Safety Bulletin - January 2021
Bill introduced to improve mental health support for workers – Victoria (Psychological Hazards)
The VIC Government has introduced the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Provisional Payments) Bill 2020 to Parliament. The Bill will provide workers with payment to cover reasonable medical expenses for a mental health injury while they wait for the outcome of a WorkCover claim.
Read the Premier’s statement here for more information
Extension of Audiometric Testing Exemption announced – New South Wales (Plant)
SafeWork NSW has extended the exemption for the audiometric testing requirements of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 until 31 December 2021. The extension aims to ensure that persons conducting a business or undertaking have sufficient time to prepare for the implementation of audiometric testing of workers who frequently use personal protective equipment in environments that exceed the noise exposure standard.
View the NSW SafeWork statement here
Consultation and incident notification to be audited – Queensland (Workplaces)
Workplace Health and Safety QLD has announced that inspectors will be auditing businesses to identify failures to notify serious incidents and consult with workers and their representatives. This follows increased non-compliance in these areas.