Bulletin

Safety Bulletin - April 2021


Queensland – Review of Electricity Act commenced

The QLD Government is undertaking a review of the Electricity Safety Act 2002 and is seeking public feedback on an issues paper. The review aims to ensure that the laws are setting high standards in safety, align with work health and safety legislation, and allow for new and emerging energy technologies. It is expected that any findings and recommendations will be presented to the QLD Government in December 2021.

 

Visit the WorkSafe QLD electrical safety laws page for more information.

 

Read about the review in Worksafe QLD’s eSAFE Electrical Bulletin.


New South Wales – Safety blitz of construction sites to continue

SafeWork NSW has announced that it will continue to visit construction sites after a safety blitz across regional NSW resulted in the issue of 96 notices, eight on the spot fines, 16 prohibition and 72 improvement notices. Fines of up to $3,600 were issued for falls risks, as well as prohibition and improvement notices for failure to manage moving plant and risks from falling objects.

 

See SafeWork NSW’s media release here.


Victoria – Legislation to ensure prompt resolution for workers’ compensation disputes introduced

The VIC Government has introduced the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Arbitration) Bill 2021 to Parliament following a recommendation from a report by the Victorian Ombudsman into the management of complex workers’ compensation claims. The changes will enable the Accident Compensation Conciliation Service (ACCS) to make binding determinations on workplace injury disputes that have not been solved by conciliation, thereby ensuring that these disputes are resolved more quickly.

 

Read the Premier of Victoria’s press release “Faster and Fairer Outcomes for Injured Workers”.