This major OHS Alert report reviews all the need-to-know workplace health and safety and workers' comp developments from the past few months, including the passage of game-changing Respect@Work laws, numerous WHS amendments, COVID rulings, a state-first workplace manslaughter charge, and a record-smashing reckless conduct fine.
Employers have been reminded of two WHS prosecutions over a heat-stroke death, and of the need to conduct frequent weather-related risk assessments, with temperatures soaring in parts of Australia this week.
One of two company directors charged with failing to exercise due diligence, in relation to a fatal helicopter crash possibly linked to the pilot's alcohol consumption, has entered a WHS undertaking in lieu of prosecution.
In this major report, OHS Alert examines all the must-know WHS and workers' comp developments from the third quarter of 2022, including the introduction of laws and codes tackling psychosocial hazards, wholesale changes to workplace COVID-19 rules, and the launch of safety prosecutions linked to dozens of COVID deaths.
The termination of a long-serving firefighter who refused to disclose his COVID-19 vaccination status while on annual leave has been ruled unfair, with a commission finding his employer embarked on a "well-worn disciplinary path" without carefully considering his correspondence on the issue.