Occupational Health and Safety Insights

07 December 2007

Welcome to the last edition of Clayton Utz Occupational Health & Safety Insights for 2007, in which we'll look at what happens when a director has been charged with a safety breach - who pays the bill?

We'll also examine Victoria's new heavy vehicle driver fatigue laws, NSW's laws on victimisation for raising occupational health and safety issues, and Queensland coal mine employers' rights to drug test at mine sites.

Finally, everyone from our OHS team would like to wish you and your loved ones Season's Greetings and a peaceful and happy New Year.

When a director has been charged with a safety breach - who pays the bill?

By Glen Bartlett.

Managers and directors facing prosecution frequently question what indemnity or insurance is available to them. Glen Bartlett looks at what's available - and what prudent managers and directors should do.

New heavy vehicle driver fatigue laws for Victoria

By Luke Connolly.

The Road Legislation Further Amendment Bill will see increased responsibilities placed on Victorian road transport operators to manage fatigue with their heavy vehicle drivers, as Luke Connolly explains.

NSW Industrial Relations Act victimisation provisions still apply despite Work Choices

By Joe Catanzariti.

Did Work Choices knock out the victimisation provisions in NSW law, asks Joe Catanzariti.

Finally! Clarity for drug testing at Queensland coal mines

By Hedy Cray.

Recent amendments in Queensland have (finally) clarified coal mine employers' rights to drug test at mine sites, but, as Hedy Cray shows, the issue of testing for personal fatigue and other physical and psychological impairments without the agreement of a majority of the workforce is still open.

Stop press

WorkSafe Victoria has just issued two position statements providing further guidance for duty holders on their obligations under Part 3 of the Act, which imposes a duty on employers, designers, suppliers, installers and manufacturers alike to ensure health and safety at the workplace.

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