A recent Queensland court decision has reinforced a critical principle in work health and safety: identifying hazards and documenting control measures is not enough. Controls must be implemented, supervised, and enforced in practice.   The matter arose from an incident at a worksite in Queensland involving interaction between mobile plant and pedestrian workers, a well-regarded high-risk activity. A pedestrian worker sustained serious injury when struck by operating machinery

Safe Work Australia has amended the Model WHS Act and Regulations, and while some changes may appear technical, they represent a significant shift in how serious harm, particularly psychological harm, is recognised and reported.

Section / Topic Extract / Legal Requirement Connection to Consultation Section 76 – Constitution of Committee The composition of a health and safety committee is to be agreed  between the PCBU and workers. At least half of members must be workers not nominated by the PCBU. If no agreement, an inspector can decide. ( NSW Legislation ) This agreement mechanism is directly tied to consultation obligations — committees only exist if workers and PCBU agree or a regulator decides.

Chemical risks are not confined to laboratories or manufacturing plants, they exist in workplaces across every  industry, from hospitality and cleaning services to healthcare, construction, and community care. Whether it’s a cleaning product, disinfectant, or industrial sealant, hazardous chemicals can cause serious injury, illness, or even fatalities if not handled, stored, or supervised correctly.   Under the WHS Regulation , the business has a legal duty to provide adequat

For some time now, there has been a steady stream of news reports where food delivery riders in our major cities have been involved in accidents with buses, trams, cars, and pedestrians. It is common for foreign students to do this kind of work while they study in Australia. During February 2021, SafeWork NSW undertook field inspections and compliance assurance activities of food delivery riders. There were 287 inspections. The inspections revealed that the riders were pred