As we approach the halfway mark of the National Return to Work Strategy 2020–2030, Safe Work Australia (SWA) is calling for feedback to help shape the future for return to work outcomes. Launched in January 2020, this 10-year Strategy aims to enhance return to work (RTW) outcomes for workers who have experienced a work-related injury or illness by minimising the impact of these incidents and supporting a safe, sustainable return to the workplace. Continue reading
The latest statistics from Safe Work Australia reveal a sobering picture of workplace health and safety in the country, highlighting persistent challenges that workers face. According to the Key Work Health and Safety Statistics Australia 2024 report, 200 Australian workers tragically lost their lives due to work-related injuries in 2023, a slight increase from the 195 fatalities reported in 2022. Continue reading
Workplace and work-related violence and aggression have become significant concerns across Australia, according to the latest report from Safe Work Australia, Workplace and work-related violence and aggression in Australia. As the nature of work evolves and stressors intensify, this issue has seen a sharp rise over the last five years. The report highlights key data, emerging trends, and the industries most at risk, while offering insights into how employers can take proactive steps to address these challenges. Continue reading
As Australia navigates ongoing workplace safety challenges across its diverse environments, health and safety committees (HSCs) are crucial for fostering a culture of safety and cooperation between employers and employees. With workplace safety statistics highlighting persistent issues, the significance of proactive HSCs cannot be understated. Research has shown that collaboration and comprehensive training can significantly reduce injuries and cultivate a culture of care and safety within the workplace. Continue reading
A toolbox talk of a different kindWorkSafe VIC charged a company director for driving a ute with a teenage apprentice in a toolbox. The incident occurred in February 2022, when a 19-year-old apprentice was told to lie down inside the toolbox, which was mounted on the back of the ute, before the vehicle was driven from Tolmie to Mansfield in Victoria.
Historic Day for NSW as the Industrial Manslaughter Bill is passedNSW is the last mainland Australian state to make industrial manslaughter an offence. After 20 years of campaigning by families, friends, and unions whose members have been killed at work, the Industrial Manslaughter Bill passed NSW Parliament on 20 June 2024.
Good Safety is Always Good Business – Our Top Reasons WhyGood safety performance is integral to protecting employees and is a fundamental aspect of a responsible and successful organisation. Robert Keft from Safety Australia Group explores why good safety performance is vital for any organisation.
Frontline Health Workers Call for Action on Hospital ViolenceA survey of Queensland Health workers has revealed that close to 70% of staff have either been assaulted or witnessed an assault in the workplace. Politicians are being called to act as frontline health workers feel unsafe in our public hospitals.
Early Intervention in the Worker’s Compensation ProcessA new independent research report by The Monash University examines different approaches to early intervention in workers’ compensation in Australia and what works to reduce recovery times and improve return to work outcomes for injured workers.
Recruitment & Contractors | Consultants | Training
WHS Training Courses Available
WHS Awareness
WHS/OHS Awareness for Managers
Safety Committee Training
Psychosocial Hazard Awareness Training
Due Diligence for Officers
Safe Work Australia has published an independent research report by Monash University titled “Early Intervention in the Workers’ Compensation Process.”
This report evaluates various early intervention approaches in Australia’s workers’ compensation system, focusing on methods to reduce recovery times and enhance return-to-work outcomes for injured workers.
The research involved consultations with stakeholders from the workers’ compensation and return-to-work sectors, an environmental scan, and a review of both national and international literature.
The findings will contribute to the National Return to Work Strategy 2020–2030.
For more information download the report from the Safe Work Australia website.
After 20 years of campaigning by families, friends, and unions whose members have been killed at work, the Industrial Manslaughter Bill passed NSW Parliament on 20 June 2024.
NSW is the last mainland state to make industrial manslaughter an offence.
Since 2019 more than 300 workers have been killed in NSW. The new Industrial Manslaughter law will give prosecutors the ability to hold a business or individual responsible for the death of a person due to gross negligence in the workplace.
The maximum penalty will be 25 years jail for an individual, which is consistent with the existing maximum penalty for manslaughter in the NSW Crimes Act.
There will be a maximum penalty of $20 million in fines for a body corporate, the highest in Australia.
It will be supported by a new unit established in the NSW Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The new law does not create new work health and safety obligations or duties for employers but creates a strong new offence to deter unsafe practices and strengthen accountability.
The Government consulted widely before introducing the bill and the bill was supported by an overwhelming majority of the Parliament.
Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said “This is an historic moment for worker safety in New South Wales.”
The laws introduce a significant deterrent for those individuals in the workplace who continue to risk the health and safety of workers.
Ms Cotsis went on to say “We want those responsible for workplace safety – who are responsible for the lives of their workers – to take that role with utmost seriousness”.
The passing of the industrial manslaughter bill is a huge milestone for the Families and Injured Workers Support and Advisory Group (FIWSAG) who have been advocating and lobbying for industrial manslaughter to finally be accepted and become law.
The Co-Chair of SafeWork FIWSAG Jacqueline Quinlivan said “This has been such a long time coming, but we can now say we have the industrial manslaughter laws that are required”.
Today saw tributes and dedications to loved ones, with FIWSAG member Dave White said “Whilst this won’t bring back our loved ones who’ve been lost in workplace incidents, this passing of the bill may save other families from having to endure the grief and pain of losing someone who never came home from work.”
The Unseen Pillar of Organisational Success: Why Safety Performance Matters
I find it interesting that clients’ reasons for needing WHS (Work Health and Safety) Consultancy and Training Services vary greatly on a day-to-day basis, but here is my summary on why good safety performance is vital for any organisation:
Impact on Human Well-being
Boosting Productivity
Cost Reduction
Enhancing Reputation
Legal Compliance
Risk Management
Overall, emphasising safety performance is vital for safeguarding human life both physically and psychologically, boosting productivity, cutting costs, complying with regulations, and upholding the reputation of organisations.
If you would like to find out more about managing physical and psychosocial hazards in your workplace, we offer training and consulting services to cover these important areas.
Get in touch today on 1300 585 128 or visit our Safety Training Australia and/or Safety Consultants Australia websites.
A survey of Queensland Health workers by the Australian Workers’ Union has revealed the massive extent of violence in our public hospitals, with the union calling on politicians to act on the issue.
The survey has revealed that close to 70% of staff have either been assaulted or witnessed an assault in the workplace.
The survey was conducted between January and April this year and received 1,279 responses, representing the views of workers from 114 Queensland Health facilities across the State.
AWU Queensland Secretary Stacey Schinnerl said that Queensland Health is not giving workplace violence the attention it deserves.
“Our frontline health workers deserve to feel safe in the workplace, but right now our public hospitals are anything but safe,” Ms Schinnerl said.
“The rate of violence being reported by staff wouldn’t be acceptable in any other sector.”
The key issues identified by workers include a lack of protective equipment for security and staff, training that isn’t fit for purpose and a deficit of security staff in hospitals across the State.
Ms Schinnerl said that workers are putting forward five common-sense measures to Government that would help mitigate the violence they are experiencing.
“Our entire workplace health and safety system is built on the premise that workers know best when it comes to their safety at work,”
“Our members have put together a common-sense plan to address the violence they are experiencing in their workplace,”
“We will be putting this plan to Government, Queensland Health and members of Parliament this week – it’s time for our politicians to work together and act on this issue.”
Source: AWU, May 2024
WorkSafe VIC has charged a company director for driving a ute with a teenage apprentice in a toolbox. The incident occurred in February 2022, when a 19-year-old apprentice was told to lie down inside the toolbox, which was mounted on the back of the ute, before the vehicle was driven from Tolmie to Mansfield in Victoria. Continue reading
