SafetyNet Journal

OHS Regulator News

Posted on 12 August 2019

WorkSafe has released new guidance to get more defibrillators in workplaces The guidance on the use of automated defibrillators has been created and published to help promote...

Events

Posted on 9 August 2019

VTHC + IWSN Web Launch Party RSVP here: www.weareohs.org.au/ohs_reps_launch_party In a few weeks, we're having a celebratory launch of the new OHS and IWSN websites. The...

Training

Posted on 9 August 2019

Be Trades Hall Trained: VTHC OHS Training Centre Make sure you attend training provided either by your union or the VTHC! HSRs are elected by...

OHS Prosecutions

Posted on 9 August 2019

PB Construction Services Pty Ltd (in liquidation) PB Construction Services, which is now in liquidation, have been ordered to pay a fine of $100,000 plus...

Ask Renata

Posted on 9 August 2019

Every week in SafetyNet we highlight an interesting question we received through Ask Renata. This week we have an unusual one, concerning privacy and surveillance...

OHS Regulator News

Posted on 9 August 2019

Exclusion from work function wasn't bullying says Fair Work Commission A worker who was excluded from a work function has been told that management preventing...

Job Opportunities

Posted on 2 August 2019

Health and Safety Training Officer The AMWU are on the hunt for a new OHS training officer. If you're a strong Unionist, with a healthy...

Training

Posted on 2 August 2019

Be Trades Hall Trained: VTHC OHS Training Centre Make sure you attend training provided either by your union or the VTHC! HSRs are elected by...

Events

Posted on 2 August 2019

VTHC + IWSN Web Launch Party RSVP here: www.weareohs.org.au/ohs_reps_launch_party In a few weeks, we're having a celebratory launch of the new OHS and IWSN websites. The...

OHS Regulator News

Posted on 2 August 2019

WHS Offence With Life Sentence Begins in Northern Territory. Folks in the Northern Territory unfortunately have a far higher number of workplace fatalities than any...

OHS Prosecutions

Posted on 2 August 2019

Spotlight Cops $150,000 Fine Spotlight has been fined a massive amount after a driver was struck with his own truck from behind, knocking him to...

Union News

Posted on 2 August 2019

New Silica Exposure Standard of 0.05mg/m³ over 3 years leaves many wanting This Wednesday, SafeWork Australia voted on the future of Australia's silica standard. Victorian...

Events

Posted on 26 July 2019

Events Trades Hall OHS Network and Injured Workers Support Network Launch Event We've been working on something that we're really excited to show you, and...

OHS Regulator News

Posted on 26 July 2019

Stress earns worker early long service payment A worker has been awarded close to $9,000 after winning a case for his long service leave entitlements...

Prosecutions

Posted on 26 July 2019

Training group fined $200k for falsified training session times A registered training organisation and one of it's trainers, who cut training courses short and failed...

Research

Posted on 26 July 2019

Canadian Research At-Risk Occupations to Develop Dermatitis New research has analysed nearly 600,000 records from workers' compensation records to identify which occupations are more at...

Union News

Posted on 26 July 2019

Australian Union Safety Survey Australian Unions are advocating for workers to fill out their Worker Survey to feed into the ongoing OHS Boland review. The survey is being used...

Events

Posted on 19 July 2019

If you have an OHS related event you would like us to advertise, please email Renata with details, including cost, and where to RSVP. BE TRADES HALL...

OHS Regulator News

Posted on 19 July 2019

WorkSafe taskforce created to deal with cleaning dangerous goods on site WorkSafe's dangerous goods taskforce will clear another site in Campbellfield after it was assessed...

Prosecutions

Posted on 19 July 2019

Construction company in Colac fined $7,500 plus costs Spence Building and Joinery was fined a total of $11,092 for failing to adequately identify and control...

Research

Posted on 19 July 2019

Study highlights link between lead in blood levels and several cancers A study containing research from US, Finnish, French and UK institutions led an analysis...

Union News

Posted on 19 July 2019

Principal contractor fined $450,000 after worker death. In October in 2016, NSW, a man was killed laying plywood on the second floor of a building...

Events

Posted on 18 July 2019

If you have an OHS related event you would like us to advertise, please email Renata with details, including cost, and where to RSVP. BE TRADES HALL...

Events

Posted on 17 July 2019

If you have an OHS related event you would like us to advertise, please email Renata with details, including cost, and where to RSVP. BE TRADES HALL...

Prosecutions

Posted on 17 July 2019

Victorian Prosecutions Ser Brothers fined $8,000 for falls Ser Brothers has been fined $8,000 plus court costs for failing to ensure that fall protection was...

Research

Posted on 17 July 2019

New research from Japanese University claims work stress can lead to tooth loss A study of 1,200 workers between the ages of 25 and 50...

Union News

Posted on 17 July 2019

Two Victorian Workers Killed at Work In One Day We are incredibly sad to report that on the day of writing, two Victorian workers have...

OHS Prosecutions

Posted on 17 July 2019

Victorian Prosecutions Ser Brothers fined $8,000 for falls Ser Brothers has been fined $8,000 plus court costs for failing to ensure that fall protection was...

Research

Posted on 17 July 2019

New research from Japanese University claims work stress can lead to tooth loss A study of 1,200 workers between the ages of 25 and 50...

OHS Regulator News

Posted on 17 July 2019

WorkSafe has released new guidance to get more defibrillators in workplaces The guidance on the use of automated defibrillators has been created and published to help promote...

Events

Posted on 17 July 2019

If you have an OHS related event you would like us to advertise, please email Renata with details, including cost, and where to RSVP. BE TRADES HALL...

Union News

Posted on 17 July 2019

Two Victorian Workers Killed at Work In One Day We are incredibly sad to report that on the day of writing, two Victorian workers have...

Events

Posted on 4 July 2019

If you have an OHS related event you would like us to advertise, please email Renata with details, including cost, and where to RSVP. BE TRADES HALL...

Research

Posted on 4 July 2019

Workplace solvent exposure has been linked to autism. A major study conducted by US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Health Effects Laboratory has...

OHS Regulator News

Posted on 4 July 2019

Firefighter's presumptive rights compensation is now available Firefighters, both career and volunteer, are now able to access presumptive rights compensation, providing they meet the following...

Prosecutions

Posted on 4 July 2019

Victorian Prosecutions Rubbertough Industries Pty Ltd copped a $15,000 fine + costs after a guilty plea. The rubber supplier based in Warragul copped a $15,000...

Union News

Posted on 4 July 2019

Commission rules on claustrophobic workers. A commission has found that requiring a worker suffering from severe claustrophobia, which had been caused by a situation where...

Events

Posted on 26 June 2019

If you have an OHS related event you would like us to advertise, please email Renata with details, including cost, and where to RSVP. BE TRADES HALL...

Prosecutions

Posted on 26 June 2019

Victorian Prosecutions No new results of prosecutions were put on the WorkSafe site this week - but to check over the next week, go to...

International News

Posted on 26 June 2019

Global: UN experts urge ILO to back 'fundamental' safetyUnited Nations human rights experts have urged the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to immediately recognise and adopt...

OHS Regulator News

Posted on 26 June 2019

Victorian newsMental health support for vulnerable workersWorkSafe has announced an initiative which it says will benefit thousands of Victorian workers whose jobs put them at...

OHS outcomes among international migrant workers Last week a group of researchers has published a paper entitled 'Occupational health outcomes among international migrant workers: a systematic review...

Union News

Posted on 26 June 2019

Man killed in farm incidentA farmer in his 40's was killed last Wedneday after being struck by a post hole digger at a farm in...

International News

Posted on 19 June 2019

EU: Big data and AI - OHS implicationsThe use of big data, combined with machine learning technology, is becoming more common in Europe's workplaces. Two...

Prosecutions

Posted on 19 June 2019

Victorian ProsecutionsOperations manager enters 'diversion plan' Between April 2015 and August 2016 the Operations Manager of a security firm engaged in a range of bullying behavior,...

OHS Regulator News

Posted on 19 June 2019

Victorian newsWorkSafe keen to hear about manager/supervisor training One of the issues some HSRs face when they return to work is that they know more about...

Research

Posted on 19 June 2019

Fatigue-beating firies' rosters for shift work A new study has revealed the most effective shift roster to encourage quality sleep among firefighters and minimise their long-term...

Union News

Posted on 19 June 2019

Industrial Manslaughter: UpdateNOTE: This item has been corrected and amended. The Industrial Manslaughter Implementation Taskforce, established by the Andrews' Labor Government to consult on the...

Prosecutions

Posted on 12 June 2019

Victorian ProsecutionsPlumbing company fined for height-related risks Plumbing company K.C. & T.L. Murray Pty Ltd was on 16 March 2018 engaged to replace a gas hot...

International News

Posted on 12 June 2019

Sth Korea: Samsung victim wins compensation after decades-long fightA victim of occupational cancer caused by toxic exposures while working at Samsung has won a decade...

OHS Regulator News

Posted on 12 June 2019

Victorian newsHealth service charged after patient death In a short media release today, WorkSafe has announced that it has charged Melbourne Health following the death of...

Union News

Posted on 12 June 2019

TONIGHT: Live webinar on stress & mental healthYou've asked for it a long time, and the OHS Unit is psyched to deliver! Tonight (Wednesday June 12)...

Research

Posted on 12 June 2019

WHO classifies burn-out as a work-related condition Burn-out has been formally recognised as a work-related health condition by a UN body. A meeting of the World...

International News

Posted on 5 June 2019

China: CO2 leak kills 10, injures 19 on bulk carrierA mass leak of carbon dioxide occurred during fire suppressing system maintenance works on board of bulk...

Prosecutions

Posted on 5 June 2019

Victorian ProsecutionsRoof repair company fined after contact with overhead powerlinesThe site supervisor and an employee of Rainshield Roofing Pty Ltd, a company specialising in all...

Research

Posted on 5 June 2019

Statement on occupational burden of non-cancerous lung diseases More than 1 in 10 people with a range of non-cancerous lung diseases may be sick as a...

OHS Regulator News

Posted on 5 June 2019

Victorian newsQuad bikes: Government taking actionThe Andrews Labor Government is taking action to protect and educate farmers and workers with a renewed call for vigilance...

Union News

Posted on 5 June 2019

Industrial Manslaughter: Update Work on finalising draft legislation is progressing well with submissions from various organisations provided to the Minister for Workplace Health, Ms Jill Hennessy's...

Prosecutions

Posted on 29 May 2019

Victorian ProsecutionsMan loses part of leg: company fined just $25k without convictionWalkers Earthworks Pty Ltd provides earthmoving services and operates a variety of heavy plant...

International News

Posted on 29 May 2019

USA: Escalating workplace violence rocks hospitalsAcross the USA, many doctors, nurses and other health care workers have remained silent about an 'epidemic of violence' against...

OHS Regulator News

Posted on 29 May 2019

Victorian newsInfringement notices on the way!According to news service OHSAlert Victoria's Workplace Safety Minister Jill Hennessy has announced a $16.6 million package to expand the specialist capacity...

Research

Posted on 29 May 2019

State of OHS in Victoria 2018 Barry Naismith, of OHSIntros, has produced his tenth paper in the series produced to contribute to the debate about the...

Union News

Posted on 29 May 2019

Ask Renata Hello Renata, I've been asked to perform the role of HSR for two DWGs. Are there any conflicts or legal issues associated with this....

Events

Posted on 22 May 2019

If you have an OHS related event you would like us to advertise, please email Renata with details, including cost, and where to RSVP. BE TRADES HALL...

International News

Posted on 22 May 2019

ILO statement on LBGTI workersLast week, on the occasion of the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, ILO Director-General Guy Ryder said that a...

Prosecutions

Posted on 22 May 2019

Victorian Prosecutions:Carpet manufacturer fined after worker's arm trappedHoppers Crossing company T.S.T Carpet Manufacturers (Australia) Pty Ltd, which makes carpet products for cars, was last week...

OHS Regulator News

Posted on 22 May 2019

Victorian news2019 WorkSafe Awards - Hurry up, nominate now!Urgent: nominate your HSR now - entries for the 2019 WorkSafe Awards are open but close at...

Research

Posted on 22 May 2019

A good work environment is good for youAccording to a new study, a good work environment with job control and job security doesn't only help...

Union News

Posted on 22 May 2019

Industrial Manslaughter: UpdateWe want to make sure that all our subscribers are kept informed of the progress on the introduction of Industrial Manslaughter legislation in...

Prosecutions

Posted on 14 May 2019

Victorian Prosecutions:Company, director, fined after fall fatality Shopfitting company Entire Shopfitting Pty Ltd, was last week convicted and fined $300,000 after a worker was killed when...

International News

Posted on 14 May 2019

Monsanto pays up bigA California jury has ordered Monsanto to pay more than USD 2bn (AUD 2.88bn) to a couple who contracted cancer after using...

OHS Regulator News

Posted on 14 May 2019

Victorian newsBuild Aware inspections around BallaratJoint teams from five government agencies that regulate the building sector have recently conducted 197 inspections over five days on...

Research

Posted on 14 May 2019

Quad bike fatalities decliningNew research has found that deaths from tractors and quad bikes have declined significantly since 2017. The report, Non-intentional Farm Related Incidents in...

Union News

Posted on 14 May 2019

Ask Renata Hi Renata, I am actually asking for a friend... he is having significant safety issues at his work (a school with fairly disruptive kids)...

Events

Posted on 10 May 2019

If you have an OHS related event you would like us to advertise, please email Renata with details, including cost, and where to RSVP. BE TRADES HALL...

Prosecutions

Posted on 10 May 2019

Victorian Prosecutions:Packaging supplier fined $35k after employee injures hand Brickwood (Vic) Pty Ltd, a milk and juice packaging manufacturer and supplier in the Cheltenham area, used...

OHS Regulator News

Posted on 10 May 2019

Victorian news Construction company charged over roller deathWorkSafe has charged a Brooklyn civil construction company, Multiworks Australia, over the death of a worker crushed by...

Research

Posted on 10 May 2019

Review on Active workstations A major Canadian review has revealed the benefits of different types of active workstations. The literature review on the benefits of standing,...

Union News

Posted on 10 May 2019

Another Victorian worker killed this week It is with great regret that we report that a man in his late 40s was killed by a...

OHS Regulator News

Posted on 3 May 2019

Safe Work Australia news Fatality statistics The latest update remains as of 28 April, at which time 51 fatalities had been notified to Safe Work...

Prosecutions

Posted on 3 May 2019

A Hop grower has been fined $130,000 after a worker was killed in a trailer fall. Neville Victor Handcock was sentenced in Wodonga County Court...

Union News

Posted on 3 May 2019

Employers taken to court over exposure to silica dust. In Union News this week, working people are heading to court over silica related disputes, as...

International News

Posted on 17 April 2019

EU: chemical lobby to block cancer warning A suspected carcinogen found in spray paints, sun creams and varnishes many not now be required to carry a...

OHS Regulator News

Posted on 17 April 2019

Victorian newsMedia release on prosecutionWorkSafe has today released a statement on the conviction fine of hops grower Neville Handcock - as reported in last week's SafetyNet. The...

Prosecutions

Posted on 17 April 2019

Victorian Prosecutions:1 - Printing firm convicted and fined $40k for entrapment of armAusprinters Pty Ltd, a Hallam company making printed media products for the packaging...

Research

Posted on 17 April 2019

World first heavy vehicle driver fatigue research The National Transport Commission (NTC) and the Cooperative Research Centre for Alertness, Safety and Productivity (Alertness CRC) this week...

Union News

Posted on 17 April 2019

Four Victorian workers killed this weekA 56-year-old man was killed after he was crushed between a fence and a garbage truck in Koonwarra, South Gippsland....

International News

Posted on 10 April 2019

France: recognition of electro-magnetic sensitivity as an occupational disease We Are The Evidence, a wireless technology injured advocacy group, has reported that in January this year...

Prosecutions

Posted on 10 April 2019

Victorian Prosecutions:1 - Hops grower fined $130k after worker killedNeville Victor Handcock is an operational partner with his wife in a partnership that grows hops,...

OHS Regulator News

Posted on 10 April 2019

Victorian news2019 WorkSafe Awards Entries for the 2019 WorkSafe Awards are now open.Now in their 31st year, the awards celebrate the achievements of businesses and individuals...

Research

Posted on 10 April 2019

Women, work and menopauseAcademics at the Monash Business School have estimated there were 1.3 million Australian women between the ages of 45 and 55 who...

Union News

Posted on 10 April 2019

Truck driver killed in rural VictoriaWodonga police are investigating the collision at Sandy Creek in the state's north-east just after 3.30pm on Saturday. The truck...

International News

Posted on 3 April 2019

EU: Half of chemicals unsafe in current useOfficials are failing to prevent dozens of dangerous chemicals being used in consumer and other products, according to...

Prosecutions

Posted on 3 April 2019

Victorian Prosecutions:1 - Nursery fined after cage crushes workerMurray Valley Nurseries Pty Ltd, a large citrus fruit grower located at Wood Wood, Victoria, was last...

OHS Regulator News

Posted on 3 April 2019

Victorian newsNew Safety AlertFollowing last week's incident in which a construction worker lost his foot, WorkSafe Victoria this week issued a Safety Alert about the significant hazards...

Research

Posted on 3 April 2019

One in five Australian tradies exposed to high noise levelsAlmost one in five Australian working men experienced noise above the recommended occupational limit on their...

Union News

Posted on 3 April 2019

NSW: Scaffolding collapse kills 18 year oldAt about 12.30pm on Monday this week apprentice Christopher Cassaniti was killed in an incident on a Sydney, NSW...

International News

Posted on 27 March 2019

Spain: Documentary reveals plight of Moroccan migrantsMoroccan migrant workers harvesting strawberries in Spain are having to endure exploitative conditions and are forced to live in...

Prosecutions

Posted on 27 March 2019

Worker crushed; $60k fineEconopave, a company providing asphalt and associated services to the commercial, private and government sectors, was last week fined $60,000 over an...

OHS Regulator News

Posted on 27 March 2019

Victorian newsJoint inspection blitzA joint inspection blitz by WorkSafe Victoria and SafeWork NSW will focus on keeping young workers safe and reducing potentially deadly falls...