There is a funny quirk in the WHS Mines Regulations that requires a mine to obtain, assess and accept a contractor safety management plan prior to the contractor undertaking work at the mine. Mmmm so how does this work in the context of the position upheld by the High Court that it is not reasonably … Read more
A QLD Magistrate recently handed down a decision that may cause some angst, but careful reading of the factual matrix is important to avoid misunderstanding the impact of the decision. A cleaning contractor employed two “sub-contractors”. One of the “sub-contractors” walked across a roof, while ignoring a metal walkway, and fell resulting in serious injuries. … Read more
The “new” WHS Mining Regulations are creating some consternation particularly in respect of the management of contractor safety. However, the picture is not so very bleak, and the regulations are a good news story, if you understand what they actually require. I am speaking at the “Contractor Management under WA’s new Work Health and Safety … Read more
The contractor in the Arkwood matter has been fined a paltry $15 k for failing to ensure (and in fact proactively encouraging) an unqualified truck driver to operate a crane that struck overhead powerlines and seriously injured two workers. In addition, the contractor failed to comply with his own safe work method statement which emphasised … Read more
In the NSW District Court, a contractor has been found guilty and fined $600K for injuries sustained when labour hire workers were lifted to height in an excavator bucket. Apex Building Systems (Principal Contractor) hired an independent contractor, Greater Civil, to undertake demolition work. Labour hire workers to assist Greater Civil were supplied by Astute … Read more
See my latest podcast with Lawyers Weekly talking about the importance of getting the right advice about safety, and particularly contractor safety management. It was a lot of fun. Thanks for the opportunity.
The High Court has confirmed that where a risk to health and safety is obvious and foreseeable an employer must take proactive steps to reduce that risk. Uh how is this news and why on earth was the case appealed by the employer (a State Government department) all the way to the High Court. It … Read more
I am pretty sure banks do not consider occupational violence risks when they set up their processes to deal with customers on the phone. Customer service officers bear the brunt of customers being put on hold for extended periods of time, then being redirected or even being told to hang up and call another number. … Read more
ust the sound of all the acronyms used in safety makes me need a lie down and a bex. JSA, SWMS, SOP, WI, AFARP, ALARP, HAZOP, ICAM…… Not only is the use of acronyms effective at shutting “non-safety” people out of safety, they are usually used so loosely and exchangeably that they lose all meaning. … Read more
I usually find contractor management systems attempt to categorise contractors by ht level of risk they pose to the organizations hiring them. Whilst it can be helpful to flag contractors whom you may wish to have a higher degree of involvement with in terms of consulting with them about how they are going to manage … Read more