Browsing: Workplace safety representatives | Page 5

Two union organisers who intentionally obstructed work over safety concerns - including the location of toilets - were in breach of the Fair Work Act, the Federal Circuit and Family Court has ruled, finding none of their imminent-risk concerns were valid.

A NSW WHS Bill enabling nationwide criminal record checks of safety representatives has passed Parliament without amendment, despite warnings that the new laws place "no limits" on a minister's powers to veto an elected representative.

• Criminal checks of safety representatives enabled by NSW WHS Bill; and
  
• Injury-surveillance crackdown agreed to in Vic, in principle.

An employer's anti-bullying and grievance procedures require intervention by a WHS regulator because they lack processes to ensure they are timely and don't cause psychological injuries to those involved, a commission has found.

A major employer's conduct towards a health and safety representative after a safety meeting has been slammed by a tribunal, in throwing out the company's reasonable action claim.

Rio Tinto's toxic workplace culture of bullying, s-xual harassment and racism is the legacy of a system where career progression hinges on the discretion of direct supervisors and workers fear raising issues, according to a union group.

A five-member Fair Work Commission bench has detailed activities that do and do not constitute consultation with the meaning of the model WHS laws, in finding BHP failed to properly consult its workers before imposing a COVID-19 vaccination mandate at one of its NSW sites.

The duty of employers to consult with workers and health and safety representatives on hazards, risks and control measure extends to identifying and addressing cultural and language barriers, according to updated guidance released for feedback.

• WHS discrimination charge follows COVID suspension; and
  
• Employer fined $230k for pinch point breaches.

Properly ventilating work areas is a key precaution against COVID-19 as more workers return to the normal workplace, according to a wide range of resources released for health and safety representatives and others.