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News

The latest news articles from WHO, and around Australia.

Latest News

QLD

Worker seriously injured falling from trailer

In August 2020, a truck driver suffered serious injuries falling from his trailer. Read More

eSAFE Rural - September 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2020–2021 WorkCover Queensland industry classifications released

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Worker seriously injured by noodle making machine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New guidance for tenants and property owners about electrical safety in rental properties is now available. Read More

Zip line terminations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

During September 2019, the Electrical Licensing Committee held disciplinary hearings against five licence holders. Read More

House Rules winner hosts Healthy Lungs Forum

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

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

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