Browsing: Authority/inspectorate news

WHS laws could be amended, and prosecutory functions expanded, with a former Federal Court judge be appointed to review the adequacy of a WHS investigation into the murder of a nurse.

Companies and officers accused of WHS breaches could bear the onus of proving they took all reasonably practicable steps to prevent an incident occurring, while the offence of industrial manslaughter will be added to the national model WHS Act, with Labor taking power in the Federal election on the weekend.

An inquest into a man's death from a seizure has provided a stark reminder of the potentially devastating long-term consequences of poor workplace processes, including one practice that "should never occur in a controlled work environment".

A company has been fined $375,000 and ordered to publish full-page ads detailing its offence in consecutive editions of key building industry magazines, after one of its contract truck drivers died after falling from his truck bed during unloading.

A PCBU that declined to act on the safety advice of an electrician has been convicted and fined for three serious WHS offences, including failing to consult and coordinate activities with the company tasked with installing and commissioning its imported plant.

A NSW WHS Bill enabling nationwide criminal record checks of safety representatives has passed Parliament without amendment, despite warnings that the new laws place "no limits" on a minister's powers to veto an elected representative.

• Manager with bullying "injury" ordered to repay $100k;
  
• WHS regulator lays fatality charge and issues blade alert; and
  
• NT amends WHS clause on "white cards", reports powerline incidents.

• Silica safety duties applied to multiple industries in Vic; and
  
• FWC full bench supports paid FDV leave.

John Holland Pty Ltd has been granted permission to enter a $1.2 million enforceable undertaking in lieu of prosecution over a worker's seven-metre fall through a hole on a major infrastructure project, and will develop a freely available virtual reality app for identifying height risks.

• WHS changes to follow Qld inquest into nine quad deaths; and
  
• Business charged with breaching safety duties to killed camper.