Could silicosis be the new asbestos?
by Ashlee SnyderThe recent rise in silicosis cases in Australia has been receiving considerable media coverage. Silicosis is a long-term lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust, usually over many years of exposure. The main symptoms include shortness of breath, a persistent cough and difficulty breathing. In the early stages there may be no symptoms, but as the […]
Are you across Work Health and Safety Legislation?
by Ashlee SnyderOn March 31, the WA Government implemented the latest Work Health and Safety reforms. The effect of the changes has broadened the liability and responsibility of companies, directors, and employees introduced significantly higher fines for WHS breaches and increased the potential for prison sentences. The WA Government announced funding to assist small to medium business access to external expertise required to get third party certification in national […]
Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccinations & Workers Compensation
by Ashlee SnyderIn light of the State Government, and some employers, mandating that workers in certain industries obtain a COVID-19 vaccination, employers and workers sought clarification on whether workers can lodge a compensation claim if they have an adverse reaction to a vaccine. The below bulletin, from WorkCover WA, provides general information on the issue of COVID-19 […]
Workers Compensation – Coronavirus (COVID-19)
by Ashlee SnyderWorkcover WA update as of March 13, 2020 WorkCover WA is receiving queries relating to COVID-19, commonly known as Coronavirus. The main query is whether workers would be entitled to compensation in WA if the disease is contracted at work. In order for any worker to be eligible for compensation a disease must have been […]
Increase to WA’s Work Health and Safety Penalties
by Ashlee SnyderWestern Australia now has the highest work health and safety penalties in the country. The increase in penalties highlights the importance of maintaining a safe workplace. Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) also referred to Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) laws require employers to manage workplace risks in order to protect the health, safety and welfare of […]
Management of Minor Workers’ Compensation Claims
by Ashlee SnyderA recent Workcover WA Bulletin has been released, claiming that some employers are choosing to pay low cost workers’ compensation claims themselves and not processing them in accordance with current legislation. Duty to submit a workers’ compensation claim Regardless of the size of the claim, under the Workers’ Compensation and Injury Management Act 1981, employers are […]
Increase to WA’s Work Health and Safety Penalties
by bonfireWestern Australia now has the highest work health and safety penalties in the country. The increase in penalties highlights the importance of maintaining a safe workplace. Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) also referred to Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) laws require employers to manage workplace risks in order to protect the health, safety and welfare of […]
Management of Minor Workers’ Compensation Claims
by bonfireA recent Workcover WA Bulletin has been released, claiming that some employers are choosing to pay low cost workers’ compensation claims themselves and not processing them in accordance with current legislation. Duty to submit a workers’ compensation claim Regardless of the size of the claim, under the Workers’ Compensation and Injury Management […]