WorkSafe hired Daniel Andrews former lawyer while it looked into Premier’s office bully claims
A former lawyer for Daniel Andrews was hired by WorkSafe while the workplace watchdog was investigating the Premier’s Private Office.
Laws
Safety watchdog ignored warnings at site where worker died
The NSW government has bowed to pressure to hold an inquiry into the state’s workplace safety regulator SafeWork NSW, after revelations it was slow to act on safety warnings.
Former transport company director fined $14k for destroying driver records
The former director of an SA based transport company has been convicted and fined in a South Australian court after using weed killer to destroy thousands of driver records.
Worker ordered to repay more than $17,000 in worker’s compensation
An Adelaide man has been ordered to repay more than $17,000 after falsely claiming he was too injured to work, while being employed as a farmhand.
Injured support worker wins TPD claim of over $150,000 after slipping in shower
In 2019, a client of ROCHE Legal in their late 50’s was working as a disability support worker. The support worker was unfortunately injured at work when assisting an elderly resident in a well-known disability support and aged care facility take a shower. Specifically, the injury occurred when the support worker slipped in the shower causing the worker to lose balance and twist their knee.
Appeal, bail request dismissed for gig worker convicted of fraud
A District Court Judge has dismissed an appeal and request for bail from a worker who was jailed for defrauding WorkCover by earning thousands of dollars from work while receiving workers’ compensation.
Large Fines for NSW Employers – Failure to comply with Work Health & Safety Act
In two separate cases, the NSW District Court has handed down large fines in fatality matters.
Can an employer escape accountability if the company is in liquidation?
The director of a company in liquidation in Auckland has been ordered to pay $100,000 for reparations following the death of a subcontractor. According to WorkSafe NZ, the subcontractor fell from the roof of a house to a concrete patio while spray painting.
How to Handle A Workplace Complaint
When a worker makes a complaint to their employer, the consequences of mishandling that complaint can be significant.
Investigation after apprentice hung upside down, tormented at work Christmas party
WorkSafe has launched an investigation after a young apprentice was duct-taped to a piece of machinery, hung upside down and then repeatedly slapped by his boss.
Supreme Court favours employee in million-dollar lawsuit over ‘work-induced fatigue’
A recent New South Wales (NSW) Supreme Court decision dealt with the issue of an employee who claimed damages after suffering severe injuries while traveling home from his workplace.
Dismissal for vaccination delay ruled unfair
The Fair Work Commission (FWC) recently found that the Commissioner of Public Employment unfairly dismissed an unvaccinated worker as it failed to allow the worker to obtain specialist medical advice following the worker’s family member suffering a severe adverse reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine.
No employer obligation to provide ‘suitable duties’ to an injured employee indefinitely
Is it acceptable to dismiss an injured worker once all reasonable accommodations and options have been considered? If yes, what exactly is considered reasonable?
Hand sanitiser injures worker
An Adelaide woman has won workers compensation because of a throat injury caused by the use of hand sanitiser at the school she worked at from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Labor has WHS law changes high on their agenda.
The party has promised to review and update the current laws, which were last reviewed in 2001. The aim is to make sure that the laws are up to date and fit for purpose and has said that they mean to make changes to the way WHS laws are enforced in Australia.
