WorkSafe Victoria investigate hotel quarantine security
WorkSafe Victoria is investigating numerous private security firms who were subcontracted to guard guests in the state’s bungled hotel quarantine program.
SKM Recycling fined $115k following worksite accidents
A maintenance worker was dragged up a conveyor belt in a horrific worksite accident at SKM Recycling’s Laverton North site. Now the embattled recycler has faced court for that and another grisly workplace incident.
Cane farmer critical after freak accident
A well-known Hinchinbrook cane farmer who suffered critical head injuries in what has been described as a “freak” workplace accident is in a critical condition.
WorkSafe must investigate those who caused ‘hotel quarantine fiasco’
Victorian Liberal MP Nick Wakeling says if negligence and mismanagement can be tied to the death of a person then prosecutions will be open against those responsible for Victoria’s hotel quarantine bungle.
Electrician killed on job
The heartbroken sister of a Kilsyth electrician who died at work has remembered him as a selfless, hardworking brother who would do anything to support his young family.
Teen injured in horror grinder accident at Qld workplace
A teenager is in a serious but stable condition after being sliced by a grinder in a horror workplace accident in Brisbane.
Qld business owner charged over death
A Queensland business owner has been charged with industrial manslaughter over the death of a worker last year.
Cafe pleads guilty after worker is burnt
The former management and director of the Royal Copenhagen cafe at Brighton SA have pleaded guilty to work safety breaches after a worker was severely burned in 2018.
WA company prosecuted for fatigue breaches
The depot manager of a Western Australian transport company was convicted in South Australia under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) for critical breaches of fatigue regulations according to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).
A mining contractor fined over bee sting death
Indus Mining Services has been fined $60,000 over the death of a contractor who suffered a severe allergic reaction to a bee sting.
Townsville workplace accident
A Townsville resident has been rushed to emergency in a serious condition after a fuel ignited and caused them significant burns at their workplace.
Asbestos removalist gets suspended jail sentence
A South Australian waste removalist convicted of assaulting two environment protection officers has been given a suspended sentence, but his company has been fined $49,000 for illegally storing more than 17 tonnes of asbestos.
Employers mandated to report COVID-19 cases
As at 28 July 2020, employers are required to notify WorkSafe of any confirmed COVID-19 cases within their workplace. They must do so within 48 hours of becoming aware of a confirmed diagnosis.
Tradie ‘bear hug’ costs firm $600K
A site supervisor whose workplace prank backfired horribly and caused a shocking injury has also cost the company a hefty sum.
“playful” supervisor has cost his company a small fortune after workplace “horseplay” landed an employee in hospital with a broken ankle.
Contractors or employees?
A recent court case highlights the difference.
In Jamsek v ZG Operations Australia Pty Ltd [2020] FCAFC 119, the Full Court upheld an appeal that two delivery drivers were employees, not contractors. The Full Court held that, while a contractor relationship may exist in principle, it is the totality and reality of the relationship that will determine whether a person is a contractor or an employee.