WHS Insider Newsletter - AI-driven vehicle inspections raise red flags
In a concerning issue for workplace health and safety professionals, the explosive growth of artificial intelligence in vehicle safety inspections is creating unprecedented compliance challenges that many organisations are dangerously ...
The WHS Insider Newsletter is sent out every Monday to work health and safety professionals and executives across Australia. Email it to co-workers and team members to stay up to date with Australian WHS laws and regulations.
Was this issue forwarded to you? Subscribe now
WHS Updates
- Safe Work Australia release Key Work Health and Safety Statistics Australia 2024 report, revealing 200 worker fatalities in 2023 and a 19.2% increase in mental health condition claims from 2021-22. Link
- Joanne Farrell, Chair of Safe Work Australia, speaks at the Australian Institute of Health & Safety Western Australia Symposium about embedding WHS through legislation and strategic focus. Link
- SafeWork NSW establishes a Silica Compliance Team to enforce the national ban on engineered stone, conducting 118 inspections and issuing 125 improvement notices since September 2024. Link
- SafeWork NSW report a serious incident involving a 21-year-old labourer who sustained burns while refuelling a pressure washer, emphasising the need for strict safety measures. Link
- Jim Kelly from SafeWork NSW participates in workplace mental health discussion in Episode 3 of Lessons From Leaders released on November 20, 2024. Link
- Workplace Health and Safety Queensland implement legislative recommendations from the 2023 review to improve workers’ compensation processes, including new penalties and requirements for employers, effective from January 2025. Link
- Workplace Health and Safety Queensland features Professor Drew Dawson discussing workplace fatigue misconceptions and management at the Work Well Conference. Link
- WorkSafe Victoria fine a Geelong dive company $40,000 after an exploding scuba cylinder injured an instructor and damaged a building. Link
- WorkSafe Victoria investigate a death after a woman died in an all-terrain vehicle accident near Daylesford. Link
- WorkSafe Victoria’s Design Practice named finalist in the Service Design category at the Creative Victoria Premier Design Awards on November 21. Link
- WorkSafe Victoria’s Design Practice host a workshop on the future of work and wellbeing during Geelong Design Week on November 26. Link
- WorkSafe Tasmania is promoting National Asbestos Awareness Week, urging homeowners to check for asbestos before renovating homes built or renovated before 1990. Link
WHS Compliance
Highlight - Training Providers
WHS training equips workers with the knowledge and skills to operate safely and minimise risks. Training is mandatory in many industries, such as construction and healthcare, and is delivered through accredited providers.
Safety Training Australia - Specialises in nationally recognised WHS training courses, including White Card construction induction, manual handling, and first aid. They offer in-person and online training options. Link
WHS Information
Accessing reliable work health and safety (WHS) information is essential for Australian businesses striving to create safe and compliant workplaces.
What is WorkCover in Australia?
WorkCover is a crucial part of Australia’s worker protection system, providing a safety net for employees who suffer injuries or illnesses in the workplace.
While most Australians are familiar with the term, many don’t fully understand its scope until they need to make a claim. This comprehensive guide explores the intricacies of WorkCover and reveals some lesser-known aspects of this vital workers’ compensation scheme. Link
WHS Trends
Staying informed about work health and safety (WHS) trends is vital for businesses aiming to adapt to evolving risks and regulations.
AI-driven vehicle inspections raise red flags
In a concerning issue for workplace health and safety professionals, the explosive growth of artificial intelligence in vehicle safety inspections is creating unprecedented compliance challenges that many organisations are dangerously unprepared for.
Industry insiders suggest that by mid-2025, up to 40% of commercial fleet inspections could be conducted by AI systems, dramatically reducing human oversight. While this promises significant cost savings, it creates a perfect storm of potential safety gaps that could leave employers legally exposed. Link
WHS Moves
- Jin Zhou joins Safe Work Australia as Assistant Director Research & Engagement, previously serving as Manager at KPMG Australia. Link
- Asim Chohan leaves SafeWork NSW was the Manager - Safety Systems Auditing, Interventions & Assurance, to join DP World as the Senior Manager (Process Safety) - Oceania - APAC in Australia. Link
- Aneesh Nair joins WorkSafe Victoria as Principal Enterprise Architect, previously serving as Enterprise Architect - Applications & Integration at Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner in Australia. Link
- Wes Hartley from WorkSafe Victoria has taken a secondment opportunity with the Psychosocial Inspectorate. Link
WHS Jobs
- Safe Work Australia seek an Assistant Director in their People Strategies and Corporate Services teams, as announced by Rahul Chandrasekar, Director of Corporate Services. Link
- Workplace Health and Safety Queensland seek a Principal Inspector (AO6) in Roma with a salary range of $117,537 - $125,531 per annum. Link
Thank you for reading this issue of the WHS Insider Newsletter. Email it to co-workers and team members to stay up to date with Australian WHS laws and regulations.
Gain peace of mind with a Professional or Enterprise subscription. Unlock premium content with a risk-free 7-day trial. Start today. Cancel anytime. Link
