A man is in hospital with back injuries after becoming trapped underneath a truck in South West Queensland.The incident happened on Wednesday afternoon.The man was working on the truck when the vehicle reportedly fell from a jack, trapping him underneath.The LifeFlight Surat Gas Aeromedical Service (SGAS) helicopter was called to the scene at about 2.3…
Victoria has recorded the sixth workplace fatality for 2023 following the death of a school maintenance worker in Melbourne last week.WorkSafe said the 67-year-old man suffered injuries after falling from a roof on Thursday afternoon.He died in hospital the following day.WorkSafe is investigating the incident.Read the original article here.…
A man died in a suspected workplace incident in Sydney’s northwest on Tuesday afternoon.The man was found with serious injuries in a shipping container in Glenwood at around 2pm. He was treated at the scene by paramedics, but he couldn’t be saved.SafeWork NSW has been advised.Source: SEVEN NEWS.…
Business continuity plans ensure that Australian businesses can keep their operations running while managing the impacts of various external events. Natural disasters, pandemics, economic crises, and more can seriously affect businesses if they are not adequately prepared.A comprehensive disaster recovery plan is essential for any business that wants t…
SafeWork SA reminds schools to carry out a risk assessment on all playgrounds after a six-year-old girl suffered serious injuries at a primary school playground in February. SafeWork SA Acting Executive Director Glenn Farrell said kids can suffer serious injuries on playgrounds if safety procedures are ignored.‘Schools and Childcare Centres need to und…
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has released the results of the 2022 Heavy Vehicle Industry Safety Survey.The survey of nearly 6000 respondents revealed that nearly two-thirds (65%) of businesses have a basic Safety Management Systems (SMS).NHVR Chief Regulatory, Policy and Standards officer David Hourigan said the Regulator will use the su…
WorkSafe has opened an investigation into a fatal workplace incident in Queenstown on Tuesday afternoon.Police said emergency crews were called to Jacks Point at around 2.45pm following reports of a workplace incident.The worker died at the scene, according to a police spokesman.Read the original article here.…
In emergencies, the response's speed and accuracy depend highly on the actions taken in the first moments. To minimise harm, employers must warn employees to evacuate, take shelter or go into lockdown immediately. An emergency response plan (ERP) is essential to any business, helping managers and employers take the proper steps in times of crisis.Wh…
The deadline for making submissions on the proposed engineered stone ban is approaching, and Safe Work Australia encourages stakeholders to send their feedback through Safe Work Australia’s Engage website.Exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust causes silicosis.Safe Work Australia said, ‘Workers, persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCB…
A trailer company was recently fined by the South Australian Employment Tribunal after a worker sustained injuries while operating a poorly guarded machine.The tribunal filed charges against the company after a teenage worker lost part of his fingers during the November 2020 incident.A SafeWork SA investigation found the company failed to provide a saf…
A worker has died after an incident in Manawatu-Whanganui District on Monday afternoon.Emergency services attended the incident at Mangamahu just before midday.WorkSafe is aware of the fatal incident. Read the original article here.…
A man has been flown to hospital by the RACQ LifeFlight Rescue chopper after falling from a horse in the North Burnett region.The rescue helicopter was called to a property, northeast of Monto, after the incident to treat the injured rider.The rider, in his 40s, sustained head injuries during the fall on Friday morning.He was transported to Bundaberg H…
New laws requiring businesses in the Northern Territory to manage psychosocial hazards at work will take effect on 1 July 2023.The Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011 requires businesses to take measures to eliminate psychosocial risks. NT WorkSafe is also developing a new code of practice to promote mental health in the work…
A man has died after being pinned beneath a trailer on a Northern Territory highway on Thursday afternoon.Police said they were called to the incident southwest of Katherine, just before 5.20pm.The man died at the scene.NT WorkSafe is investigating the cause of the fatal incident.Read the original article here.…
A man has been injured after falling off a ladder in the South Burnett Region on Thursday morning.Ambulance paramedics treated the man in his 50s after the incident in Runnymede, just before 11.40 am.He was flown to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital with serious head injuries.Read the original article here. …
A man has been killed in a conveyor belt incident north-west of Geelong.WorkSafe said the 34-year-old suffered fatal injuries after being trapped in a machine conveyor belt.The safety watchdog confirmed it has opened an investigation into the Tuesday morning incident.Source: WorkSafe Victoria website.…
SafeWork SA has issued a warning to employers in the fruit and vegetable sector, after a worker was seriously injured in the Riverland early this month.The female worker was working near the pressure washing conveyor of a fruit production line when her clothes got stuck in the machine. She suffered serious arm injuries and was flown to an Adelaide hosp…
Safe Work Australia has developed a beta data website.The website will display data on occupational deaths, injuries and diseases.Safe Work Australia said the new website aims to deliver “national work health and safety and workers’ compensation data in an intuitive, user-friendly way.”“Releasing a beta or prototype of the website allows us to test and…
A farmer has died in hospital after suffering serious burns during a hazard reduction burn in New South Wales.The incident happened on Saturday morning.The 75-year-old man was trapped on his tractor after strong winds blew the fire towards him.He was airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital, but died later the same day.Source: Nine News…
A Victorian employer, a worker and two companies are facing charges over alleged claims of sexual harassment by seven young workers.WorkSafe has charged the director in his 50s with two breaches under the OHS Act for failing to ensure a workplace was safe for employees.The safety regulator has also charged the worker in his 20s with one count of breach…
A workplace incident has claimed the life of a council worker in Central Queensland.Queensland Police said the incident happened in the Arcadia Valley on Monday afternoon.Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has been notified about the incident, with reports indicating the 36-year-old man was unloading machinery when the incident happened.Source:&nbs…
In December last year, a meter reader was mauled to death by dogs in south-east Queensland.According to Ergon Energy, meter readers and field workers will only enter properties where dogs are securely restrained.“Despite heightened awareness around safe entry, unfortunately we are still seeing incidents where dogs have been able to escape and pose a th…
Safe Work Australia has released a new snapshot examining the effects of Covid-19 on employees returning to work following a work-related injury or illness.Safe Work Australia said the ‘snapshot presents findings about the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on workers returning to work after an injury or illness.’The federal safety agency used data from…
Being a business owner or manager is no small responsibility. Collaboration between key stakeholders is essential for developing an effective policy that ensures your staff remains safe. Such policies should be regularly monitored and reviewed to maintain compliance with laws on employee protection.With the right approach, you can create an environment…
A pilot was seriously injured after crashing his light aircraft in Sydney’s southwest on Friday afternoon.Emergency services said the aircraft crashed in Bankstown about 3.40pm.The pilot was freed from the wreckage and flown to Liverpool Hospital in critical condition.The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is investigating the incident.Source: Per…
WorkSafe has launched an investigation after a transport worker was found dead inside a warehouse coolroom in northern Victoria.The man, 50, was found in a low-oxygenated coolroom used to preserve fruits in Shepparton on Wednesday afternoon.WorkSafe said it is Victoria’s third occupational death this year.Source: WorkSafe Victoria website.…
A worker has been injured in an industrial incident at a poultry farm in Otago.The worker sustained injuries after their leg became trapped in a roller on Sunday morning.A rescue helicopter flew the injured worker to Dunedin Hospital for treatment.WorkSafe is aware of the incident.The above story first appeared in the Otago Daily Times.…
WorkSafe WA is conducting an inspection blitz focusing on mobile cranes in metropolitan and regional areas.WorkSafe says it will partner with key stakeholders to raise safety awareness and improve compliance with workplace health and safety rules.The safety regulator stated that it has a duty to ensure all workers in Western Australia are safe. "WorkSa…
Victoria's workplace health and safety regulator, WorkSafe reminds workers and employers to make safety a priority when driving for work.WorkSafe figures show 17 Victorian workers lost their lives in road incidents in 2022.WorkSafe's Executive Director of Health and Safety Narelle Beer said employers and workers have a duty to ensure all vehicles used…
A West Auckland bakery has been fined $36,000 after two workers suffered serious hand injuries in two separate incidents.In January 2021, a worker lost four fingers after her hand got stuck in a machine. And in a separate incident later that year, a worker lost part of her finger while using a dough-dividing machine. WorkSafe's area investigation manag…
A toddler has died following a ride-on lawn mower incident on the NSW Far South Coast.The 3-year-old boy suffered fatal injuries after reportedly being struck by a ride-on lawn mower on Saturday afternoon.The boy's father was driving the mower at the time of the incident.The child was taken to Pambula District Hospital, where he later succumbed to his…
A Sydney tradie was injured in a scaffolding incident on Tuesday morning.The man, aged in his 20s, fell four metres off scaffolding at a worksite in Coogee.He was rushed to St Vincent's Hospital suffering neck injuries.Read the original article here.…
A Darwin equipment hire company and its managing director have been fined a total of $1.14 million over a fatal workplace incident almost four years ago. This is the highest fine ever imposed for a workplace safety breach in the Northern Territory.The incident happened in April 2019 when an excavator bucket dislodged and fell on a 30-year-old man.…
Earthmoving safety is critical for any excavation, mining, or construction business. Heavy earthmoving equipment presents numerous worker risks that companies must identify and manage to protect their personnel. From excavators to bulldozers, these pieces of machinery can cause serious injury or even death if not handled properly. Employers and employe…
Nominations for the 2023 WorkSafe Tasmania Awards are open, recognising employers and workers who go the extra mile for workplace safety.Minister for Workplace Safety and Consumer Affairs, Elise Archer, said nominations are open to Tasmanian businesses and individuals until 10 May 2023.“Winning a WorkSafe Award can boost worker morale, assist with attr…
A safety alert has been issued after a Queensland construction worker was struck by an excavator bucket in November 2022.WorkSafe said "the excavator was operating near the worker when, for reasons yet to be established, its bucket unexpectedly detached from a quick-hitch on the dipper arm, striking him.”To prevent similar incidents, WorkSafe says empl…
Inspectors from WorkSafe Victoria and SafeWork NSW will visit construction sites in the Albury-Wodonga region to ensure employers are complying with fall protection and silica dust regulations. The weeklong safety blitz runs from 27 March to 31 March.Falls from height are a major cause of occupational deaths and injuries in the construction industry, a…
A man in his 70s was transported to hospital after being attacked by a bull in the South Burnett Region on Wednesday morning. The man sustained injuries after being struck by the animal in Tarong at around 11 am.He is being treated at Kingaroy Hospital.The above story was originally published here.…
A rider has died after crashing a quad bike in Northland New Zealand on Friday afternoon.Police said emergency services were called to a private property in Kaiwaka shortly before 3.30pm.The rider was pronounced dead at the scene.Source. New Zealand Police.…
A Darwin equipment hire company and its managing director recently pleaded guilty to workplace safety violations that led to the death of a worker. The 30-year-old man was helping load an excavator onto the back of a truck when a bucket dislodged and struck him.He died at the scene.The incident happened at a Darwin worksite in April 2019.NT WorkSafe fi…
South Australia's electricity distributor SA Power Networks reminds River Murray residents to exercise caution when working around powerlines during flood clean-up activities.Head of Corporate Affairs, Paul Roberts said, "In these situations, electrical risks are not always top of mind, but the reality is we have re-energised the network along the Rive…
A man died on Tuesday after a tractor incident in New Zealand's Far North district. A neighbour found the man trapped under a tractor and alerted emergency services.The man was freed but died on his way to hospital after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest.Read the full story here.…
A woman is recovering in hospital from injuries sustained in an incident on a cattle property northwest of Rockhampton.The woman in her 20s was struck by a gate that was reportedly pushed by a cow on Tuesday evening.The RACQ CapRescue helicopter flew the injured woman to Rockhampton Hospital to be treated for head and facial injuries.Read the original…
The new figures show Transport, postal and warehousing have so far reported eight fatalities, followed by mining with three fatalities, while the Manufacturing industry is ranked third, with two fatalities. Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing, Arts & Recreation Services and Construction have each recorded one fatality.Safe Work Australia released t…
A man suffered serious burn injuries after the gas tank he was cutting with an angle grinder exploded on Wednesday afternoon.The RACQ LifeFlight Rescue helicopter was called to a private property in the Gladstone region at around 3 pm after the incident.The man in his 60s sustained burns to his legs and arms as a result of the explosion. He was flown t…
WorkSafe WA is accepting nominations for this year's Work Health and Safety Excellence Awards, recognising businesses that promote health and safety practices.There are five award categories: Work health and safety invention of the year Award, Leadership Excellence Award and Health and Safety Representative of the Year Award , among others.Nominations…
A woman has been flown to hospital after falling from her horse, north-east of Roma on Monday morning.The LifeFlight helicopter was called to the scene at about 10.30 am.The woman reportedly suffered a dislocated shoulder after the fall.She was airlifted to Roma Airport before being transported by road to Roma Hospital in a stable condition.Source:&nbs…
This week, NSW Fair Trading and SafeWork NSW inspectors will join forces during a compliance blitz targeting construction sites in the Illawarra region.Executive Director Compliance Matt Press, said the program aims to ensure compliance with safety regulations and quality standards.“Builders need to understand that serious injury and death is not an ac…
WorkSafe is investigating an incident in which a 65-year old man died in a cattle loading incident in Yarrawonga last week.The man reportedly fell backwards and hit his head on the ground after being struck by a pen gate on Tuesday morning.He was rushed to hospital, where he later died.The above story first appeared on the WorkSafe Victoria websit…
A woman sustained facial and neck burns in a workplace incident on the Gold Coast on Thursday evening.The incident happened in Surfers Paradise at about 6.45pm.The injured woman was stabilised at the scene by Queensland ambulance paramedics before being transported to the Gold Coast University Hospital.Read the original story here.…
WorkSafe reminds workplaces of the shocking effects of occupational injuries after 61 workers were fatally injured in 2022.The 2022 death toll includes 24 people who were killed in workplace incidents, and 17 who died in work-related vehicle incidents. Another 14 people died from occupational diseases, according to WorkSafe statistics.The figures show…
The NHVR recently released its 2023 Heavy Vehicle Safety Strategy Action Plan which outlines its safety goals for the year.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the Action Plan aims to address existing safety risks in the heavy vehicle industry.“All of the 2023 Action Plan’s deliverables are built on the theme of partnerships,” Mr Petroccitto said.“Through ind…
Entries have opened for the 2023 Comcare National Work Health and Safety Awards across three categoriesThe award categories include Prevention Award, Recovery at and Return to Work Award and Individual Contribution Award.The awards recognise companies and individuals for occupational health and safety excellence, and are only open to businesses operati…
Safe Work Australia is seeking public feedback on a prohibition on the use of engineered stone.The federal safety regulator urges all stakeholders to visit Safe Work Australia’s consultation website Engage to submit their views before 2 April 2023.“Today, Safe Work Australia commenced the next stage of consultation on a prohibition on the use of engine…
A Darwin building contractor is facing industrial manslaughter charges following the death of a worker at a Bayview construction site in April 2020.The man, 60, was fatally injured after he fell about 3.2 metres through a void.NT WorkSafe says it will allege that the contractor ‘recklessly ignored’ warnings about fall from height risks from several con…
With Hearing Awareness Week taking place from March 1st to 7th and World Hearing Day observed on the 3rd of March, it is an important time to focus on hearing safety in the workplace.Hearing loss is a common workplace injury that can significantly impact quality of life but is often preventable.Steps to protect your employees from hearing damageImpleme…
WorkSafe has charged a plastics manufacturer with two breaches of the OHS Act after a worker was struck on the head by a falling machine part in November 2021.The safety watchdog alleges the company failed to ensure a healthy and safe workplace for everyone.It also alleges that the company failed to put in place measures to ensure machinery was safe an…
SafeWork SA has issued a reminder to farmers about the dangers of portable field bins after a worker was seriously injured in the State's mid-north last month.The worker was hit by a bin's spring-loaded handle while changing a tyre.He was flown to Adelaide with critical injuries. SafeWork SA has commenced an investigation into the incident.SafeWork SA…
A worker has died after being hit by a falling object South of Brisbane.The fatal incident occurred in Beaudesert on Wednesday morning.Paramedics found the man critically injured shortly before 10am.He died at the scene.An investigation into the incident is currently underway.Source: ABC News…
Seafood Industry Australia (SIA) in partnership with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) has launched a four-year safety program for the commercial seafood industry."The safety and wellbeing of our industry and its people is paramount, and we need to do everything we can to ensur…
Victoria's safety watchdog is prosecuting a Gippsland company and its sole director after a worker suffered a serious head injury when he was struck by a pipe. The company and the director face charges under the OHS Act for exposing a worker to a serious risk of injury and failing to provide a safe workplace. The filing hearing will take place at Latro…
A NSW court has ordered a roofing company to pay nearly half a million dollars for breaching workplace health and safety laws after a worker was fatally electrocuted and several others sustained injuries in two unrelated incidents in February 2019. Head of SafeWork NSW Natasha Mann said both incidents happened in Moorebank, adding that in one of the in…
The NSW Resources regulator has published its safety report for the last quarter of 2022 to help the industry comply with OHS regulations.The report reveals that no fatal incidents occurred in the NSW mining industry for the quarter of October to December 2022; however, safety incident notifications increased by 11% compared to the previous quarter.The…
WorkSafe has launched an investigation after a man died in a work-related incident at an orchard in Bay of Plenty.The 42-year-old man died on February 18.The deceased man’s family is in shock following the fatal incident.“We are devastated by the loss of our beloved son,” his family said in a statement. The investigation is still in its early stag…
The 2022 WorkSafe Awards winners have been announced at an event in Melbourne attended by about 400 people. The awards recognise companies and individuals who have made a significant contribution to improving workplace health and safety in Victoria.WorkSafe Chief Executive Colin Radford said the safety regulator received 120 entries for the 2022 awards…
The Queensland Government is undertaking an independent review of the state’s workers’ compensation scheme, led by Industrial Relations Commissioner Glenys Fisher and Professor David Peetz, Emeritus Professor of Employment Relations at Griffith University.Under the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003, the scheme must be reviewed at least…
A man died after a truck incident in Wallaroo on Friday morning.The man was fatally injured after he was pinned by the tray of his truck.Emergency crews responded, but the man died at the scene.The incident has been reported to SafeWork NSWThis story was first published here.…
Safe Work Australia has released a new 10-year plan to reduce occupational deaths, injuries and diseases.The Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2023-2033 provides a national framework for creating healthy and safe workplaces over the next decade.Safe Work Australia Chief Executive Officer, Michelle Baxter said, “The Australian Work Health and S…
A Victorian taxi company faces charges after two passengers died when their wheelchairs tipped backwards.WorkSafe has charged the company with four counts under the OHS Act over its failure to ensure the passengers were not exposed to safety risks.WorkSafe alleges that the company failed “to provide and maintain a safe system of work and failed to trai…
SafeWork South Australia has recently published the results of last year’s safety blitz on nature playgrounds in Adelaide.The results reveal that the safety regulator issued more than 60 improvement and prohibition notices following the campaign.SafeWork SA said “Inadequate maintenance of installed play equipment (37), lack of hazard identification (9)…
A New Zealand farmer died in a tractor incident on Monday afternoon.The farmer suffered fatal injuries after rolling a tractor into a stream in Southland.Police and emergency crews responded to the incident just after 3 pm.An investigation is underway following the fatal incident.Read the full article here.…
Every day, we are exposed to a variety of environmental hazards. Some of these hazards are present in our homes, while others are found in our workplaces. It is important to be aware of the environmental hazards that may be present in your workplace so that you can take steps to protect yourself and your employees.There are three main types of environm…
Many people who work in construction lose their lives or are wounded on the job each year. According to Key Work Health and Safety Statistics for Australia in 2022, there were 24 fatalities in the construction industry, with a rate of 2.1 deaths per 100,000 workers. This makes the industry one of the most dangerous in Australia.Safety in the Construct…
SafeWork South Australia reminds workers to observe all rules for operating ride-on lawnmowers after a worker was fatally injured when his ride-on lawnmower tipped over in October 2022."Slopes, drop-offs, ditches, embankments and edges are major factors related to loss-of-control and tip-over incidents, which can result in severe injury or death," Safe…
A traffic controller was transported to hospital after being hit by a vehicle on a New Zealand highway on Friday.The traffic controller was struck while attempting to stop the motorist after he reportedly ignored a road closure sign. Many roads remain closed after a severe storm swept New Zealand's North Island last week.Read the full story here.…
Safe Work Australia has released the latest work-related fatality figures for 2023.The figures indicate that 16 Australian workers have been killed at work since the beginning of this year. Transport, postal & warehousing industry has recorded 8 fatalities, Mining 3 fatalities and Manufacturing 2 deaths.Agriculture, forestry & fishing, Arts &am…
A NSW roofing company was recently sentenced for workplace safety violations after a worker
suffered serious injuries in a roof fall near Wollongong in 2020.
Head of SafeWork NSW Natasha Mann said the company was fined $300,000 in the NSW
District Court for failing to keep workers safe. “The 25-year-old was fitting guttering to the building whe…
A teenage girl was killed in a quad bike incident north of Hobart on Monday, 13 February. Emergency crews responded to the incident at a Bridgewater property around 3 pm.
The girl was airlifted to the Royal Hobart Hospital, where she died. Her pillion rider suffered minor injuries. The incident remains under investigation. This sto…
Safe Work Australia is conducting a survey about the themes and topics of National SafeWork
Month 2023. The federal safety agency encourages workers and employers to take a few minutes to answer
the survey questions.
“This year, we are seeking your thoughts on the 2023 campaign, including the theme, topics
you’d like included and what resource…
SafeWork NSW and NSW Fair Trading are undertaking a safety blitz on residential building sites in the State’s Mid-North Coast to ensure workplaces comply with health and safety regulations.Assistant Building Commissioner Matthew Whitton said these inspection programs aim to ensure buildings in these areas are safe.“Inspectors will be focusing on lookin…
Two workers who fell into a hole at an underground mine in northern Queensland have been found dead.Their bodies were found by rescue workers on Thursday.The miners were reported missing on Wednesday morning after their vehicle fell down a void.Queensland Resources Minister Scott Stewart confirmed the state’s resources safety regulator has launched an…
WorkSafe WA has filed charges against a construction company after two workers were seriously injured when a wall collapsed at a worksite on Rottnest Island two years ago.The safety watchdog has charged the company with failing to provide a safe work environment following the incident.The company is expected in court next month for the first mention.Re…
A South Australian tribunal has fined an asbestos company $150,000 for breach of workplace safety rules under section 32 of the WHS Act 2012 (SA).The charges relate to an incident in which a 58-year-old man plunged through an asbestos roof to his death in March 2021. SafeWork SA said the man 'was working on a crawl board placed over asbestos roof sheet…
Two workers are missing after a mine reportedly collapsed in north-west Queensland.
Ambulance paramedics were called to the scene just after 1.10 pm on Wednesday.
The workers were in a utility vehicle that fell down a 25-metre slope at the underground mine.
Operations at the site have been suspended as search and rescue efforts continue.…
High Temperatures are forecast across Victoria this week, prompting the state's workplace health and safety regulator to issue a reminder to employers about their duty to protect outdoor workers from heat-related illness.With temperatures expected to hit 40 degrees in parts of northern Victoria, WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety Narelle…
WorkSafe Queensland has launched an investigation into a crane rollover on the Gold Coast.The crane tipped over on its side on a motorway near Burleigh Heads on Monday morning.No injuries were reported.Read more here.…
A worker has died after reportedly being crushed by machinery in Perth.The incident happened at a Welshpool workshop on Monday morning.Paramedics attended the incident but were unable to revive the man. WorkSafe is investigating the circumstances that led to the incident.Click here to read the original article.…
A Victorian power station operator has been fined $1.5 million after a worker was fatally burned in an explosion four years ago.During the incident in November 2018, a 54-year-old man was installing a circuit breaker when an explosion occurred. He sustained severe burns and died in hospital the following day.The company plead guilty to three counts of…
Getting a handle on workplace safety, standards, and regulations is one of the essential parts of running a business. Having well-defined WHS policies and procedures can help ensure everyone knows their rights, work health and safety responsibilities, and protocols.What is WHS?WHS, or Work Health and Safety, is the Australian government's regulatory ap…
A traffic controller died after being hit by a truck in Waikato on Sunday morning.Police said the man was directing traffic at a closed highway when he was struck by the truck and fatally injured.WorkSafe NZ is aware of the incident.Read more in the Otago Daily Times.…
A man is dead after a workplace incident in Sydney.The incident happened on Friday morning.At about 6.10am, police were called to a worksite in Badgerys Creek, where the man’s body was found. SafeWork NSW has been notified of the incident.This story was originally published here.…
Queensland’s mine safety regulator recently directed mine operators to take compliance action after a spate of serious incidents involving heavy mobile equipment.The Queensland Resources Safety and Health (RSHQ) said mine operators must implement safety measures to keep workers safe.The directives were issued following three recent incidents in central…
WorkSafe reminds businesses to make safety a priority when working with forklifts after more than 140 workers were injured in forklift incidents in 2022.WorkSafe said, “Forklifts offer a practical way to lift and stack heavy loads but are also one of the most hazardous pieces of equipment found in Victorian workplaces.”“More workplace injuries and deat…
The Federal Government is taking measures to protect workers from dust lung diseases in Australia and eradicate silicosis, a lung disease caused by breathing silica dust.Nearly a quarter of all workers who have been in the engineered stone industry since before 2018 have silicosis.The Australian Government has recently announced that it will provide $3…
WorkSafe WA has charged a mining company for withholding documents relating to sexual harassment.The company faces charges for failing to release documents to WorkSafe in 34 cases of alleged sexual harassment at three WA mine sites. “The Work Health and Safety Act 2020 gives WorkSafe inspectors the right to request that documentation be received within…
A worker is dead after he was hit by a train in Western Australia's Pilbara region. The incident took place at a rail yard in Port Hedland on Tuesday morning.Operations at the site have been temporarily suspended.WA safety regulators will investigate the incident.Source: Perth Now…
Victoria's OHS regulator, WorkSafe, has laid charges against two elevator companies after an apprentice was fatally electrocuted at a West Melbourne apartment.The 21-year-old apprentice electrician was working on a car lift when he was electrocuted in March 2021.The two companies have been charged with workplace manslaughter under the OHS Act.They will…
A light plane has crashed on New Zealand's North Island, killing the pilot.The plane burst into flames after crashing in Taranaki at about 11.45 am on Tuesday morning.Police and fire crews attended the scene.Read the original article here.…
ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards are an internationally recognized standard that helps businesses ensure consistent quality, health and safety, and environmental performance. In Australia and New Zealand, ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards are adopted and modified to meet the specific needs of t…
A man has been seriously injured in a machine rollover on the Sunshine Coast Region.The rescue helicopter was tasked to a private property in Obi Obi on Thursday morning.The man was transported to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital suffering head injuries.He was reportedly in a serious condition.Read the original article here.…
WorkSafe has filed charges against a road safety company after a delivery truck driver was fatally injured at its Gippsland depot in 2021.The 34-year-old man suffered fatal injuries after a metal barrier fell from his truck and struck him.The company faces a total of six charges under various sections of the Occupational Health and Safety Act following…
Preliminary data from WorkSafe NZ indicates that 44 work-related fatalities were reported to the safety watchdog in 2022.The Agriculture industry had the highest number of fatal occupational injuries with 12 fatalities; Transport reported 9 fatalities, while the Construction industry had 6 fatalities.WorkSafe NZ said, "The work-related deaths listed in…
Operating with separate teams and using different safety management systems for each respective area is a scenario observed far too often within organisations. This hindrance causes fragmentation and detachment, leading to many problems, such as inadequate communication, unclear objective, and duplication of effort.Consequently, organisations must have…
WorkSafe NZ urges businesses in flood-ravaged Auckland to make health and safety a priority in the workplace.The safety agency said employers should do what is possible to help workers. They should also discuss their safety plans with employees. “Workers have a right to be kept safe and healthy, whether they are involved in cleaning up or clocking on f…
SafeWork NSW has commenced a compliance campaign focusing on electrical risks in the workplace.Head of SafeWork NSW, Natasha Mann said working near electrical installations, failing to follow electrical wiring regulations and faulty electrical appliances can cause serious injuries. “Tragically a 35-year-old man was killed in Earlwood last year when he…
A Queensland roofing company and its supervisor have recently pleaded guilty to workplace safety breaches after a worker sustained multiple injuries in a roof fall.The worker fell about seven metres from a warehouse roof onto a concrete floor in September 2020.The Richlands Magistrates Court ordered the company to pay a $50,000 fine, while the supervis…
SafeWork SA has accepted an enforceable undertaking from a crane hire company after one of its cranes collapsed on a building site in Adelaide in February 2021.No one was injured during the incident, but SafeWork SA said ‘the psychological impact of such a near miss can still be traumatic for people.’The company will spend over $350,000 on a number of…
The deadline for submitting applications for Round 8 of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI) is fast approaching, and heavy vehicle operators are being urged to apply for federal funding and help improve safety in the industry.The federal government has set aside approximately $4 million to support heavy…
A Gold Coast man suffered a serious head injury after he fell from a roof on Tuesday evening.The man plummeted several metres at the Broadbeach Waters home just before 7pm.Paramedics treated the man in his 50s at the scene before taking him to the Gold Coast University Hospital.He was transported in a serious but stable condition.Click here to read the…
A man sustained multiple injuries following a quad bike incident in Townsville. The man in his 40s crashed his quad bike at Black River on Thursday morning.He was rushed to Townsville University Hospital in a stable conditionRead the original article here.…
A woman has been airlifted to hospital after falling from her horse in South East Queensland Wednesday morning.The woman was riding her horse when the animal reared up and threw her off. The LifeFlight rescue chopper was tasked to the Noosa region shortly before 8.30am.The woman in her 50s was treated at the scene and transported to Royal Brisbane and…
The latest Safe Work Australia figures show 160 Australian workers were killed on the job in 2022.The Transport, postal & warehousing industry leads with 65 fatalities, Agriculture, forestry & fishing comes second with 37 fatalities, while Manufacturing and Construction recorded 17 fatalities each.In 2021, the Transport, postal & warehousin…
Keeping a safe workplace is one of the essential responsibilities of employers and employees alike. Establishing protocols for reporting potential health and safety hazards in the workplace can help prevent workplace injuries and keep workers safe. In this blog, we'll go through how to report health and safety issues in the workplace, providing you wit…
NSW government-owned insurer icare has recently opened a new Dust Diseases Care (DDC) Health Screening Clinic to offer lung health examinations to people who have been exposed to harmful workplace dust across the state.The clinic at icare's Sydney headquarters will help with early detection of dust diseases, monitoring patients' response to treatment a…
A study has found that fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workers in Western Australia are not getting adequate sleep. Researchers from Edith Cowan University analysed sleeping habits in 88 FIFO workers and found that lack of enough sleep reduced their attention by 20 per cent."As humans, we require about seven to nine hours of sleep per night," adjunct associate p…
WorkSafe Victoria reminds employers to prioritise safety in the workplace after 123 companies and directors were fined for violating workplace safety laws in 2022.According to figures released by the safety watchdog, 14 companies were handed six figure fines for violations of the OHS Act in 2022.Victorian employers were fined a total of $5,588,750 for…
WorkSafe Queensland has issued a safety alert after a worker was fatally injured in an incident involving a tractor late last year. WorkSafe said the man was thrown off his tractor and became trapped underneath the vehicle.Preliminary investigations revealed the man was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the incident.The risk of rollover increases…
A Sydney company has been fined $618,750 after two workers fell from height while working at a demolition site in 2019.Head of SafeWork NSW Natasha Mann said the company pleaded guilty to failing to provide a safe workplace for its staff and failing to report the incident to SafeWork."The court heard the 2019 incident happened during the demolition of…
A recent Monash University study has revealed that nearly a third of all paramedics in Victoria have sustained job-related injuries.Researchers found that more than 7500 paramedic injuries occurred over a period of six years, with 28% leading to absence from work.The study also identified manual handling and psychological stressors as the leading cause…
Incidents happen. It's an unfortunate reality of doing business. But in Australia, there's a specific set of guidelines that businesses must follow when it comes to notifiable incidents. In this blog post, we'll run through what counts as a notifiable incident and what you, as a business owner, need to do if one occurs.What Counts as a Notifiable Incid…
A man aged in his 70 sustained multiple injuries after crashing his quad bike northeast of Gympie on Sunday afternoon.The incident happened on a rural property at about 3pm.Paramedics treated the man at the scene before loading him into a LifeFlight rescue chopper.He was later airlifted to Sunshine Coast University Hospital.Read the original article&nb…
A NSW logistics company has been fined for safety breaches that led to the death of a worker more than three years ago.Head of SafeWork NSW Natasha Mann said the company pleaded guilty in the District Court of New South Wales after a truckie was fatally crushed by the deck of a trailer in 2019.“The court heard the May 2019 incident happened when the wo…
The NSW Resources Regulator has published the latest Mine Safety Performance report.The report provides a summary of the state’s mining industry’s health and safety results for 2021–22.According to the report, there were no work-related fatalities in the NSW mining industry during the reporting period. The regulator was notified of 88 serious injuries…
If you own a business, it's essential that you have the proper safety management documents in place to protect both your employees and your company. From Safe Work Method Statements to Standard Operating Procedures, these documents ensure that everyone is aware of the risks involved in their work and knows how to mitigate those risks.Keep reading to le…
A person was flown to hospital in a serious condition following a workplace incident in the Marlborough Region.The worker was transported to Wellington Hospital in a critical condition at around 1pm.WorkSafe will investigate the incident.Source: NZ Herald.…
According to data from Safe Work Australia, there were 10 quad-bike fatalities in 2022.The fatalities include a 93-year-old man who was killed in a quad bike crash in far north Queensland in October.Four of the 10 fatalities occurred in Western Australia, two in Tasmania, while the remaining four were in NSW, Queensland, Northern Territory and Victoria…
WorkSafe QLD has commenced investigations after a woman was seriously injured in an indoor skydiving incident on Thursday afternoon.The 52-year-old woman sustained a serious head injury during the incident at the Brisbane skydiving facility.Paramedics found the woman seriously injured when they arrived at the scene just before 4.30pm.She was rushed to…
A Sydney man suffered a serious arm injury in a grinder incident on Wednesday morning.Ambulance paramedics rushed to Dean Park following reports of a man injuring his arm with a grinder just before 10.30am.The man in his 50s applied a tourniquet to his injured arm to control blood loss.Paramedics treated him at the scene before transporting him to West…
A recent string of concrete placing equipment incidents has prompted SafeWork NSW to issue a reminder to concreters to conduct regular inspections and testing of equipment.Acting Head of SafeWork John Tansey said there are many hazards associated with concrete pours and therefore, concrete pumps must be serviced and inspected prior to commencing work.“…
The NSW Resources Regulator has listed a number of compliance priorities for the next six months.From January to June 2023, the regulator will focus on psychosocial risk in the mining sector, inspection programs, workshops and seminars.The regulator will also be visiting worksites to ensure miners are complying with the WHS (Mines and Petroleum Sites)…
The NSW Resources Regulator has released the schedule for its annual health and safety roadshow for small mines and quarries across the state. The roadshow will be held across 14 locations, including Newcastle, Orange, Wagga Wagga Wollongong and Dareton.NSW Resources Regulator said, "This event provides valuable information and resources to the small m…
NSW Police and SafeWork inspectors will be in Sydney this week to ensure food delivery riders and platforms are following new safety rules. SafeWork NSW Acting Executive Director for Compliance and Dispute Resolution Sarina Wise said the campaign aims to ensure food delivery platforms provide riders with induction training and high-quality personal pro…
The 2022 WorkSafe Awards finalists have been revealed.The awards recognise companies and individuals for their efforts in improving workplace health and safety across the state. WorkSafe Victoria said they received 120 nominations from across the state in 2022.The assessment panel has shortlisted 19 finalists, with winners set to be announced at an eve…
The RACQ LifeFlight Rescue helicopter has flown a man to hospital after he was crushed by a tractor. The incident happened at a private property in the South Burnett region on Saturday afternoon.The rescue chopper was tasked at about 6.20pm.The man, aged in his 60s, was flown to Princess Alexandra Hospital with lower leg injuries.Source: LifeFligh…
Four fatal incidents involving farm vehicles within one month is a reminder to New Zealand farm workers to prioritise health and safety. New Zealand’s workplace health and safety watchdog, WorkSafe says it has been notified of seven incidents involving farm vehicles in the past month.“Sadly, there have been four deaths,” said WorkSafe spokesperson Pa…
A man was freed after being trapped under a quad bike for several hours on Sunday morning.The man was found trapped under the vehicle on Monday morning.Paramedics were called to a property in Monogorilby just after 1.30am to treat the elderly man.They treated the man in his 80s at the scene and took him to Mundubbera Hospital.This story was originally…
As summer begins and temperatures start to rise, it's important for business owners to be aware of the dangers of heat stress in the workplace. Heat stress can lead to a range of symptoms, including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and even death.By implementing some simple policies and procedures, businesses can protect their employees from the dangers o…
A man has been injured after being thrown from a horse while mustering cattle in central Queensland.The man in his 30s suffered chest and spinal injuries during the incident on Thursday morning.He was treated at the scene by ambulance paramedics and later flown to Rockhampton hospital by the RACQ Cap Rescue helicopter in a stable condition. Read the or…
New safety laws requiring food delivery riders in NSW to wear high-visibility PPE provided to them for delivery are now in place.The new laws that took effect on 1 January 2023 also require food delivery platforms to train riders before allowing them to work for their platform. Acting Head of SafeWork John Tansey said, “On 1 January 2023, it becomes la…
Researchers from Monash University have found that people who are away from work for long periods due to a work-related injury or illness have a higher risk of suicide or self-harm.The researchers compared results from 47 studies in 16 countries and found that the risk of suicide was higher among employees with workers compensation claims, on long-term…
SafeWork SA warns workers about the risk of falls when working on roofs after an apprentice electrician suffered broken ribs when he fell from a roof.The apprentice fell 3 metres and landed on a boundary fence during the incident in December 2022.SafeWork SA says that falls from height are the leading cause of notifiable serious injury in the construct…
A NT worker was seriously injured after a sliding gate fell on him late last month.The worker was closing the nine-metre-wide gate manually sliding it when the incident occurred.NT WorkSafe said initial investigations show component failures may have led to the incident.NT WorkSafe said, “the gate motor wasn’t powered due to an issue with the solar pan…
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) reminds operators to check their brakes before starting their journey.NHVR said recent vehicle checks in the Blue Mountains region revealed that 5.2 percent of trucks inspected had defective brakes.NHVR Director of Operations Central Region Brett Patterson said, “A well-maintained braking system with correctl…
WorkSafe reminds employers to ensure machines have adequate safeguards to minimise the risk of amputation injuries.WorkSafe data shows more than 150 body parts were amputated in 2022. The safety regulator accepted 137 claims for amputation injuries during the same period. The manufacturing industry accounted for nearly half of all amputation claims in…
A man is recovering in hospital after falling through scaffolding at a Gold Coast worksite.The man in his 40s fell more than four metres at a worksite in Tugun.He was rushed to Gold Coast University Hospital in a stable condition.Workplace Health and Safety will investigate the Tuesday morning incident.This story was originally published here.…
Tasmania police are reminding motorists to observe speed limits in work zones to protect road workers.The reminder comes after two drivers were caught speeding in road work areas on Monday."Police urge motorists to obey all speed signs, particularly in road-work related areas, and keep our road-workers safe. Pay attention and plan ahead for road-works,…
One person has been killed in a workplace incident in Bay of Plenty. Police responded to reports of a workplace incident in Toatoa at about 10.30 am on Monday.The worker died at the scene, according to police.WorkSafe has been notified.Source: NZ Herald.…
Ambulance paramedics were called to a Gold Coast work site after a worker fell several metres and received serious injuries. The incident happened in Palm Beach on Monday morning.Paramedics treated the man in his 60s at the scene before taking him to Gold Coast University Hospital for further treatment.This story was originally published here.…
A Gold Coast man was injured in a welding incident on Monday afternoon.The man, aged in his 20s, was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital with serious burn injuries.He was transported in a serious condition following the incident at Varsity Lakes just after 2.30 pm.Read the original story here.…
The new year has just passed in, and with it comes the chance to start fresh. For business owners, that means taking a hard look at company safety protocols and ensuring they're up to date. Here at SafetyDocs, we're excited to be back and have new products coming soon that will excite and delight our customers. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let…
A man was seriously injured after his quad bike rolled and trapped him underneath in the South Burnett Regionon Saturday afternoon.The man in his 80s was riding his quad bike at a private property in Ballogie when the incident occurred.Ambulance paramedics arrived at the scene shortly before 3 pm.The man was flown to the Sunshine Coast University Hospi…
Two firefighters suffered injuries while working to contain a house fire in Levin on Saturday afternoon.Fire crews were called to Liverpool St. following reports of a massive blaze.Police said they received information about the fire at around 4.30 pm.One firefighter was taken to Palmerston North hospital, while another was treated at the scene.The uno…
A Victorian health service is facing charges over a patient's death at a Berwick hospital more than five years ago.WorkSafe Victoria has filed charges under the OHS Act, accusing the health service of failing to ensure a patient was not exposed to risk. The health service will appear in court on 2 February 2023. This story was originally published …
The LifeFlight helicopter has airlifted a man to hospital after a tractor incident in the Gympie region on Thursday morning.LifeFlight said the man in his 40s was working on a farm when he was run over by a tractor. He sustained multiple injuries during the incident. The injured man was able to drive himself to a neighbouring property to seek help…
SafeWork NSW reminds workplaces across the State to prioritise safety during the holiday season.Head of SafeWork John Tansey said the busy pre-Christmas period is the most dangerous for workers in the hospitality, transport, retail and construction industries.“With many school leavers and casual workers joining the workforce at this time of year, the d…
A Northern Territory family business has been charged with workplace safety breaches after a gas exploded at a Darwin restaurant, injuring five patrons. The five patrons were cooking their meal on a barbeque appliance when the incident occurred in September this year.WorkSafe has charged the business with six breaches of theWork Health and Safety Act f…
Emergency services were called to Banksmeadow after a man got his leg caught in a conveyor belt on Tuesday morning.NSW Ambulance said a pallet fell onto the man’s leg just after 9.30am.The man in his 50s suffered serious leg injuries following the incident.He was transported to the Royal Prince Alfred hospital for treatment.He travelled in a stabl…
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) reminds heavy vehicle drivers to stay alert on the road and protect their health and wellbeing this festive season.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto urged drivers to watch out for the five signs of fatigue.“As we know, fatigue can impact every individual differently and it’s possible for drivers to be affected ev…
A farmer has been killed in a quad bike incident in western Victoria.The 74-year-old man was using the quad bike to herd cattle at Pirron Yallock when the incident happened on Tuesday morning. WorkSafe confirmed it has opened an investigation into the incident.Originally published on the WorkSafe Victoria website.…
An injured rider has been flown to hospital after his quad bike rolled in South East Queensland.The incident happened at a private property in the Scenic Rim region on Monday morning.The RACQ LifeFlight Rescue helicopter was called to the scene at about 9.30am. The man in his 50s sustained chest and limb injuries.He was airlifted to the Gold…
A man has been killed in a telehandler incident in Western Victoria.The 55-year-old died after being struck by a steel door frame on Thursday afternoon.WorkSafe said the man was moving the large door frame when the incident occurred.An investigation to establish the cause of the incident is ongoing.Source: WorkSafe Victoria website.…
A New Zealand forestry company has been fined a total of $536,000 following a fatal workplace incident near Wairoa two years ago.The man was repairing a harvester head when he was crushed in November 2020.The company was recently sentenced at the Auckland District Court after pleading guilty to health and safety breaches following the incident. WorkSaf…
ISO 45001:2018 Standard is an Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) designed to promote a healthy working environment by providing a framework for identifying, controlling, and managing occupational health and safety risks and opportunities. In addition, it offers a chance to benchmark OHS practices against global best practices.This…
A Victorian hay exporter is facing charges after a worker was killed in a workplace incident in February last year.The 29-year-old worker was fatally injured after he was caught in a bailing machine.WorkSafe has charged the company with two counts of failing to provide a safe workplace, contrary to the Victorian OHS Act.The company will appear in court…
A man has been injured by falling pallets at a Dunedin workplace Thursday afternoon.Emergency services were called to the incident on Eclipse Rd just before 4.30pm.The pallets fell from a forklift and struck the man.He was taken to Dunedin Hospital in serious condition.WorkSafe is aware of the incident.Originally published in the Otago Daily…
Safe Work NSW reminds people visiting rural properties during the festive season that farms are workplaces, urging them to make safety a priority. Acting Head of SafeWork NSW John Tansey said everyone; including family members, visitors and volunteers, has a role to play when it comes to farm safety.“There are many dangers on farms, from silos, ch…
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) reminds all motorists to exercise caution around heavy vehicles during the festive season. Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE) statistics indicate that 165 people have been killed in heavy vehicle crashes this year. NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said, “It’s important that all road use…
A Darwin crane company will spend $63,000 on initiatives that will help improve safety in the construction industry after the Northern Territory workplace health and safety regulator, WorkSafe, accepted an enforceable undertaking (EU) from the company following a 2019 workplace incident.The incident happened at a Palmerston construction site when a 1.8…
Safe Work Australia reminds businesses that Australia is soon transitioning to the 7th Revised Edition of the GHS (GHS 7).From 1 January 2023, all manufacturers and importers of hazardous chemicals will be required to use GHS 7 to classify and label chemicals in Australia. The SDS for existing chemicals should also comply with all GHS 7 requirements.Sa…
A Gold Coast man has been killed in a tractor rollover in Wongawallan on Tuesday evening.Emergency crews were called to the incident at around 5pm. The 49-year-old man died at the scene despite attempts to save him.Read the original article here.…
A young boy has been airlifted to hospital after a quad bike incident in the Western Downs.The boy reportedly crashed his quad bike at a private property on Saturday morning. The RACQ LifeFlight Rescue helicopter landed at the scene just before 11.50am. The boy was treated at the scene before being flown to the Queensland Children’s Hospital.Source:&nb…
New Safe Work Australia data shows 146 Australian workers have so far been killed at work this year. Transport, postal & warehousing, with 62 deaths, has been named as the industry with the most workplace fatalities. The agriculture, forestry & fishing industry comes second, with 32 fatalities, followed by Construction, with 16 deaths.Safe Work…
A Melbourne worker plunged from a crane cabin and became trapped in its tower on Wednesday morning.The man was operating the crane at a worksite in Alphington when he fell.Emergency services immediately launched a rescue operation to free the man.He was transported to the Royal Melbourne Hospital with lower body injuries.Read the original story he…
WorkSafe WA is investigating a fatal workplace incident at a meat processing plant in Katanning. A worker died after becoming trapped in machinery on Saturday afternoon.WorkSafe inspectors visited the scene soon after the incident and returned the following day. Source: Perth Now.…
Safe Work Australia has published the 24th edition of its Comparative performance monitoring report.The report examines trends in WHS and workers’ compensation schemes in Australia and New Zealand.The latest report reveals that WHS authorities issued a total of 57,204 notices in 2020/21, accepted 24 enforceable undertakings and undertook a total of 248…
The holiday season is a beautiful time of year. Unfortunately, each year electrical incidents are caused by faulty or non-compliant electrical equipment, including Christmas lights and decorations. Business owners are responsible for ensuring the safety of their employees, customers, and premises. This includes taking proper precautions when putti…
An injured rider was flown to hospital following a quad bike incident in the Western Downs region on Tuesday morning. The LifeFlight Surat Gas Aeromedical Service (SGAS) helicopter flew to a property north-east of Roma at about 11am.The man in his 30s suffered a suspected shoulder injury during the incident. He was treated at the scene and flown to Rom…
A man is in hospital suffering abdominal injuries after a chainsaw incident in southern Queensland.Paramedics were called to a property in the Southern Downs Region after the incident on Thursday morning.It is believed the man in his 70s was working with the chainsaw at the time of the incident.He was flown to Toowoomba Hospital by RACQ LifeFlight resc…
The NSW Resources Regulator is conducting an investigation after a mine worker suffered a leg fracture during a lifting operation last month. The Regulator said the worker was struck on the leg by a lifting plate attached to an overhead crane. It happened at a coal mine in northern New South Wales. “The worker had finished repairing a haul truck and wa…
Temperatures in parts of Queensland are forecast to reach up to 40 degrees this week and the State Government reminds workplaces to take measures to protect workers.Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace said employers are required by law to protect their workers from heat-related illness. "The sizzling Queensland summer is officially here, and the…
The NSW Resources Regulator's latest quarterly safety report indicates that 159 incident notifications were received between July to September 2022. The report shows no mine-related fatality occurred in NSW during this period.The Regulator says the purpose of the report is to help the industry comply with workplace health and safety rules."As a high-ha…
NT WorkSafe has issued a reminder to workplaces to prioritise safety during the festive season.NT WorkSafe Executive Director Peggy Cheong said many employers are under pressure to meet end-of-year deadlines, and this may force workers to use shortcuts."It's important for businesses to maintain safety as their priority and ensure their workers make it…
The RACQ LifeFlight Rescue helicopter has flown an injured man to hospital following a quad bike crash in Queensland.The rescue chopper was tasked to a private property in the Western Downs region on Saturday evening. The man in his 40s sustained head injuries after rolling his quad bike shortly before 6.30 pm.He was treated at the scene before the res…
Safe Work Australia has released the latest national workers' compensation statistics.The Australian workers' compensation statistics 2020-21 report includes data on accepted serious workers' compensation claims.The report shows 130,195 serious workers' compensation claims were lodged in 2020/21, with 87% being injuries claims.The statistics reveal tha…
Employers across the Northern Territory are urged to protect outdoor workers from heat stress after the Bureau of Meteorology issued a heatwave warning for most parts of the Territory.According to NT WorkSafe, heat-related illnesses include dehydration, heat stroke, cramps, and rashes.The safety watchdog said the symptoms of heat stress include heavy s…
With Christmas just around the corner, many businesses will be hosting their annual Christmas functions. While these functions are a great opportunity for employees to let their hair down and celebrate the year that was, it's important to make sure that they are conducted in a safe and responsible manner. After all, no one wants their Christmas party t…
NT WorkSafe reminds businesses that manufacture or import hazardous chemicals that the two-year transition period from the 3rd revised edition of the GHS (GHS 3) to the 7th revised edition of the GHS (GHS 7) is coming to an end. The two-year transition to GHS 7 began on 1 January 2021 and ends on 31 December 2022.Beginning 1 January 2023, NT businesses…
A video highlighting the importance of farm safety has been released in South Australia.The short video was produced by a farm business after a worker suffered multiple fractures in a skid steer loader incident in 2020. Early this year, SafeWork SA accepted an enforceable undertaking (EU) by the farm business.SafeWork SA said, “Under the terms of the…
The 2022 Work Health and Safety Excellence Showcase Champions have been revealed at a ceremony in Sydney.Head of SafeWork NSW Natasha Mann said the annual awards ceremony at the Maritime Museum recognised businesses that have developed innovative solutions to support workplace health and safety. “Formerly known as the SafeWork Awards, the 2022 Excellen…
Queensland electricity distributor, Ergon Energy is reminding customers about the importance of safety when installing Christmas lights.Ergon Area Manager Matt Hilder said customers should treat Christmas decorations like any other powered devices in the home, adding that these decorations are safe if they’re used properly.“Before installing Christmas…
A Northland company has been fined for safety failings after a worker lost part of his finger in a workplace incident in June 2021.On Thursday, the Whangārei District Court ordered the company to pay a fine of $220,000 and $31,000 in reparations following the incident.WorkSafe said the man’s finger was partially amputated after his hand slipped into a…
The Queensland Government has launched a new safety campaign urging people to ride safely on quad bikes.The campaign reminds Queenslanders that quad bikes are the leading cause of death on farms.Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace said more than 50 people have been killed in quad bike incidents in the last ten years.“Some weren’t wearing helmets,…
Preliminary data from WorkSafe New Zealand shows that as of 4 November 2022, 37 workers have died from workplace incidents this year. Transport, Postal and Warehousing and Agriculture are the most dangerous industries for workers, with eight fatalities each.The construction industry has recorded six fatalities, while Arts and Recreation Services has re…
The NSW Government is calling for public submissions on SafeWork NSW's new plan aimed at enhancing workplace health and safety across the state.Head of SafeWork NSW Natasha Mann said the Government wants to hear from relevant stakeholders, including employers and workers before the launch of the Towards Healthy Work Plan late next year."Prevention of w…
WorkSafe Victoria reminds employers to prioritise health and safety at work during the end of the year festive season.WorkSafe said that during this time of the year, many workers are under pressure to complete projects, warning that this should not be an excuse to compromise on safety.Statistics from the Victorian workplace safety watchdog indicate th…
A company has been ordered to pay millions of dollars by a NSW court after a young worker was killed in a scaffolding collapse at a Sydney construction site in April 2019.The company was fined $2 million after pleading guilty to a Category 1 offence under the WHS Act 2011.Head of SafeWork NSW Natasha Mann said the hefty fine is a reminder to the NSW co…
The Australian Composition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) says that 94 per cent of new quad bikes meet Australian safety standards, more than a year after the new legislation came into force."It's encouraging to see compliance with the standard has improved from 84 per cent in 2021 to 94 per cent this year," ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh said. "It shows…
WorkCover Queensland reminds businesses that it is an offence to operate without workers' compensation insurance.During the month of October, WorkCover Queensland conducted site visits at more than 200 businesses across southeast Queensland and Cairns. Inspectors found that 31 per cent of the businesses had no workers' compensation insurance.WorkCover…
When working around mobile plant, there are a number of dangers that can pose a risk to your safety. It is important to identify and recognise the risks involved so you can put measures in place to minimise the risk of injury. Here are the top ten dangers to be aware of:Moving parts: Many mobile plant devices have moving parts that can cause injury if…
The NSW Resources Regulator has launched an investigation after a worker was seriously injured while moving a piece of machinery at a northern NSW mine.The Regulator said the worker suffered a serious ear injury after being struck by a crossbar he was using to push a securing pin on a bulldozer counterweight early this month.“At the time, the counterwe…