Safety Bulletin - August 2021

Australia – Amendments for Respect@Work recommendations introduced

The Australian Government has introduced an amendment Bill to parliament to implement six recommendations made by the Respect@Work Report to address sexual harassment. If the Bill is passed, Fair Work Act 2009 provisions for bullying would be extended to sexual harassment, sexual harassment would be clarified as a valid reason for dismissal, and more workers would be covered under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984.

Read the Australia Government’s media release here for more information. 

NSW – Ongoing construction safety blitz continues

SafeWork NSW has announced it is continuing to conduct ongoing construction safety blitzes across the State. The regulator may issue on-the-spot fines of $3,600 for corporations and $720 for individuals if inadequate falls protection is identified. During June, SafeWork inspectors visited 98 sites, and issued 115 notices and 5 fines for unsafe workplaces.

See SafeWork NSW’s press release here