QLD
Worker seriously injured falling from trailer
October 04, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
October 04, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
In August 2020, a truck driver suffered serious injuries falling from his trailer. Read More
eSAFE Rural - September 2020
October 04, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
October 04, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
In this edition: Outstanding school artwork featured in 2021 Farm Safety Calendar; $16,000 fine after farm worker gets electric shock; Dangers of plants touching powerlines; New record-keeping and training requirements for chemical use; Simple changes at grass roots help boost farm safety and more… Read More
Ardent Leisure Limited fined $3.6m over Dreamworld fatalities
October 04, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
October 04, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
After pleading guilty, Ardent Leisure Limited has been sentenced in the Southport Magistrates Court in relation to Thunder River Rapids Ride tragedy at Dreamworld on 25 October 2016, where four people lost their lives. Read More
Outstanding primary school artwork featured in 2021 Farm Safety calendar
October 04, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
October 04, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
The creative works of a dozen Queensland primary school students from Prep through to Grade 6 will appear in the 2021 Farm Safety calendar following a competition run by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland. Read More
Fall from earthmoving machinery
October 04, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
October 04, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
In August 2020, a man suffered serious injuries after falling from an earthmoving machine he was apparently doing maintenance on. Early investigations indicate the man fell while exiting the machine. Read More
$800,000 fine over workplace burns fatality in Yatala
October 04, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
October 04, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
Yatala based Oil Tech International Pty Ltd was recently fined $800,000 over a workplace incident in which a man was burnt to death. Read More
Farm worker dies in quad bike incident
October 04, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
October 04, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
In July 2020, a farm worker died after he lost control of a quad bike. It appears he attempted to avoid a kangaroo and lost control of the vehicle. Read More
Serious injuries – falling hay bale
October 04, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
October 04, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
In July 2020, a truck driver received serious injuries after being struck by a hay bale. Early investigations indicate hay bales were being unloaded by a forklift while the truck driver was doing something else, when for reasons yet to be established, a bale fell and struck him. Read More
ESO warns rogues in electricity industry – no licence, no work!
October 04, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
October 04, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
Following successful court action recently, the Electrical Safety Office is warning rogue operators against performing electrical work without an appropriate licence. Read More
Electricity Safety Week begins
October 04, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
October 04, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
Electricity Safety Week (7-11 September) is Queensland’s annual reminder that while electricity helps power up our everyday lives, it can also be deadly. Read More
Blitz on unlicensed electrical work and bogus advertising
October 04, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
October 04, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
The Queensland Government is stepping up its blitz on unlicensed operators advertising through online marketplaces like AirTasker to do home electrical tasks illegally. Read More
Worker’s arm crushed by excavator
October 04, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
October 04, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
In June 2020, a worker suffered crush injuries to his arms and hands after an excavator bucket collided with waste oil drums while he was preparing to attach lifting equipment. Read More
eSAFE - August 2020
October 04, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
October 04, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
In this edition: Ardent Leisure pleads guilty, New quad bike safety standard to reduce risks; Case study: All Access Crewing – managing on site traffic; $50,000 fine for Second Range Crossing concrete pump truck tip; New guidance on managing fatigue; New Work Health and Safety Board members; Respirable crystalline silica dust compliance campaign launch; and […] Read More
$40,000 fine over workplace amputation in Crestmead
October 04, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
October 04, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
A sheet metal fabrication business and a company director have both appeared before Beenleigh Magistrates Court this week over a workplace incident in which a young work experience student had the tip of his finger amputated. Read More
Industrial manslaughter charge laid against Gympie business owner
October 04, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
October 04, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
The independent Work Health and Safety Prosecutor, Mr Aaron Guilfoyle, has commenced an industrial manslaughter prosecution against the owner of a Gympie business which sells and services electric motors. Read More
Worker struck by grader
October 04, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
October 04, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
In June 2020, a grader was doing road works at a construction site when it struck a worker who suffered serious leg injuries. Read More
Electrical safety awareness sessions in regional Queensland
October 04, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
October 04, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
Ahead of Electricity Safety Week (7-11 September), a series of electrical safety awareness sessions have been scheduled around regional Queensland to coincide with local home shows. Read More
It's time to renew your WorkCover accident insurance policy
July 01, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
July 01, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
2020–2021 WorkCover Queensland industry classifications released
June 26, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
June 26, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
The finalised rates for WorkCover Queensland’s industry classifications (WIC) for 2020–2021 have now been published in the Queensland Government Gazette dated 26 June 2020. Read More
Queensland WorkCover premiums remain lowest in the country
June 25, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
June 25, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
The Palaszczuk Government will not increase the WorkCover premium rate, as businesses across the state battle to cope with the challenges of COVID-19. Read More
Allied health table of costs update 2020
June 23, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
June 23, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
WorkCover Queensland has reviewed and updated the Allied health table of costs for 2020. The changes take effect from 1 July 2020. Read More
Young worker injured by lifting hook
June 23, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
June 23, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
In April 2020, a young worker was injured after being struck by a lifting chain hook while helping a colleague move equipment. They were using a crane in a storage yard. Read More
Restructuring your electrical contracting business
June 23, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
June 23, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
If you’ve held your electrical contractor licence as an individual or partnership and have restructured your business as a company, you may need a new electrical contractor licence in the name of the company. Read More
Worker seriously crushed by frontend loader
June 19, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
June 19, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
In April 2020, a man suffered serious injuries after being crushed by a frontend loader. Initial enquiries found the operator got out of the cabin to untie a hay bale when the vehicle started rolling down a slope. It appears the operator was attempting to re-enter the cabin when he was trapped between the moving […] Read More
Electrical contractor guide for a safe system of work
June 19, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
June 19, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
We’ve released our new Electrical contractor guide – Developing a safe system of work for electrical work. This guide will assist electrical contractors, qualified technical persons and qualified business owners to develop a safe system of work for their business. Read More
Financial and employment help, online training and support
June 19, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
June 19, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
We know it’s a difficult time and you’ve got a lot on your mind. It’s hard to not worry about providing for your family, how to keep your business running and keep your licences and how to pay for it. Read More
eSAFE Rural - May 2020
June 19, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
June 19, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
In this edition: Farm safety calendar has lessons for all; Working safely with pesticides; Seasonal workers and harvest season; COVID-19 horticulture guide; Fencing contractor fined $25,000; Health and wellbeing tips for challenging working times; and more… Read More
Brisbane contractor fined $85,000 for not protecting workers against electric shock
June 19, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
June 19, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
A Brisbane construction company has been fined $85,000 for failing to ensure a work site in Lutwyche was electrically safe. Read More
Phone scam alert
June 19, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
June 19, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
We have received a number of reports from members of the public who have been contacted by a person purporting to be from WorkCover and asking they contact him about the claim they have lodged with WorkCover. Read More
Falls from work platforms
June 19, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
June 19, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
In May 2020, two men were seriously injured after falling approximately 1.5m after a trestle and plank system failed while performing housing construction work. In a separate incident, a contractor suffered serious injuries as a result of falling around 3m to the floor below when the makeshift work platform he was working on collapsed. Read More
Updated Medical Items Table of Costs including new diagnostic imaging fees—effective 1 April 2020
March 26, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
March 26, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
The Medical Items Table of Costs has been updated to reflect MBS changes up to 17 March 2020, which include amendments to intensive care and emergency medicine and new COVID-19 telehealth items. New diagnostic imaging fees have also been released, effective 1 April 2020. Read More
Crush incidents when loading/unloading
March 20, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
March 20, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
In January, an interstate truck driver suffered multiple leg fractures when a stone slab fell off the back of a truck. It appears the stone was secured to an ‘A’ frame with straps. Early investigations indicate that when the driver removed the straps, the stone slabs toppled and struck him. In February, a truck driver […] Read More
Edge protection company and its director fined $55,000 for exposing workers to risk of serious injury or death
March 19, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
March 19, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
After a hearing in the Brisbane Magistrates Court last Wednesday, an edge protection company has been fined $50,000 for failing to comply with its primary safety duty under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, exposing workers to risk of serious injury or death from roof falls. Read More
An update from WorkCover Queensland on COVID-19
March 14, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
March 14, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
The impacts of COVID-19 continue to evolve across Queensland, Australia and the rest of the globe. WorkCover Queensland is focussed on the health, well-being and safety of our own staff, our customers and our stakeholders. Read More
Availability of disposable respirators during the COVID-19 pandemic
March 14, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
March 14, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
There is currently a shortage of disposable particulate respirators in Australia due to an increase in demand from health care workers and from the public and because many Chinese manufacturers have temporarily shut down. Read More
Roof falls
March 07, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
March 07, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
In December 2019, a worker suffered serious injury after falling approximately 5m through a roof whilst doing maintenance on a shed. In a similar incident in February 2020, a man died after falling through the roof of a building. Early investigations indicate he was repairing a skylight. Read More
Wholesale bakery fined $90,000 for breakdown of safety procedures
March 04, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
March 04, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
A $50,000 fine was handed out in a Brisbane court this week over an incident in which a nine-year-old boy was injured when he fell off an inflatable amusement device he was riding. Read More
Coronavirus (COVID-19) workplace risk management
March 04, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
March 04, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
Worker seriously injured by noodle making machine
March 03, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
March 03, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
In December 2019, a worker suffered serious injury when his arm was caught in a hopper. Early investigations indicate the open hopper contained metal shafts and stainless-steel rods that rotated to mix dough ingredients. Read More
eSAFE - February 2020
February 29, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
February 29, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
In this edition: Kids urged to be Ride Ready on quad bikes over busy holiday period, Registrations open for 2020 MSD Symposium, $75,000 fine after serious sugar mill injury leads to amputation, Work safely with asbestos after summer storms, Latest innovations targeting sun safety, New report on work-related musculoskeletal disorders, and much more. Read More
Coroner’s findings into Dreamworld tragedy
February 26, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
February 26, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
Coroner James MacDougall conducted an exhaustive inquest following the tragic deaths of Cindy Low, Kate Goodchild, Luke Dorsett and Roozi Araghi on the Thunder River Rapids Ride at Dreamworld on 25 October 2016. Read More
Statement on Coroner’s findings into Dreamworld tragedy
February 25, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
February 25, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
The Queensland Government accepts the coroner’s findings. The matter has been referred to the independent Work Health and Safety Prosecutor to decide whether action will be taken against Dreamworld’s owner, Ardent Leisure, under the Work Health and Safety Act. Read More
New return to work services panel
February 25, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
February 25, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
WorkCover Queensland has now completed the open tender process to appoint a new return to work services panel. Read More
Electrical equipment in hazardous areas
February 25, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
February 25, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
Electrical Safety Office inspectors are visiting Queensland workplaces and will take enforcement action if they identify un-managed fire and explosion risks. This action can include compliance notices or immediately prohibiting the use of electrical equipment in hazardous areas until risk controls are implemented and verified. Read More
Fencing contractor fined $25,000 after teenage worker suffered serious hand injuries at Camooweal
February 22, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
February 22, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
A sole trader operating as a fencing contractor has been sentenced and fined $25,000 in the Mount Isa Magistrates Court for breaches relating to duty of care under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011. Read More
Premier’s Statement on Coronavirus
February 04, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
February 04, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has conducted another meeting of Queensland’s Disaster Management Committee, the third in as many days. The group, including Queensland’s Chief Medical Officer, is co-ordinating the state’s Coronavirus response. Read More
eSAFE Rural - January 2020
January 29, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
January 29, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
In this edition: Bushfire damage and asbestos; Unlicensed labour hire provider in Emerald fined $60,000; Agri-workers reap benefit of award-winning safety campaigns; Review into 2,4-D recommends handling changes; Case study: A team approach to the welfare of all workers; Get in early and book your free Safety Advocate visit for 2020; Electrical Safety Codes of […] Read More
Snorkel and dive safety for Chinese New Year
January 25, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
January 25, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
Chinese New Year is one of the busiest times of year for Queensland’s dive and snorkel industry. Many people are visiting the Great Barrier Reef and other destinations to dive or snorkel, often for the first time. Read More
New year safety check
January 22, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
January 22, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
The new year is a great time for a quick safety check of your business before things get busy. Read More
Electrical safety codes of practice 2020
January 15, 2020 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
January 15, 2020
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
Continued guidance on electrical safety standards remains available following the automatic expiry of three electrical safety codes of practice on 1 January 2020. Read More
Agricultural industry mobile plant roll-over incidents
December 24, 2019 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
December 24, 2019
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
In October 2019, a man died on a rural property died after being crushed by the tractor he was operating. Initial findings suggest he was reversing the tractor into a deep excavation, when for reasons yet to be established, the tractor rolled. Read More
Worker struck by building materials
December 20, 2019 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
December 20, 2019
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
In November 2019, a truck driver sustained serious lacerations to his leg when he was struck by building materials which had fallen off a pallet. Read More
eSAFE - December 2019
December 20, 2019 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
December 20, 2019
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
In this edition: Kids urged to be Ride Ready on quad bikes over busy holiday period, Registrations open for 2020 MSD Symposium, $75,000 fine after serious sugar mill injury leads to amputation, Work safely with asbestos after summer storms, Latest innovations targeting sun safety, New report on work-related musculoskeletal disorders, and much more. Read More
Incident at Public Swimming Pool
December 19, 2019 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
December 19, 2019
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
In November, a young child was submerged underwater for less than two minutes at a supervised public pool. On-duty lifeguards administered CPR until QAS officers arrived and took over. The child was taken to hospital and later passed away. Read More
Electrical licence updates
December 17, 2019 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
December 17, 2019
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
Following a review of restricted electrical work licences (RELs), you will see a few changes to how it looks when you renew and receive your new licence card. Read More
Worker injured on construction site
December 14, 2019 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
December 14, 2019
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
In October 2019, a compact track loader (commonly known as a posi-track or bobcat) was moving spoil on a construction site when it reversed into a worker who suffered serious leg injuries. Read More
Builder fined over Gold Coast workplace injury
December 14, 2019 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
December 14, 2019
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
A qualified carpenter working on a Gold Coast house has been fined $20,000 over a workplace incident which left his apprentice with a fractured leg. Read More
Work Christmas parties - a little planning can stop things getting silly
December 13, 2019 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
December 13, 2019
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
With many workplaces about to get together for Christmas break up parties, employers are reminded that the “silly season” is not an excuse to disregard safety, including the responsible service of alcohol. Read More
Kids urged to be Ride Ready on quad bikes over busy holiday period
December 12, 2019 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
December 12, 2019
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
Queenslanders have been reminded to keep their kids safe on quad bikes as the school holidays and weeks of free time approach. Read More
Electrical safety for tenants and property owners
December 11, 2019 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
December 11, 2019
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
New guidance for tenants and property owners about electrical safety in rental properties is now available. Read More
Zip line terminations
December 10, 2019 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
December 10, 2019
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
The purpose of this safety alert is to inform zip line owners, operators, engineers and riggers of the risk of failure of zip line terminations and to provide guidance to help prevent the failure of zip lines. Read More
AS/NZS3012:2019 Electrical installations - Construction and demolition sites
December 06, 2019 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
December 06, 2019
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
AS/NZS3012:2019 Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites was published on 4 November 2019. The new edition contains several changes from the 2010 edition. Read More
Brisbane builder fined over work safety breaches
December 05, 2019 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
December 05, 2019
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
A Brisbane builder was fined $24,000 this week over breaches of Queensland work safety laws which posed a serious risk to workers. Read More
Fatal fall at tourist attraction
December 05, 2019 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
December 05, 2019
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
In October 2019, a patron died, and another was seriously injured while using a zipline attraction as part of a rainforest adventure tour. Read More
Electrical licensing disciplinary action
December 02, 2019 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
December 02, 2019
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
The Electrical Licensing Committee has disqualified an electrical worker from holding an electrical work or contractor licence for five years. He had advertised his services online to perform unlicensed electrical contracting work. Read More
$54,000 fine after elderly woman injured
November 26, 2019 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
November 26, 2019
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
A Brendale company and one of its officers have been fined $54,000 after a woman was injured when a water tank being delivered to her Morton Vale property struck her. Read More
Industrial gas and liquid supplier fined $200,000 after incident at Wacol plant
November 21, 2019 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
November 21, 2019
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
A large national company with ties to an international entity which specialises in the manufacturing and supply of industrial gases was yesterday sentenced in the Richlands Magistrates Court. Read More
Changes to Medical items table of costs - effective 1 December 2019
November 21, 2019 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
November 21, 2019
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
WorkCover Queensland has reviewed and updated the table of costs for medical treatment applicable for workers’ compensation in Queensland. The changes are effective 1 December 2019 and impact the Medical items table of costs and the Supplementary services table of costs for GPs and Specialists. Read More
Electrical Licensing Committee September 2019 disciplinary outcomes
November 15, 2019 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
November 15, 2019
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
During September 2019, the Electrical Licensing Committee held disciplinary hearings against five licence holders. Read More
House Rules winner hosts Healthy Lungs Forum
November 14, 2019 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
November 14, 2019
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
A qualified electrician with an interest in asbestos, House Rules winner Luke Cook will preside over the first ever Healthy Lungs Forum in Brisbane on Wednesday 27 November 2019. Read More
Callaghan 37 metre concrete placing booms
November 08, 2019 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
November 08, 2019
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
This safety alert concerns the collapse of a Callaghan 37 metre concrete placing boom and includes actions to be taken by boom owners to avoid similar incidents. Read More
Lifting clutch failure
November 07, 2019 | Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
November 07, 2019
Categories: QLD, WorkCover Queensland
The purpose of this health and safety alert is to inform workers, employers, builders and designers of the risk of failure of lifting clutches associated with tilt-up and pre-cast concrete erection. Read More
WHO Knows Newsletter May 2019
WHO Knows May 2019 Newsletter The workers’ compensation landscape continues to evolve, with a number of important changes to State schemes. We provide a summary of the key items for your business to consider in the lead up to your renewal. Read More