel, MiddletonsHarmonised OHS laws are due to commence on 1 January 2012. Each Australian state and territory has committed to adopting a form of the model Workplace Health and Safety Act (Model Act). Not all states and territories will adopt all parts of the Model Act as it is presently drafted. One area where there appears to be no disagreement is the provisions for workplace investigations.
Have your say on model WHS legislation for the mining industry
02 August, 2011Public comment period for model Work Health and Safety legislation for the mining industry now open.
Officer’s duties under the Work Health and Safety Act
01 July, 2011 by Marissa Dreher and Kathryn Bion, FreehillsThe model Work Health and Safety Act will commence in each jurisdiction in Australia from 1 January 2012. One aspect of the legislation that is significantly different to current laws is the duty imposed on ‘officers’ of a person conducting a business or undertaking.
Have you got your ‘Act’ together?
01 July, 2011 by Michael Selinger and Stephen Trew, Holding Redlich LawyersThe harmonised safety laws across Australia are one step closer to becoming a reality and will bring about significant changes to the construction industry. With only six months to go until the new laws commence operation on 1 January 2012, businesses have a limited timeframe to become familiar with the new Workplace Health & Safety Act and regulations that will replace the current laws.
New Zealand launches plan to tackle rate of construction accidents
31 May, 2011NZ Minister of Labour Kate Wilkinson has launched a plan to bring down the rate of construction accidents.
New Tasmanian mine safety laws
30 March, 2011New mine safety laws for Tasmania came into effect on 28 February 2011.
Public comment period on model regulations almost over
30 March, 2011WorkSafe has issued an eleventh-hour reminder to businesses and workers to comment on the model Work Health and Safety Regulations before the public comment period closes on 4 April.
Deadline nears on national OHS public comment
22 March, 2011SafeWork SA is urging the South Australian community to review and comment on the draft work health and safety Regulations and priority Codes of Practice before the opportunity closes early April.
Child Employment Bill introduced to parliament
16 March, 2011The SA Government has introduced a Child Employment Bill to Parliament which safeguards the rights of young people under the age of 18.
WorkSafe ACT identification scams
21 January, 2011Following reports of recent scams in ACT workplaces, WorkSafe ACT has issued a warning to ask for valid credentials from anyone claiming to be a WorkSafe inspector.
Safe Work Australia progresses model work health and safety legislation
14 December, 2010At the recent sixth meeting of Safe Work Australia Members, progress was made on a number of safety legislative and regulatory matters, including the Model Act.
Public comment sought on model work health and safety regulations
08 December, 2010Safe Work Australia has invited public comment on the draft model work health and safety Regulations and Codes of Practice.
Employers’ OHS rights and responsibilities
29 October, 2010Australian employers are required by law to provide a safe workplace for not only workers, but for all who visit their facilities. The following extract from a Worksafe Victoria publication outlines a succinct list of rights and responsibilities that employers have, to their workers, contractors, visitors and the workplace itself, with regard to health and safety.
Safety spotlight on DSE after tank explosion
06 October, 2010WorkSafe is demanding safety improvements from the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) after a fuel tank explosion last year left a worker with serious burn injuries.
Compliance to battery safety requirements
28 September, 2010Research published earlier this year has shown an increase in cases of serious injury and death caused by swallowing of lithium button cells.
