WHS Insider Newsletter - AI workforce safety dangers
After months of carefully crafted messaging about AI augmenting rather than replacing workers, Microsoft has boldly declared what many work health and safety professionals have privately ...
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.
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WHS Updates
- Safe Work Australia release the annual Comparative Performance Monitoring report showing over $41 million in fines from 364 legal proceedings in 2022-23. Link
- Safe Work Australia host a delegation from China's Special Equipment Safety Supervision Bureau to discuss Australia's WHS framework and high-risk plant management. Link
- Safe Work Australia promote managing cold stress through risk assessment, safe work practices, and environmental controls to protect workers. Link
- Safe Work Australia’s CEO Marie Boland chairs a Retail Employee Safety Council meeting addressing a 56% rise in workers' compensation claims for workplace violence since 2017-18. Link
- SafeWork NSW release a safety alert addressing risks in formwork installation and emphasising compliance with WHS legislation. Link
- SafeWork NSW fine DNA Rooftiling Services Pty Ltd $4,000 for failing to respond to a notice without a reasonable excuse. Link
- Diona Pty Ltd v SafeWork NSW decision clarifies that principal contractors are not responsible for all safety matters, with SafeWork NSW issuing an improvement notice to Diona for alleged non-compliance. Link
- Workplace Health and Safety Queensland host a screening of “Conquering Skin Cancer” with Janine Lees from their Healthy Workplaces team at Event Cinemas Brisbane City. Link
- Workplace Health and Safety Queensland warn against cutting into drums with unknown or flammable contents to prevent fire hazards. Link
- Workplace Health and Safety Queensland announce the launch of a new electrical licensing system. Link
- WorkSafe QLD update its advisory services, now offering a free, confidential, and independent call-back support service for workers and a dedicated advisory service for employers. Link
- WorkSafe Tasmania investigate a carbon monoxide poisoning incident involving a teacher and two students at a TasTAFE automotive workshop. Link
- WorkSafe Victoria win the Silver Award for Active Physical Environment at the 2024 Active Workplace Awards for initiatives like strategic office leasing, sit-to-stand desks, and lunchtime physical activity classes. Link
- WorkSafe Victoria advise farmers to prepare a recovery kit and assess risks before using heavy machinery on potentially boggy soil. Link
- WorkSafe Victoria investigate an incident where a person was injured by machinery on a farm in Leongatha on December 10, 2024. Link
- WorkSafe Victoria investigate the death of a truck driver during document collection in Pakenham. Link
- WorkSafe Victoria fine a Woorinen South fruit grower $750,000 after a fruit picker died from a fall off a moving trailer. Link
WHS Compliance
Highlight - First Aid and PPE Suppliers
Workplace first aid and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential for reducing workplace injuries. Reliable suppliers provide the necessary gear to safeguard employees from hazards specific to their roles and industries.
Blackwoods - A leading supplier of workplace essentials, including PPE such as safety boots, gloves, helmets, eyewear, and respiratory protection. They cater to a wide range of industries. Link
WHS Information
Accessing reliable work health and safety (WHS) information is essential for Australian businesses striving to create safe and compliant workplaces.
SafeWork NSW
SafeWork NSW stands as the state’s workplace health and safety regulator, serving as a cornerstone of occupational safety across New South Wales.
This government body operates under the NSW Department of Customer Service, playing a vital role in ensuring the wellbeing of workers and businesses throughout the state. 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 workforce safety dangers
After months of carefully crafted messaging about AI augmenting rather than replacing workers, Microsoft has boldly declared what many work health and safety professionals have privately feared - AI systems like Copilot are explicitly designed to reduce headcount and slash labour costs.
This seismic shift in corporate messaging sends shockwaves through Australian workplaces, where WHS implications loom large. As companies rush to deploy AI systems, we’re seeing unprecedented pressure on remaining workers to maintain productivity with skeleton crews.
The mental health toll is mounting as employees face increased workloads, job insecurity, and the stress of constant adaptation to AI systems. Link
WHS Moves
- Josh McGaw joins Workplace Health and Safety Queensland as a Senior Investigator, previously holding the same position at WorkSafe Victoria. 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
- Dyers Distribution seek a Work Health and Safety Officer in Morwell. Link
- Nine seek a Health and Safety Business Partner in Sydney. 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.
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