SafetyNet Journal

WELDING FUME RISKS EXACERBATED BY COVID INFECTION HISTORY

Posted on 11 March 2026

Swedish researchers have studied whether the known respiratory risks of welding fumes become even more pronounced among workers who have been exposed to COVID –...

ENFORCEABLE UNDERTAKING AFTER KEW RECREATION CENTRE ROOF COLLAPSE

Posted on 11 March 2026

The ADCO Group has entered into an Enforceable Undertaking to the value of approximately $850,000 following the collapse of a steel roof structure during the...

LEMITECH FINED $325K FOR CONVEYOR BELT FATALITY

Posted on 11 March 2026

A fatality at a Lethbridge poultry rearing farm has resulted in a fine of just $325,000 for Lemitech Pty Ltd. Although Lemitech had management and...

AGED CARE PROVIDER FINED $150K FOR COVID TRAINING FAILURE

Posted on 11 March 2026

St Basil’s Homes for the Aged in Victoria, where 50 residents tragically passed away in the early months of the pandemic, has been sentenced to...

NHVR – NATIONWIDE FATIGUE INTIATIVE FOR TRUCK DRIVERS

Posted on 11 March 2026

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is launching a nationwide operation to tackle fatigue, following nearly 5,000 fatigue-related breaches detected last year, with drivers being...

CONSULTATION OPEN FOR NATIONAL HYDROGEN REGULATORY GUIDEBOOKS: PIPELINES

Posted on 11 March 2026

The National Hydrogen Regulatory Guidebook: Pipelines was released for public consultation Monday 2 March. Consistent with the recent internal government consultation process, the Department of...

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST – DANGEROUS GOODS STRATEGIC INSPECTIONS FORUM

Posted on 11 March 2026

WorkSafe has announced an opportunity for anyone involved in the Dangerous Goods industry to attend the next Dangerous Goods Strategic Inspections (DGSI) Forum.

SWA NEW CODE OF PRACTICE: MANAGING THE RISKS OF BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS AT WORK

Posted on 11 March 2026

Safe Work Australia (SWA) has released its newly approved model Code of Practice: Managing the risks of biological hazards at work. Much of the feedback...

ASK RENATA

Posted on 11 March 2026

Hi Renata – Last week we had a serious near miss incident involving chemicals that were incorrectly labelled. Had the incident played out it had...

CARNIVAL CRUISE DENIES ACCESS TO SAFE WORK NSW INSPECTOR

Posted on 11 March 2026

On Monday officers of the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) attempted again to exercise their right of entry under s.121 of the NSW WHS Act...

GENDER EQUITY REPORT SHOWS LESS THAN 14% OF EMPLOYERS HAVE A PAY GAP ACTION PLAN

Posted on 4 March 2026

The federal government’s Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) published its Employer Gender Pay Gaps Report on Tuesday, containing the combined results of annual reports from...

BULLY SENTENCED FOR SAFETY BREACHES

Posted on 4 March 2026

A qualified joiner employed by a window and door manufacturer has been prosecuted and sentenced for their actions in bullying a vulnerable young worker. We...

SWA INVITES FEEDBACK ON ASBESTOS FRAMEWORK

Posted on 4 March 2026

Safe Work Australia is inviting feedback on the Asbestos Framework Review, which is examining how the model WHS framework can be strengthened to better control...

WORKSAFE AWARDS CELEBRATE HEALTH AND SAFETY WINNERS

Posted on 4 March 2026

Last week’s WorkSafe Awards recognised some truly inspiring champions of excellence in workplace health and safety and return to work practices, including the 2025 HSR...

ASK RENATA

Posted on 4 March 2026

Hi Renata – a DWG member has asked me to support them in a meeting with HR. They had reported that another worker was bullying...

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS STOP-WORK FOR BETTER CONDITIONS

Posted on 4 March 2026

After more than 18 months of stalled negotiations for better pay and urgent measures to address unsustainable workloads, early childhood educators (ECEs) last week took...

CARNIVAL LOCKS GATES TO PREVENT MUA'S LEGAL RIGHT OF ENTRY

Posted on 25 February 2026

The MUA was last week denied entry to a Carnival Cruise vessel, the Carnival Adventure, whilst docked at Sydney’s Circular Quay. The MUA reports that...

WORKSAFE OFFERS FREE MANUAL HANDLING WORKSHOPS

Posted on 25 February 2026

Hazardous manual handling is the biggest cause of workplace injuries in Victoria, with WorkSafe accepting 48,355 injury claims since 2021. More than 60 per cent...

SAFETY ALERTS FOLLOWING FARM FATALITIES

Posted on 25 February 2026

WorkSafe has issued multiple Safety Alerts for the agricultural industry in the wake of a shocking run of farm deaths. Of the five confirmed workplace...

SWA AMENDMENTS ADDRESS ACCESS TO PERIOD PRODUCTS

Posted on 25 February 2026

Safe Work Australia (SWA) has amended the national model WHS Code of Practice for managing the work environment and facilities to outline the expectations on...

NSW PASSES DIGITAL WORK SYSTEMS ACT 2026

Posted on 25 February 2026

In an Australian first, the NSW Parliament has passed legislation to clarify employer duties to address risks that present when using digital systems (defined as...

ASK RENATA

Posted on 25 February 2026

Hi Renata – What documentation does my employer need to provide when they say they have fixed a safety issue? My employer has provided a...

WORKING AT HEIGHTS BLITZ RESULTS CONTINUE TO FLOW THROUGH COURTS

Posted on 25 February 2026

WorkSafe’s focus on falls prevention in the construction industry continues to identify employers neglecting their duty to keep workers safe, as we see in another...

REPORT EXAMINES PATHWAYS TO SECONDARY PSYCHOLOGICAL INJURY

Posted on 18 February 2026

A Monash University report commissioned by Safe Work Australia (SWA) has identified key factors contributing to the secondary psychological injuries that can increase physical injury...

$700K FINE FOR EGREGIOUS DISREGARD OF WORKING AT HEIGHTS RISKS

Posted on 18 February 2026

A company that specialises in steel roofing installation and maintenance, Proform Roofing (Vic) Pty Ltd, was found guilty of multiple serious safety failures, convicted and...

WORKSAFE HSR NEWSLETTER

Posted on 18 February 2026

WorkSafe reminds HSRs and deputy HSRs to subscribe to their HSR newsletter where you can find information from the regulator that supports you in your...

ANOTHER INSPECTION REGIME FAILURE IDENTIFIED IN CORONIAL INQUIRY

Posted on 18 February 2026

A Coronial inquiry into the death of a worker who was fatally struck when a concrete boom pump snapped has identified that inspections under the...

ASK RENATA

Posted on 18 February 2026

Hi Renata – I issued a PIN to my employer and have not received any response by the date specified. Can I ask for evidence...

WORKSAFE: WE MUST KEEP OUR APPRENTICES SAFE AT WORK

Posted on 17 February 2026

In the past five years alone WorkSafe has prosecuted sixty-six companies for actions that harmed, or placed at serious risk, their apprentice employees – nine...

NEW YORK NURSES SUCESSFULLY STRIKE FOR WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PROTECTIONS

Posted on 11 February 2026

On 12 January almost 15,000 brave New York nurses, organized by the New York Nurses Association (NYSNA), walked out on strike to protect patient and...

$200K FINE FOR INFORMATION, INSTRUCTION, TRAINING AND SUPERVISION FAILURE

Posted on 11 February 2026

A transport company specialising in crane truck services has been fined $200,000 after failing to provide the appropriate information, instruction, training or supervision to an...

CORONIAL INQUIRY RAISES QUESTIONS OF INSPECTION REGIME GAPS

Posted on 11 February 2026

A coronial inquiry into the death of 44-year-old Darren Lamb, who was killed when a shipping container fell onto him, has exposed deadly gaps in...

BUNNINGS WINS APPEAL TO USE FACIAL RECOGNITION

Posted on 11 February 2026

Nearly four years after first deploying facial recognition technology (FRT) in selected stores across NSW and Victoria, Bunnings has been granted permission to use the...

ASK RENATA

Posted on 11 February 2026

Hi Renata – I work evening/night shift and am an HSR and a member of my company’s health and safety committee (HSC). The company runs...

CWU FLAGS ISSUES OF QUALITY AND SAFETY WITH NEW AUSTRALIA POST UNIFORMS

Posted on 11 February 2026

Members of the Communications Workers’ Union (CWU) working at Australia Post have raised serious concerns about the sun-protection claims of the uniform polo shirts recently...

FINGER AND THUMB AMPUTATIONS DOWN – STILL ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

Posted on 4 February 2026

A study from Monash University reveals that work-related finger and thumb amputations in Victoria have significantly declined over the past 20 years, with a 4.55%...

POTATO SUPPLIER FINED $95K FOR HORRIFIC FAILURES THAT LED TO AMPUTATION

Posted on 4 February 2026

Fiorelli Packing Co 2 provides services sourcing, transporting, storing and supplying potatoes across Australia and around the world. They are a part of the Fiorelli...

SWA – INTERACTIVE GUIDE ON MANAGING GROUND CONDITION RISKS

Posted on 4 February 2026

Safe Work Australia has released a new interactive guide on managing the risks associated with ground conditions for the safe set up and operation of...

SWA – NEW MODEL CODE OF PRACTICE FOR ELEVATED WORK PLATFORMS

Posted on 4 February 2026

Safe Work Australia (SWA) has released a new model Code of Practice: Elevating Work Platforms. The model Code of Practice: Elevating Work Platforms (EWP) provides...

UNSAFE EMPLOYERS INCUR MORE THAN $17M PENALTIES IN 2025

Posted on 4 February 2026

Victorian employers failing to comply with their health and safety obligations to ensure safe workplaces for their employee and others continue to face serious legal...

SAFETY ALERT: ASBESTOS-CONTAINING FIRE RATED BOARDS IMPORTED INTO AUSTRALIA

Posted on 4 February 2026

WorkSafe has issued a Safety Alert advising that the Australian Border Force (ABF) detected chrysotile asbestos within fire rated boards (FRBs) branded ‘Pyropanel’ imported by...

ASK RENATA

Posted on 4 February 2026

Hi Renata – I’m seeking guidance about low staffing levels. Staff are expected to do extra tasks and cover larger areas due to not enough...

JUST TRANSITIONS – EXTREME HEAT AWARENESS DAY

Posted on 28 January 2026

Next Wednesday 4 February is Extreme Heat Awareness Day. Australia has always been a hot country, but climate change is leading to longer and hotter...

KFL SUPERMARKET FINED FOR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FAILURE

Posted on 28 January 2026

A Springvale grocer that specialises in imported goods, KFL Supermarket Pty Ltd, has been fined $43,000 with no conviction for their failure to prevent an...

SAFE WORK AUSTRALIA SEEKING PUBLIC COMMENTS ON EARTHMOVING MACHINERY

Posted on 28 January 2026

Safe Work Australia is consulting on options to improve safety when earthmoving machinery is used for lifting operations.

SAFEWORK AUSTRALIA RELEASE ASBESTOS GUIDE AND RESOURCES FOR HSRS

Posted on 28 January 2026

Safe Work Australia, in collaboration with the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency, have released a new guide and checklist specifically for HSRs.

WORKSAFE – EMPLOYERS MUST PROTECT WORKERS FROM EXTREME HEAT AND FIRE DANGER

Posted on 28 January 2026

With the high likelihood of repeat heatwave and bushfire events impacting health and safety at work, WorkSafe reminds employers they must be prepared to protect...

INSIGHTS FROM THE EMPLOYEE REPRESENTATION REVIEW INTERIM REPORT

Posted on 28 January 2026

The Interim Report from the Victorian Government Independent Review into Employee Representation presents us with an opportunity to gain further insight into what changes employers...

ASK RENATA

Posted on 28 January 2026

Hi Renata - My colleagues need a portable hoist for a declining client with complex disabilities and dementia, and a suitable wheelchair for travelling on a...

ABS DATA PROVES COLLECTIVE BARGAINING REDUCES GENDERED WAGE GAP

Posted on 28 January 2026

Newly released data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows that as more workplaces negotiate collectively bargained enterprise agreements, we are seeing higher wage...

SOLAR COMPANY FINE FOR INJURY TO SITE VISITOR

Posted on 21 January 2026

A solar installation company, JSD Electricals Pty Ltd, has received a fine of $30,000 with conviction after a site visitor fell approximately 4m through a...

VULNERABLE APPRENTICE SUBJECTED TO PERSISTENT BULLYING FOR NINE MONTHS

Posted on 21 January 2026

Window and door manufacturer Elite Windows (Vic) Pty Ltd has been fined $10,000 with no conviction after their failure to protect a vulnerable employee who...

DEFENCE CONVICTED OF PSYCH RISK FAILURE UNDER FEDERAL WHS LAWS

Posted on 21 January 2026

The Department of Defence has been convicted and fined for failing to manage psychosocial risks relating to the death of a worker – the first...

BUSHFIRES – HAS YOUR EMPLOYER PLANNED FOR THE AFTERMATH?

Posted on 21 January 2026

Victoria has already experienced multiple destructive bushfires in these early days of 2026, with dozens of townships across the state threatened and thousands of workplaces...

WEST GATE TUNNEL EXCLUSION ZONES FOR DANGEROUS GOODS

Posted on 21 January 2026

Truck drivers transporting dangerous goods, and those planning schedules and routes for drivers, are advised that restrictions are in place in the new West Gate...

ASK RENATA

Posted on 21 January 2026

Hi Renata – The company who employs me do not own or manage the building where I have been assigned to work. I have a...

HWU BANS AND STRIKES FOR SAFER STAFFING LEAVELS AND WORKLOADS

Posted on 21 January 2026

Victorian Health Workers Union (HWU) members assembled for a snap action at Victorian Trades Hall Council on Tuesday to escalate their calls for fair wages...

MUA GREETS CARNIVAL CRUISE

Posted on 21 January 2026

Yesterday Victorian union members turned out at Port Melbourne in support of MUA’s campaign to end the extreme exploitation that is occurring on Carnival Cruise...

TARGETING UPSTREAM CAUSES OF PSYCHOSOCIAL HARM

Posted on 14 January 2026

When addressing incidences of workplace psychosocial harm it is important to understand and address the root cause. A recent whitepaper from Australian Psychological Services asks...

BENALLA HEALTH FINED $230K AFTER RECLINER CHAIR FAILURE INJURED RESIDENT

Posted on 14 January 2026

Benalla Health has been sentence by the Melbourne County Court to a fine of $230,000 after a vulnerable aged care resident was seriously injured in...

$100K FINE AFTER QUARRY WORKER LOSES ARM

Posted on 14 January 2026

Following an incident in which a worker’s arm was entangled in machinery Kurdeez Minerals Pty Ltd has pleaded guilty to a single charge of failing...

WORKSAFE ANNOUNCEMENTS OVER THE BREAK

Posted on 14 January 2026

If you’ve been having a well-earned break from media, here is a quick update of news from WorkSafe Victoria over the holiday season.

MODEL WHS ACT AMENDMENTS TO INCLUDE PSYCH HAZARD INCIDENTS

Posted on 14 January 2026

Several amendments to the Model Work Health and Safety Bill have now been published, following approval by a majority of WHS Ministers. The amendments include...

ASK RENATA

Posted on 14 January 2026

Hi Renata – We recently had a serious incident at our workplace but management refuses to consult with me. What can I do? Following a...

MUA MEMBERS UNITE AGAINST CARNIVAL CRUISES

Posted on 14 January 2026

On Wednesday 21 January Carnival Cruises will be sailing into Melbourne and the MUA are going to be there to give them the welcome they...

EMERGENCY SVC PSYCH HEALTH INTERVENTIONS LIMITED BY STIGMA & HIERARCHY

Posted on 10 December 2025

New research from the Central Queensland University suggests that efforts to proactively intervene in psychosocial hazards in the emergency services sector are being inhibited by...

$929K ENFORCEABLE UNDERTAKING FOR SILICA AND REPORTING BREACHES

Posted on 10 December 2025

WorkSafe has accepted the entering of an enforceable undertaking by Laing O’Rourke Australia Construction Pty Ltd after the company was charged with six breaches of...

THUNDERSTORM ASTHMA – BE PREPARED THIS POLLEN SEASON

Posted on 10 December 2025

The Victorian Government’s Better Health Channel is urging those with asthma or hay fever to be prepared this pollen season. Thunderstorm asthma can occur when...

WORKSAFE CHARGES RECIDIVIST DIM SIM MAKER WITH GUARDING FAILURES

Posted on 10 December 2025

WorkSafe has charged a frozen food manufacturer after a worker’s finger was lacerated in a dough mixing machine at a Richmond factory in October 2024....

WORKSAFE CHARGES POLE MANUFACTURER VERTECH HUME AFTER FATALITY

Posted on 10 December 2025

WorkSafe has charged concrete pole manufacturer Vertech Hume Pty Ltd after a worker died at their Werribee factory in September 2024. 36-year-old Ne Doh Wah...

ASK RENATA

Posted on 10 December 2025

Hi Renata – Can I issue a PIN for a s.25 breach by a colleague who is verbally aggressive to DWG members? Whilst it is...

UNIONS NSW BYSTANDER STUDY – READY, WILLING, UNABLE

Posted on 3 December 2025

In a survey of 940 workers from education, transport, health, emergency services, community and disability services industries, Unions NSW has examined the attitudes of bystanders...

KONSTRUKTEUR FINED $100K FOR INCIDENT LEADING TO SERIOUS LIFETIME DISABILITY

Posted on 3 December 2025

Konstrukteur Pty Ltd, a property maintenance and renovation company, has been convicted following an incident that resulted in a contractor sustaining serious, life-threatening injuries. The...

WORKSAFE CHARGES EDUCATION DEPT AFTER STUDENT SEVERS FINGERTIPS

Posted on 3 December 2025

Following an incident at Beechworth Secondary College in 2024, WorkSafe has charged the Department of Education with three charges under s.23(1) of the OHS Act...

WORKSAFE REMINDS EMPLOYERS PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH IS NOW PRIORITY

Posted on 3 December 2025

Victorian employers must now take specific steps to identify psychosocial hazards and control work-related risks to mental health. From 1 December he Occupational Health and...

WORKSAFE CHARGES BALLARAT MINING COMPANIES AFTER FATAL ROCKFALL

Posted on 3 December 2025

In response to the Ballarat Gold Mine rockfall that killed one worker and seriously injured another WorkSafe has charged two companies with breaches of s.21...

CARBON MONOXIDE LEAK LEADS TO MULTIPLE HOSPITALISATIONS

Posted on 3 December 2025

Emergency services were called to a meat processing facility in Derrimut on Monday after a carbon monoxide leak affected dozens of workers. Twenty-one workers were...

ASK RENATA

Posted on 3 December 2025

Hi Renata - Can my boss make us stay at work when the toilets will not flush? Your employer has a duty under s.21 of...

ETU ISSUES SAFETY ALERT: ASBESTOS DETECTED IN WIND TOWER LIFT BRAKES

Posted on 3 December 2025

The ETU has issued an urgent safety alert notifying members of asbestos detected in wind tower lift brakes at multiple locations. It must be stressed...

CANADA’S OHS INSURANCE BOARD FUNDS RESEARCH INTO CHRONIC PAIN

Posted on 26 November 2025

Pain is invisible, but to people who experience it for months or even years, it can be a debilitating and life-altering reality. The Canadian Ontario...

DPP APPEALS WW MASONRY SENTENCE: FINE MORE THAN TRIPLED

Posted on 26 November 2025

In July SafetyNet reported on the prosecution of WW Masonry Pty Ltd for failing to provide a safe workplace and failure to comply with an...

ACT RELEASES CODE OF PRACTICE: MANAGING RISKS OF EXTREME TEMPERATURES

Posted on 26 November 2025

In the lead up to summer the ACT has released its unique Code of Practice: Managing the risks associated with extreme temperatures. The Code recognises...

NATIONAL ASBESTOS AWARENESS WEEK 24 – 30 NOVEMBER

Posted on 26 November 2025

This week is National Asbestos Awareness Week (NAAW) - held from Monday 24 November to Sunday 30 November. Since 31 December 2003 asbestos has been...

WORKSAFE URGES WORKPLACES TO PUT SAFETY FIRST AT END OF YEAR

Posted on 26 November 2025

As the end of the year fast approaches, demand in many workplaces increases with higher workloads and extra pressure contributing to fatigue and the temptation...

ASK RENATA

Posted on 26 November 2025

My boss has replaced our old forklift truck with a second-hand one and it doesn’t have a reversing beeper. Are there any guidelines around what...

AMWU REPORT: WOMEN’S VOICES FROM THE FLOOR

Posted on 26 November 2025

The AMWU has launched their Women’s Voices from the Floor report — stories that make it clear that the mining, manufacturing and automotive industries must...

RTBU REPORT SHOWS DANGEROUS AND UNDIGNIFIED TOILET AMENITIES

Posted on 26 November 2025

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) has released a new report showing that three quarters of women working in Australian transport are suffering health...

UNIONS WELCOME NEW AI SAFETY INSTITUTE AS FSU DETAILS DIGITAL ‘JUST TRANSITION’

Posted on 26 November 2025

The Federal Government announced this week that Australia will follow in the footsteps of the EU, US, UK, Japan, Canada and other major economies by...

UNION WOMEN WIN! – HISTORIC BILL TO END NDAs BECOMES LAW

Posted on 26 November 2025

Historic legislation to end the misuse of non-disclosure agreements in workplace sexual harassment matters has passed in Victoria! This landmark achievement belongs to every victim-survivor...

$40K FINE AFTER BUS DRIVER CRUSHED BETWEEN BUSES

Posted on 19 November 2025

WRL Management Pty Ltd is a transport company specialising in school bus, taxi and private charter services in South Gippsland. Following a 2022 incident in...

SWA TELLS EMPLOYERS TO ACT ON NEW FUMES LIMIT

Posted on 19 November 2025

From 17 November 2025 the workplace exposure standard (WES) for aluminium welding fumes will be slashed by 80%, from an eight-hour time-weighted average of five...

SAFETY ALERT – DEMOLISHING BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES

Posted on 19 November 2025

Following the October death of a 49-year-old man in Avondale Heights from fatal crush injuries sustained during the mechanical demolition of a three-storey brick home,...

ASBESTOS IDENTIFIED IN CHILDRENS’ COLOURED SAND

Posted on 19 November 2025

When we think of asbestos we typically think of outdated and outlawed building materials, but this week we have seen safety alerts and product recalls...

ASK RENATA

Posted on 19 November 2025

Hi Renata – Is there an outside temperature that it is considered unsafe to work in? Extreme weather is rapidly become a serious workplace issue...

UNION ACTIVISM PROMPTS STRONGER PENALTIES FOR WORKER ASSAULTS

Posted on 19 November 2025

Workers and their unions have had their calls for protection answered with the Victorian Government introducing The Crimes Amendment (Retail, Fast Food, Hospitality and Transport...

UNIONS CAMPAIGN FOR AMAZON TO LIFT CONDITIONS & PAY UP

Posted on 19 November 2025

Union members across Australia are protesting at Amazon sites, calling out the company for dodging taxes, exploiting workers, and threatening Aussie jobs and media. MEAA,...

FSU FILES DISPUTE OVER ANZ MASS REDUNDANCY HEALTH IMPACT

Posted on 19 November 2025

The FSU has commenced a Fair Work dispute against the ANZ bank over the significant workplace health and safety concerns that it says have stemmed...

NATIONAL ASBESTOS AWARENESS WEEK 24 – 30 NOVEMBER

Posted on 19 November 2025

This year, National Asbestos Awareness Week (NAAW) 2025 will be held from Monday 24 November – Sunday 30 November. Since 31 December 2003 asbestos has...

PIPE LAYER ELECTROCUTION HIGHLIGHTS NO-GO-ZONE DANGERS

Posted on 12 November 2025

In March 2024 an employee of AAD Civil Constructions Pty was seriously injured when the pole he used for measuring the depth of a hole...

UPDATED INCIDENT NOTIFICATION GUIDANCE

Posted on 12 November 2025

WorkSafe has updated the Incident Notification guidance and related resources. The guidance explains how occupational health and safety (OHS) laws apply to serious workplace incidents....