SafetyNet Journal

POOR WORKPLACE CULTURE STARTS AT THE TOP

Posted on 15 April 2026

In news that will not surprise SafetyNet readers, researchers at the Adelaide University have confirmed that the values and priorities of senior management in relation...

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FAILURE LEADS TO EMPLOYEE RUN OVER BY FORKLIFT

Posted on 15 April 2026

A family-owned scrap metal business has been sentenced to a fine of $35,000 after an employee was seriously injured in a forklift incident in 2021.

WORKING AT HEIGHTS PROSECUTIONS DOUBLED IN 2025

Posted on 15 April 2026

Employers placing workers at risk of a fall from heights continue to be under the spotlight, with WorkSafe charging 67 employers over falls in 2025...

WICC SEEKING EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Posted on 15 April 2026

The Victorian Government is seeking expressions of interest from Victorians who have been affected by a workplace incident involving death, serious injury or illness to...

MOST SIGNIFICANT DANGEROUS GOODS LEGISLATIVE CHANGE IN 40 YEARS

Posted on 15 April 2026

In the most significant change to Victoria's dangerous goods framework in more than 40 years, State Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC, Ben Carroll has...

SWA RESOURCES TO IDENTIFY AND CONTROL GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION

Posted on 15 April 2026

Safe Work Australia has launched a new suite of resources focused on managing the risks of gender-based violence in the construction industry.

ASK RENATA

Posted on 15 April 2026

Hi Renata – can we use noise cancelling headphones in place of earmuffs as hearing protection? I feel noise cancelling headphones provide better protection from...

HYDRAULIC REPAIR COMPANY FINED AFTER CONCRETE BOOM PUMP COLLAPSE

Posted on 1 April 2026

Hydraulic Ram Overhaul Australia Pty Ltd (HROA)operates a hydraulic ram repair business and repairs hydraulic cylinders and components. HROA has been sentenced to a fine...

COMPANY FINED AFTER WORK EXPERIENCE STUDENT SUFFERS EXTENSIVE BURNS

Posted on 1 April 2026

Harnah Pty Ltd (trading as Hamilton Diesel Repairs and Spares - HDRS) has been sentenced to a fine of $30,000 after pleading guilty to failing...

TWO COMPANIES FINED FOR RAINWATER TANK DELIVERY EXCLUSION ZONE FAILURE

Posted on 1 April 2026

In July 2023 a woman was left with life-changing injuries after a rainwater tank being delivered to her Nelson property toppled onto her. This week...

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION: JOIN THE WORKSAFE HSR HEALTHCARE NETWORK

Posted on 1 April 2026

Undertaking the HSR role can involve navigating issues sometimes with limited support. For HSRs in the healthcare sector, WorkSafe runs quarterly meetings to allow HSRs...

SAFETY ALERT: STOCKPILING, STORAGE AND TRANSPORT OF PETROL

Posted on 1 April 2026

Despite repeated calls to not stockpile fuels, WorkSafe is aware of recent panic buying resulting in the unsafe transport and handling of petrol. This behaviour...

SAFETY ALERT: DO NOT ENTER A MOVING TRACTOR

Posted on 1 April 2026

Tractors are the most dangerous piece of farm equipment. Every year workers are killed, and many more seriously injured, from incidents involving tractors. Two recent...

ASK RENATA

Posted on 1 April 2026

Hi Renata – Our employer is installing security cameras in work areas. Given our site layout, cameras for the purpose of security should only be...

CLOSE THE HEALTH AND SAFETY GAPS FOR OFFSHORE WORKERS

Posted on 1 April 2026

Australian Unions have launched their campaign to close the health and safety gaps for offshore workers and seafarers. Not only are these workers exposed to...

35,000 AEU MEMBERS STRIKE FOR FIRST TIME IN 13 YEARS

Posted on 26 March 2026

On Tuesday, over 35,000 Australian Education Union (AEU) members stopped work, rallying in the city to demand better pay and conditions from the Victorian Government....

BIENNIAL CONFERENCE ON WORKPLACE BULLYING AND HARASSMENT

Posted on 18 March 2026

The International Association on Workplace Bullying and Harassment (IAWBH) Local Organising committee invites you to join them in the ACT on June 2 – 5...

INATTENTIVE EMPLOYER FINED $30K AFTER HOT-WORK FIRE SERIOUSLY INJURES WORKER

Posted on 18 March 2026

RLA Polymers Pty Ltd (RLA) is a manufacturer of adhesive products used in the building industry and regularly handles dangerous goods at its Kilsyth workplace....

GUILLOTINE GUARDING FAILURE LEADS TO SERIOUS INJURY AND $30K FINE

Posted on 18 March 2026

Print Logistics (Aust) Pty Ltd has been fined $30,000 after an employee was seriously injured by an unguarded guillotine.

ASK RENATA

Posted on 18 March 2026

Hi Renata – Our employer has recently introduced new work processes into our workplace with no consultation. Our employer said that a ‘feedback email’ was...

AMWU VICTORIA - WELDING FUME EXPOSURE REGISTER

Posted on 18 March 2026

Thousands of workers across the country – like fitters, welders and boilermakers – weld every day and are exposed to carcinogenic welding fumes. Workers who...

ILO REPORT – GENERATIVE AI AND GENDER INEQUALITY

Posted on 18 March 2026

As generative artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming workplaces across the globe and reshaping tasks in many occupations, it must be noted that its effects are...

SAFETY ALERT: ASBESTOS REGISTERS

Posted on 18 March 2026

Following the observation by WorkSafe inspectors of employees in a number of workplaces unknowingly disturbing and spreading friable asbestos, WorkSafe has issued a Safety Alert...

ASK RENATA

Posted on 18 March 2026

Hi Renata – a member of my DWG stores their insulin in a communal work refrigerator. An unknown person removed the medication from the refrigerator...

ACTU URGES WHS MINISTERS TO ADOPT STRICTER CHEMICAL EXPOSURE LIMITS

Posted on 18 March 2026

On 1 December this year most jurisdictions in Australia will transition to the Workplace exposure limits for airborne contaminants (WEL list). The changes include 177...

TEACHERS TO STRIKE FOR FIRST TIME IN 12 YEARS

Posted on 18 March 2026

Teachers, principals, and support staff at 1600 Victorian government schools will walk off the job next Tuesday after the state government failed to make a...

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...

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