Browsing: Workplace safety representatives | Page 6

• Vaccine mandate satisfies safety consultation duties; and
  
• FIFO workers directed to get the COVID jab in WA.

• WHS regulator shuts sites for COVID breaches, calls in police; and
  
• Passed OHS laws increase deterrent effect of tough penalties.

• Major safety Bill passes without photograph amendments; and
  
• SWA and regulator tackle deadly risk with WHS guide and alert.

Employer SPC has hit back at claims it failed to consult workers on its mandatory COVID-19 vaccination regime, stressing the mandate is a "business decision" to ensure the health and safety of staff and others.

A commission full bench has upheld a finding that a health and safety representative was not entitled, under WHS laws, to be paid for attending the disciplinary meetings of a colleague, and his illegitimate attempt to claim this payment was an "abuse" of a "vitally important role".

Employers will face fines of up to nearly $300,000 for entering into insurance contracts against workplace health and safety fines, under one of a series of safety amendments introduced in Victoria.

Many Australian workers believe acts of workplace violence are just "part of the job" and choose to "forget" incidents instead of reporting them, making the issue difficult to address, WorkSafe Victoria's safety boss tells OHS Alert.

• Workplace masks mandatory for "circuit breaker" lockdown;
  
• Cash to oversee WHS again; and
  
• Guide to electing HSRs for "multi-PCBU" groups released.

The World Health Organisation's workplace health and safety guidelines for COVID-19 are "unacceptably complacent" in parts and overlook evidence on workplace outbreaks, according to an occupational health academic, who fills in some of the "gaps".

A new WHS Code of Practice has provided PCBUs with clear guidance on their duties to consult with workers, health and safety representatives and other businesses in a COVID-19 context. Meanwhile, Comcare has produced a "micro-learn" video on using face masks at work in the pandemic.