Tuesday 6th April 2021

Workplace Health and Safety News: Tuesday 6th April 2021

Welcome to our roundup of workplace health and safety news for Tuesday 6th April 2021. Below, we share updates on the 2021 WorkSafe Awards nominations and a recent Victorian court conviction, both relevant to safety professionals across construction, manufacturing and healthcare sectors.

WorkSafe Victoria Opens 2021 WorkSafe Awards Nominations

WorkSafe Victoria has opened nominations for its 2021 WorkSafe Awards. These awards recognise individuals, teams and organisations that go above and beyond in workplace safety.

As a way to celebrate health and safety and return to work champions, share your safety story today and be recognised for making a difference in workplace health and safety.

Nominations are now open for yourself, a colleague or your workplace across the following categories:

• Worker Return to Work Achievement
• Commitment to Workplace Health and Safety on a Farm
• Workplace Health and Safety Solution of the Year
• Commitment to Prevention of Mental Injury in the Workplace
• Leading Return to Work Practice
• OHS Leadership/Achievement
• Health and Safety Representative of the Year

Entries close Friday 7th May 2021. Enter now, and check the closing date carefully so your submission isn't missed.

More information can be found on the WorkSafe Victoria website.

Manufacturer and Director Fined a Combined $60,000

A Campbellfield manufacturer and its director have been convicted and fined after a worker sustained injuries in 2019. This case offers a timely reminder for organisations reviewing their own workplace health and safety obligations today.

The company and director pleaded guilty in the Broadmeadows Magistrates' Court on 29th March 2021 to two charges, each failing to provide or maintain safe systems of work and failing to provide information and instruction.

The court heard that the worker was crushed by a robotic hoist while attempting to clear a malfunction. Injuries sustained included serious back and leg damage, with restricted duties still in place.

WorkSafe inspectors found interlocks on gates around the hoist had been bypassed, and guards had been removed, allowing access to other dangerous areas.

WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety Julie Nielsen stated, "To remove guarding and deactivate interlock systems shows a blatant disregard for safety and sadly this worker is continuing to live with the consequences."

For more information, visit the WorkSafe Victoria website.

Stay Informed With the Latest Safety News

Keeping pace with regulatory updates helps businesses maintain compliance and protect their workforce. Bookmark this page and share it with colleagues who value staying current with industry news.

For more updates, see our previous coverage from Tuesday 27th April 2021 and Tuesday 20th April 2021, each offering further insight into evolving workplace safety news across Australia.