2025

How failure to consult on workplace policy led to reinstatement of intoxicated worker

Leave a Comment / March 19, 2025 / Fines & Breaches, Laws

The Fair Work Commission (Commission) has reinstated an employee after he was found to have breached a workplace Drug and Alcohol Policy (D&A Policy) in the recent decision Craig Hancock v Sydney International Container Terminals Pty Limited [2025] FWC 516. This case highlights the importance of consulting appropriately with your workforce around policy changes and choosing appropriate methods of communication.

How failure to consult on workplace policy led to reinstatement of intoxicated worker Read More »

Tragic fatal workplace incident

Leave a Comment / March 18, 2025 / Death

Emergency services were called to the scene at Auld St in Eastwood about 8.45am Wednesday.

Tragic fatal workplace incident Read More »

Timber company fined $385,000 over worker injury

Leave a Comment / March 13, 2025 / Fines & Breaches, Injury, Machinery

Media release A timber processing company has been fined $385,000 (and ordered to pay $5976.70 in costs) after a worker was seriously injured in 2022.

Timber company fined $385,000 over worker injury Read More »

Lawyer’s ‘concern’ about Working From Home (WFH) during a cyclone

Workplace Tragedy Does Not Discriminate

Leave a Comment / March 6, 2025 / Death, Fines & Breaches, Injury, Laws, Safety

While transport, construction and agriculture were the deadliest sectors in 2024, workplace fatalities were spread across more than half of all industries and involved dozens of occupations.

Workplace Tragedy Does Not Discriminate Read More »

What happens when workplace rules clash?

Man convicted over $114,000 compensation fraud

Leave a Comment / February 28, 2025 / Fines & Breaches, Laws

A business manager has been convicted and placed on a Community Corrections Order after dishonestly claiming $114,952 in workers compensation payments while secretly working a full-time job.

Man convicted over $114,000 compensation fraud Read More »

Demolition company fined $140,000 after excavator hits powerlines

Leave a Comment / February 28, 2025 / Electrical, Fines & Breaches

An Adelaide demolition company has been convicted and fined more than $140,000 after its excavator brought down a 415 voltage overhead powerline, exposing the operator to risk of death or serious injury.

Demolition company fined $140,000 after excavator hits powerlines Read More »

Electrocuted orchard worker: WorkSafe and coroner at odds about accident

Leave a Comment / February 28, 2025 / Death, Electrical

No-one will know what led orchard worker and grandfather Falaniko Ah Lin to drive a cherry picker into a 33,000 volt overhead power line.

Electrocuted orchard worker: WorkSafe and coroner at odds about accident Read More »

Two companies fined $415,000 after fatal workplace accident

Leave a Comment / February 24, 2025 / Death, Driving, Farming, Fines & Breaches

The death of a 70-year-old worker on his second shift in January 2022 has led to hundreds of thousands of fines against two companies for their work health and safety negligence.

Two companies fined $415,000 after fatal workplace accident Read More »

Dodgy Crane Safety Inflicts Misery For Teen Worker

Leave a Comment / February 23, 2025 / High Risk Work, Injury, Machinery

Old equipment repurposed by businesses must be safe to use, WorkSafe New Zealand says, following sentencing of a Rotorua company whose modified crane became a weapon that changed the life of a teenage contractor.

Dodgy Crane Safety Inflicts Misery For Teen Worker Read More »

Minns Labor Government to establish SafeWork NSW as a standalone regulator

Leave a Comment / February 20, 2025 / Laws, Safety

The NSW Minns Labor Government will continue its mission to ensure workers have strong laws and a tough regulator on the beat by introducing a bill into the NSW Parliament to establish SafeWork NSW as a standalone regulator.

Minns Labor Government to establish SafeWork NSW as a standalone regulator Read More »

Without warning – pilot incapacitation

Leave a Comment / February 18, 2025 / Death, Heights, Injury, Machinery, Safety

The poets and philosophers are right: life is fragile, so take care of yourself. This particularly applies to pilots who hold the lives of others literally in their hands.

Without warning – pilot incapacitation Read More »

WorkSafe is reminding employers about controlling risks associated with using ozone generating machines.

Leave a Comment / February 14, 2025 / Injury, Safety

A laundry within an aged care facility uses an ozone generator to clean clothes and sheets in cold water, killing bacteria and viruses.

WorkSafe is reminding employers about controlling risks associated with using ozone generating machines. Read More »

Labour hire company fined $415,000 after worker’s death

Leave a Comment / February 11, 2025 / Death, Farming, Fines & Breaches

A labour hire company has been convicted and fined a total of $415,000 after a fruit picker died following a fall from a moving trailer during his second shift with the company.

Labour hire company fined $415,000 after worker’s death Read More »