Annika Martz

New WHS legal duties to manage psychosocial hazards in the workplace

By Katherine Morris and Annika Martz on November 27, 2022 Posted in Australia, General

Legal obligations requiring persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) to manage psychosocial hazards in accordance with work health and safety (WHS) laws are continuing to come into effect across the country. Psychosocial hazards are hazards that may cause psychological and/or physical harm arising from, or in relation to, the design or management of work, … Continue reading

Western Australia set for WHS Reform

By Katherine Morris, Annika Martz and Shannon Walker on November 26, 2020 Posted in Australia

The Work Health and Safety Bill 2019 (WA) received assent on 10 November 2020 (WHS Act). The WHS Act introduces the offence of industrial manslaughter and will harmonise WA’s work health and safety (WHS) laws with most other Australian states and territories. This harmonisation is long overdue in WA with the other states and territories … Continue reading

WHS regulators issue guides and codes of practice on psychological health and managing sexual harassment claims

By Katherine Morris, Annika Martz and Brittany Tyne on November 12, 2020 Posted in Australia

Earlier this year, the Respect@Work – National Inquiry into Sexual Harassment in Australian Workplaces, conducted by the Australian Human Rights Commission made key recommendations addressing psychological health and sexual harassment in Australian workplaces. Specifically the inquiry recommended: the model WHS Regulations should be amended to address psychological health by identifying and appropriately controlling work-related psychosocial … Continue reading

Australia – Things to look out for in WHS law in 2020

By Katherine Morris and Annika Martz on January 29, 2020 Posted in Asia Pacific, Australia, General

This blog identifies developments in WHS law to watch in 2020: Industrial Manslaughter Offences The number of Australian jurisdictions with industrial manslaughter offences in operation will expand this year. Currently, the ACT and Queensland are the only states with such legislation in operation. The Victorian law, the Workplace Safety Legislation Amendment (Workplace Manslaughter and other … Continue reading

Changes to Australia’s Heavy Vehicle National Law

By Katherine Morris and Annika Martz on September 27, 2018 Posted in Asia Pacific, Australia

Changes to Australia’s Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) will come into effect on Monday, 1 October 2018. The changes align the HVNL more closely with the model Work Health and Safety Act, by introducing: a new primary duty on every party in the “heavy vehicle supply chain” to ensure the safety of transport activities; and … Continue reading

Changes to the Heavy Vehicle National Law coming in mid-2018

By Katherine Morris and Annika Martz on April 5, 2018 Posted in Asia Pacific, Australia

Australia’s Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) is changing in mid-2018. The changes are not only relevant to businesses that drive or operate heavy vehicles. They will also apply to any businesses that consign, pack, load or receive goods by heavy vehicles. Background to Chain of Responsibility Amendments As a result of concerns expressed by industry … Continue reading

Possibility of higher WHS fines for “well known” offenders

By Annika Martz on November 1, 2016 Posted in Asia Pacific, Australia

Well known organisations that are convicted for work health and safety offences may face higher fines, following a recent decision of the New South Wales Court of Criminal Appeal. Tho Services Limited pleaded guilty to three breaches of section 19 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW), after a work experience student sustained … Continue reading