Don't over-rely on High Court Baiada ruling, lawyer warns; Employers slammed for complacency following fatality alerts; and SWA releases fatality report as WorkCover NSW investigates death.
John Holland Pty Ltd has been handed the maximum OHS fine and made to enter an enforceable undertaking after an employee fell to his death and two near misses went unreported.
The fact that an employer has the legal right to issue safety instructions to subcontractors does not necessarily mean it is required to do so, the High Court has ruled in ordering a retrial of the Baiada "control" dispute.
In a decision that appears to contradict an earlier ruling, Fair Work Australia has blocked an employer from introducing random on-site urine testing for drugs such as cannabis.
Two NSW company directors charged over a workplace death have failed in their High Court bid to have the case against them dismissed based on the landmark Kirk case.
The Federal Court has highlighted the critical role health and safety representatives play in ensuring workplace safety, in blocking a final warning issued to an HSR for alleged misconduct.
The Federal Court has imposed the maximum fine of $242,000 on the manufacturer of the Malu Sara, describing the Commonwealth-commissioned vessel, which took five lives when it sank in the Torres Strait, as "dangerously unseaworthy".
Workers' comp fraudster jailed for at least 12 months; Comcare prosecuting Defence Force, again; WorkSafe WA to target mobile plant and conduct safety forums; and Tasmanian mine safety Code revoked.
Fair Work Australia has rejected an enterprise agreement that offered protective clothing to full-time employees, but not casuals, after finding it could lead to unlawful discrimination and adverse action.
