A worker's failure to disclose to his employer that he had a longstanding physical limitation, and was suing the UK's National Health Service for causing the condition, constituted a breach of his duties under safety laws and provided a sound reason for his dismissal, a commission has found.
In a case examining PCBUs' disclosure obligations, a tribunal has rejected a request for risk assessments and other documents by four workers, who claimed they were the victims of WHS discrimination relating to their employer's COVID-19 vaccination policy.
A man has been convicted and fined for his role in a workplace safety incident, which was linked to his reliance on verbal rather than physical controls and led to a labourer being struck by a swinging crane load.
A study of a relatively young worker with a 10-year history of forgetfulness and decreasing mental functions has highlighted the significant risks posed by a common workplace substance, the need to closely monitor the health of staff, and the immediate benefits of compliant safety controls.
An injured worker has failed in his appeal for damages, unsuccessfully contending his employer had a duty to warn him to keep his hands free so he could use a handrail on a set of "inherently dangerous" steps.
A court has convicted and fined an employer $450,000 for failing to provide a safe workplace, resulting in an "entirely foreseeable" death, and reminded companies that safety laws require them to proactively prevent and address safety risks, rather than waiting for near misses to alert them to dangers.
Ahead of Workers' Memorial Day, and in light of the recent stabbing deaths at Westfield Bondi Junction, employers have been urged to ensure they always have clear emergency safety plans in place, and provide workers with access to psychological support services.
An appeals bench has upheld a finding that a worker's failure to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine while she was injured amounted to a breach of her return-to-work duties and warranted her benefits being cut.
