WHS Insider Newsletter - Safety crisis rocks global mega-project

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 hold a worker consultation workshop at RMIT University with The Fair Work Ombudsman to discuss effective consultation and improve workplace safety and health. Link
• Safe Work Australia identify psychosocial risks in employment services as factors related to work conditions, job demands, and employee support. Link
• SafeWork NSW warn that improper handling of lithium-ion batteries can lead to fires or explosions and advises regular inspections for damage. Link
• SafeWork NSW use GovForm's no-code platform to modernise their small business rebate program, integrating AWS AI tools for automated invoice validation and processing. Link
• SafeWork NSW host a Managing Fatigue and Preventing Burnout Summit to address psychosocial hazards in the health care and social assistance sector and plan to publish an Industry Action Report in 2025. Link
• SafeWork NSW report Avant Stone Pty Ltd was fined $450,000 after a fatal incident at their Sydney warehouse due to inadequate safety measures. Link
• SafeWork NSW, led by head Trent Curtin, urges miners to plan for worker safety during the upcoming summer heatwave in New South Wales. Link
• SafeWork NSW investigate fatal accident involving a heavy vehicle at the John Hunter Hospital construction site. Link
• WorkSafe QLD launch a free heat stress calculator to help assess health risks for workers in hot environments. Link
• Dr. Tim Baker, a leadership expert and consultant, speaks at WorkSafe QLD’s Work Well Conference about the importance of tailoring communication to the decision-making preferences of leaders. Link
• WorkSafe QLD announce risks of using high-pressure water hoses on asbestos cement structures will be a key focus during Asbestos Awareness Week. Link
• WorkSafe QLD warn of rising avian influenza risks this migration season and advise on safety measures including PPE and reporting sick birds. Link
• WorkSafe Tasmania implement OneCARD to manage staff capability development records with features like a coding system, search and reporting functions, and customisable terminology. Link
• WorkSafe Tasmania promote career opportunities for WorkSafe Inspectors to enhance workplace safety. Link
• WorkSafe Tasmania emphasise importance of having a solid emergency plan as required by work health and safety laws in their monthly safety spotlight. Link
• WorkSafe Victoria implement changes to occupational health and safety laws to enforce Australia’s ban on engineered stone products. Link
• WorkSafe Victoria Design Practice host Enabling Wellbeing Futures Through Design event. Link
• WorkSafe Victoria sponsor Australian Physiotherapy Association’s 2024 Branch Breakfast, where their Health and Recovery Team raised awareness of initiatives to support clinicians. Link
• WorkSafe Victoria release a checklist for safe asbestos removal During National Asbestos Awareness Week. Link
• WorkSafe Victoria’s team, led by captain Bianca Maher, raise $1,170 for Movember. Link
• Gayle Smith, who worked with WorkSafe Victoria for most of her 25-year career, made significant contributions to occupational health and safety. Link

WHS Compliance

Highlight -  WHS Legal Advisors

Navigating the legal aspects of work health and safety (WHS) can be complex. WHS legal advisors provide specialised guidance on compliance, representation in disputes, and advice on workplace policies to help businesses manage their legal obligations and reduce liability.

Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors (ABLA) - Specialises in employment law and WHS compliance, offering expert advice on legal obligations, policy reviews, and dispute resolution. Link

WHS Information

Accessing reliable work health and safety (WHS) information is essential for Australian businesses striving to create safe and compliant workplaces.

Why work health and safety (WHS) is important to any job

Work health and safety extends far beyond compliance requirements, touching every aspect of our working lives.

Understanding its importance helps create safer, more productive workplaces while fostering a culture of care and responsibility. This comprehensive exploration reveals why WHS matters across all industries and roles. Link

WHS Trends

Staying informed about work health and safety (WHS) trends is vital for businesses aiming to adapt to evolving risks and regulations.

Safety crisis rocks global mega-project

In a stunning development that should send shivers down the spine of every WHS professional, Neom’s CEO has departed amid reports of 21,000 migrant worker fatalities linked to Saudi Vision 2030 projects.

This staggering death toll, emerging from what’s been dubbed the world’s most ambitious construction project, raises alarming questions about worker safety in mega-developments. Link

Moves

• Craig Hickling joins Workplace Health and Safety Queensland as a Senior Investigator from his previous role as Senior Investigator at Queensland Police Service in Australia. Link
• Ashleigh Snape joins WorkSafe Victoria as a Change Manager in Australia, previously serving as a Senior Project Manager at Rip Curl. Link
• Sandra Galvan joins WorkSafe Victoria as the Governance & Planning Lead for the Return to Work Innovations team. Link

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.

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