Employers Whacked After Fighting OHS Charges
15 December 2017In a major decision affecting OHS considerations, two employers have been ordered to pay a total of $1.55 million after being convicted of OHS breaches which led to the death of a worker.
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Important information for employers – A recent SA Full Supreme Court clarifies Return to Work transitional provisions
13 December 2017The South Australian Supreme Court has disallowed a regulator to exclude an injured worker from the workers’ compensation scheme via a deeming provision.
Christmas: Your Questions Answered
11 December 2017As silly season rolls around, reasons to go for a post-work drink or two become increasingly apparent.
Work Christmas parties can be great examples of healthy team bonding and a healthy means of giving back to your employees. However, as attempts to maximise the provision of free alcohol can arise and turn dangerous, it is important to ensure correct management procedures are in place.
A 15-fold fine increase set to shake up Queensland’s mines
8 December 2017In light of a recent parliamentary inquiry, Queensland’s maximum mine safety fines for corporations have the potential to increase to nearly $3.8 million, almost 15-fold the original.
A director’s future goes up in flames
6 December 2017The company director of Oil Tech International Pty Ltd could be fined $600,000 or jailed for five years after a worker was engulfed in flames and killed.
An Important Precedent Concerning Dual Liability for Labour Hire
1 December 2017This 2009 case concerns a labour hire company, host employer, and employee engaged as a labourer. Mr Christopher Papadopoulos (Worker) sustained an injury to his lower back during the course of his employment with labour hire company, MC Labour Hire Service Pty Ltd (Employer). The Worker took time off work for surgery and recovery. His Employer did not follow proper procedures in reporting the injury, however, and chose not to refer his Workcover claim to the Insurer despite requirements to do so, pursuant to the provisions of the Accident Compensation Act 1985 (Vic).
Capacity for work must be independently assessed, not assumed
29 November 2017The Fair Work Commission has stressed the importance of obtaining proper medical information when determining a worker’s capacity for work in its recent decision in an unfair dismissal claim.
Employers, here are the five major work health and safety mistakes you could be making
24 November 2017Assuming that compliance equals bureaucracy is just one of the five main mistakes employers are making when it comes to workplace safety, says Occupational Health and Safety Services lawyer Alena Titterton, Clyde & Co Partner.
Enforcing Drug & Alcohol Policies in the Workplace – Employers’ Rights & Responsibilities
22 November 2017Drugs and alcohol in the workplace present a complex issue for employers. Recent cases reinforce the importance of setting appropriate workplace policies and procedures when dealing with the subject, and also reflect the inherent difficulties in enforcing the standards that employers set.
Important information for employers – unions’ input not required to make a deal
17 November 2017The bids of Health Services Union and Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation to stop Dorevitch Pathology from asking its employees to agree to a new enterprise agreement was dismissed by the Federal Court last month.
Important information for employers; reinstatements on the rise
15 November 2017Fair Work Commission members have suggested that a New South Wales pilot program with the intention of accelerating unfair dismissal claims has generated a rise in reinstatements.
Industrial manslaughter law update; vital information for employers
10 November 2017QLD controversial Work Health and Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 passed parliament last month, but not without the incorporation of explicit amendments.