Safety News September 2019 | Safety Australia Group

September 2019
Issue 35

New safety laws to better protect workers in WA

$12.9 million will be invested into new workplace health & safety initiatives in WA. This includes an additional 21 WorkSafe inspectors and a new WHS Bill to modernise workplace safety laws, better protect workers and hold those responsible for any workplace deaths.

The importance of looking out for your mates at work

People working in the construction industry are at a higher risk of suicide than the general population of Australia, with the industry losing a construction worker to suicide every second day in Australia. R U OK? Ambassador and MATES in Construction Field Officer Justin Geange highlights the importance of looking out for your mates on your worksite.

New Guidance for Labour Hire

Safe Work Australia have released a new guide which has practical information for labour hire and host PCBUs on their roles before and during the placement of labour hire workers. Businesses using or providing labour hire should read the guide for information about their WHS responsibilities and consider how the model WHS laws apply to them.

Drug testing in the workplace pro’s and con’s

Drug testing in the workplace remains a controversial topic even though it’s been in existence for years now. Employees insist that drug testing violates their right to privacy, whereas employers assert that they have the right to ensure workplace safety by enforcing a drug testing policy. Workplace drug testing has its own set of advantages and disadvantages and knowing both can help both employees and employers understand the importance.

Be a Safety Champion

Be a Safety Champion… that’s the theme for the upcoming 2019 national safe work month which runs for the month of October. Anyone can be a champion for work health and safety, so now is the time to get organised. A range of free resources are available for use … how will you be a champion?