South Australian Business News

14 Apr 2025 | Health and safety representative

The risk of hazardous tasks in the workplace

Hazardous manual tasks (HMT) can pose significant risks to workers' health and safety.

14 Apr 2025 | Health and safety representative

Demolition company fined $140,000 after excavator hits powerlines

An Adelaide demolition company has been convicted and fined more than $140,000 after its excavator brought down a 415 voltage ove…

14 Apr 2025 | Health and safety representative

Ensuring Workplace Safety: The importance of respirator fit testing in Australia

Respiratory protection is a crucial element of workplace safety, particularly in industries where workers are exposed to airborne…

14 Apr 2025 | Health and safety representative

Silicosis Awareness Webinar

Free downloadable webinar aimed at raising awareness and understanding of the risks associated with exposure to respirable crysta…

14 Mar 2025 | Work health and safety

How to focus on improving your Work Health Safety performance

We often get asked by businesses how they can improve their WHS performance. It makes sense to start by focusing on the basics of…

14 Mar 2025 | Work health and safety

Trucking company fined after worker pinned under axle

A national transport business has been fined $48,000 after a worker suffered serious injuries when the axle of a B-double trailer…

14 Mar 2025 | Work health and safety

Why you should conduct regular Safety Audits

Ensuring workplace safety is a top priority for any organisation, and one of the most effective ways to achieve this is through r…

14 Mar 2025 | Work health and safety

The pros and cons of using LTIs to measure workplace safety

Lost Time Injuries (LTIs) are a widely used metric for measuring workplace safety, but their effectiveness as a standalone indica…

12 Feb 2025 | Work health and safety

Southern Adelaide electrical company has been fined $300,000 after a worker died when he became trapped in a pit

On 20 November 2024, JD Finlay Electrical was sentenced in the South Australian Employment Court on 20 November.

20 Nov 2024 | Health and safety representative

The myth that office environments present no safety risk

It’s a common misconception that office environments are free from risk. In fact, all workplaces have inherent risks, though they…

14 Nov 2024 | South Australian Business News

8% increase in body stress injuries

Body stress injuries are responsible for sidelining over 5,000 workers in South Australia each year, leading to average annual co…

31 Oct 2024 | South Australian Business News

Working from home – It can be risky business!

A recent judgment handed down by the South Australian Employment Tribunal (SAET), is a timely reminder for employers that work he…

16 Oct 2024 | Health and safety representative

Key Work Health and Safety Statistics Australia 2024

In 2023, 200 workers were fatally injured at work, compared to 195 in 2022, according to Safe Work Australia’s Key Work Health an…

16 Oct 2024 | Health and safety representative

The Importance of Conducting Risk Assessments

Recently Paving Group PTY Ltd t/a Quantum stone was convicted in South Australian Employment Tribunal (SAET) for an injury to a w…

16 Oct 2024 | Health and safety representative

Safety is Everyone’s Business - National Safework month

The theme of this year’s campaign is: Safety is everyone’s business. Safework SA will focus on different health and safety topics…

14 Aug 2024 | Health and safety representative

Rapid review on evidence of managing the risks associated with Fatigue

A report commissioned by SafeWork Australia (SWA) reviewed contemporary literature on fatigue to provide up to date evidence to i…

14 Aug 2024 | Health and safety representative

Unlawful Conduct – CFMEU – Fair Work Commission

The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has secured a total of $247,540 in penalties in course against the CFMEU and three of its officials…

14 Aug 2024 | Health and safety representative

Industrial Manslaughter changes and what it means

The new laws take effect from 1 July 2024, which now make industrial manslaughter a criminal offence and put employers on notice …

14 Aug 2024 | Health and safety representative

Safework SA Introduce HSR adviser

In October 2022 John Merritt was appointed by The Honourable Kyam Maher MLC to conduct a review of SafeWork SA.

5 Jul 2024 | Health and safety representative

July wrap up of key changes to WHS laws

For the financial year 2023 to 2024, there were a number of amendments to the Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations

25 Jun 2024 | South Australian Business News

Getting to know the benefits of workplace safety audits

Safety audits are systematic evaluations of a workplace's safety practices, policies, and conditions. They aim to identify potent…

20 Jun 2024 | Health and safety representative

Auditing blitz on Gin and Whiskey

SafeWork SA has announced an auditing blitz on Gin and Whiskey distilleries across the state, following a dramatic rise in the se…

20 Jun 2024 | Health and safety representative

When to establish a Safety Committee

The question is often asked when an organisation should establish a WHS Committee, and while legal requirements often dictate whe…

6 Jun 2024 | South Australian Business News

When is the right time to establish a Safety Committee?

The question is often asked when an organisation should establish a WHS Committee, and while legal requirements often dictate whe…

15 May 2024 | Health and safety representative

WHS uniform laws lead to important precedent case

The Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws have been uniformly adopted throughout Australia and there is some merit in following the c…

15 May 2024 | Health and safety representative

Struggling to manage fatigue in the workplace?

Fatigue among workers can result in workplace incidents, injuries, and tragically, fatalities. When individuals are excessively t…

15 May 2024 | Health and safety representative

New Workplace exposure limits (WEL) to apply from 1 December 2026

Work health and safety (WHS) ministers have agreed to the new WEL list and a harmonised transition period ending on 30 November 2…

14 May 2024 | South Australian Business News

New due diligence precedent for Work Health and Safety Officers

Recently NSW District Court handed down a decision which is one of the first cases to meaningfully consider the conduct of an WHS…

15 Apr 2024 | Health and safety representative

WHS Breach – Enforceable Undertaking

Not all breaches of the Work Health and Safety Act result in prosecutions by Safework SA. In a recent example a South Australian …

11 Apr 2024 | South Australian Business News

Update: Prohibition on the use of engineered stone

On March 22, 2024, ministers responsible for Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) convened to discuss proposed revisions to the mode…

12 Mar 2024 | South Australian Business News

Psychosocial decision - timely reminder on duty of employers under WHS Act

With the commencement of the Regulation in South Australia relating to psycho-social injuries from 25 December 2023, it is timely…

7 Mar 2024 | South Australian Business News

Save now and train better with our new HSR training packages

We are now presenting topical and informative workshops for those looking to expand their skills and knowledge as safety advisors…

20 Feb 2024 | Health and safety representative

Farrell v RNI Constructions Pty Ltd – Breach WHS Regulations

In a decision of the South Australian Employment Tribunal, Deputy President Eatom was required to review the health and safety du…

7 Nov 2023 | Health and safety representative

Safework identifies more training for Retail Workers

SafeWork SA inspectors attended 89 retail workplaces in metropolitan and regional South Australia between June 2022 and January 2…

7 Nov 2023 | Health and safety representative

Conviction Category 2 Offence – South Australian Employment Court

Further to the Category 2 case outlined in our August 2023 edition, this case involved the death of a student who was on a school…

7 Nov 2023 | Health and safety representative

Hazardous chemicals in the workplace

An article released by Safework recently advised of a recent incident where a farm worker received serious burns when using a fla…

7 Nov 2023 | Health and safety representative

New Regulations – Work Health and Safety (Psychosocial Risks) Amendment Regulations 2023

On 25 August 2023 the Government published new regulations known as the Work Health and Safety (Psychosocial Risks) Amendment Reg…

10 Oct 2023 | Health and safety representative

Meeting your WHS duties when working from home

Work Heath and Safety laws apply when workers work from home just as they do in traditional workplaces such as offices.

10 Oct 2023 | Health and safety representative

SafeWork SA sheds light on workplace safety during October

SafeWork SA, the South Australian authority dedicated to ensuring safe and healthy workplaces, is designating the month of Octobe…

10 Oct 2023 | Health and safety representative

Meeting your WHS duties when working from home

Work Heath and Safety laws apply when workers work from home just as they do in traditional workplaces such as offices.

11 Sep 2023 | Health and safety representative

Tragic death of student results in $420K fine for school

A private college in Adelaide has been fined $420,000 after one of its students drowned during a school excursion.

11 Sep 2023 | Health and safety representative

Recent South Australian Employment Tribunal cases impose large WHS penalties on non-compliant employers

The South Australian Business Chamber recently advised of the case in the South Australian Employment Tribunal (“SAET”) this year where an employer have be…

11 Sep 2023 | Health and safety representative

SafeWorkSA inspectors to wear body cameras

SafeWork SA has announced that beginning on 4 September their inspectors will begin wearing body camera wear (BCW) during worksit…

7 Aug 2023 | Health and safety representative

HSR's for work groups of multiple businesses

As HSR's you are elected by groups of workers to represent them and act on their behalf in relation to work health and safety mat…

7 Aug 2023 | Health and safety representative

South Australian Employment Tribunal - Conviction of Category 2 Offence

A recent South Australian Employment Tribunal case saw a company convicted of a Category 2 offence in accordance with section 32 …

7 Aug 2023 | Health and safety representative

Why psychosocial safety should now be a priority for leaders in the workplace

In today's rapidly changing and high-pressure work environments, leaders play a pivotal role in promoting the well-being and prod…

7 Aug 2023 | Health and safety representative

South Australia one step closer to Industrial Manslaughter legislation

In the past month, the Work Health and Safety (Industrial Manslaughter) Amendment Bill 2022, has moved past the consultation stag…

7 Jul 2023 | Health and safety representative

WHS Hazard Action Plans

An action plan is a document that details the tasks required to deliver an agreed outcome. An action plan firstly identifies the …

7 Jul 2023 | Health and safety representative

Monash University study uncovers concerningly high rates of silicosis

A recent study of 544 stone benchtop workers by Monash University has determined the prevalence of silicosis disease may be highe…

7 Jul 2023 | Health and safety representative

Dry July – Timely safety reminder

Having a month off alcohol has some great health benefits, such as sleeping better, having more energy and of course, no hangover…

14 Jun 2023 | Health and safety representative

STATE: Skilling South Australia – Government funding

Skilling South Australia is an initiative of the South Australian Government which is intended to help more people get skills and…

5 Jun 2023 | Health and safety representative

WHS obligations for food outlets using food delivery workers

SafeWork Australia recently published the statistic that there have been 10 at work fatalities of food delivery workers in Austra…

5 Jun 2023 | Health and safety representative

SafeWork SA’s 2023 Augusta Zadow Awards Open

Health and safety initiatives supporting young workers and women in the workplace can apply for up to $25,000 in grant funding th…

5 Jun 2023 | Health and safety representative

Amusement Ride Owners refused an ‘application for stay’ to participate in the 2023 Royal Adelaide Show

The recent South Australian Employment Court (“SAEC”) case Goldenway Amusements Pty Ltd & Ors v SafeWork SA [2023] SAET 34 (10 Ma…

5 May 2023 | Health and safety representative

Safe Work SA’s Building Compliance Campaign – What you need to know

In the upcoming months, SafeWork SA will be focusing their energy on ensuring compliance on residential construction sites, parti…

5 May 2023 | Health and safety representative

Work Health, Safety Amendment Bill 2022 proposes changes to Category 1 Offences

On 22 March 2023 the recent Work, Health and Safety Amendment Bill 2022 (Cth) received Royal Assent.

5 May 2023 | Health and safety representative

CITB Funding for HSR Training

5 May 2023 | Health and safety representative

Certificate IV in WHS – commencing 17 July 2023

The South Australian Business Chamber is excited to announce that we are now delivering the Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety.

6 Apr 2023 | Health and safety representative

SafeWork Australia begins consultation on banning the use of engineered stone

Due to the rising number of Australian’s contracting silicosis and silica-related diseases, Work Health and Safety Ministers from…

6 Apr 2023 | Health and safety representative

Judge of the South Australian Employment Court fines business $500,000 for failure to comply with their Health and Safety Duty

In March 2021, a 58-year-old man was working on a crawl board over some asbestos roofing when the rafter below him snapped, causi…

6 Apr 2023 | Health and safety representative

A five-step process for managing the risk of fatigue in your workplace

Fatigue is a significant work, health, and safety issue in Australia at the moment due to demands for heightened productivity, di…

6 Apr 2023 | Health and safety representative

Friday, 28 April 2023 is World Day for Safety and Health at Work and Workers' Memorial Day

World Day is a good time to recognise and remember the importance of work health and safety to prevent any work-related fatalitie…

14 Mar 2023 | Health and safety representative

Illegal Fireworks

14 Mar 2023 | Health and safety representative

Serious incident opens the doors to the importance of elevator safety.

14 Mar 2023 | Health and safety representative

Case Study - Solar Eggs Farms – Enforceable Undertaking

Entering into an enforceable undertaking

14 Mar 2023 | Health and safety representative

Stress in the workplace and what you need to know about stress leave

In our fast-paced and highly demanding economy, people are becoming increasingly stressed.

6 Feb 2023 | Health and safety representative

Young apprentice falls from roof triggers Safe Work SA warning

6 Feb 2023 | Health and safety representative

Important Industrial Relations case, given change in Legislation

Reasonable precautions to prevent sexual harassment - Oliver v Bassari (Human Rights) [2022] VCAT 329

6 Feb 2023 | Health and safety representative

Death of worker in April 2020 leads to huge fines for labour hire company

In April 2020 a 29 yar old man received fatal injuries to the head whilst working at a quarry.

6 Feb 2023 | Health and safety representative

Hidden office hazards ad how to manage them

Safework have released four health hazards office workers should be aware of, and the steps you can take to manage the risks.

5 Dec 2022 | Health and safety representative

SafeWork SA to crack down on obligation to protect workers from the risks associated with overhead powerlines.

5 Dec 2022 | Health and safety representative

Workplace Sex Discrimination Bill Passed

5 Dec 2022 | Health and safety representative

Industrial Manslaughter Bill

The South Australian Government has introduced legislation to make industrial manslaughter a criminal offence, with a maximum pen…

9 Nov 2022 | Health and safety representative

The Respect@Work Report 2020 and the Anti-Discrimination and Human Rights Legislation (Respect at Work) Bill 2022

9 Nov 2022 | Health and safety representative

SafeWork SA crackdown on non-compliance with requirements of high-risk licenses

9 Nov 2022 | Health and safety representative

Healthy Workplace Services

9 Nov 2022 | Health and safety representative

SafeWork SA HSR Portal and ID

18 Oct 2022 | Health and safety representative

Your role as an HSR

18 Oct 2022 | Health and safety representative

A surge in electrical shocks

Over the past two years, a surge in electric shock incidents reported in South Australia has sparked fresh warnings for construct…

18 Oct 2022 | Health and safety representative

National Safework Month – Make work safety your priority in October

October bringing awareness to safety in the workplace. SafeWork SA have a range of public activities available from webinars, the…

3 Aug 2022 | Health and safety representative

Truck operator breached WHS duty by not checking competency of licenced driver

A waste management company should have assessed the competency of a licensed heavy vehicle driver before allowing him to operate …

3 Aug 2022 | Health and safety representative

Proposal to ban work with crystalline silica dust

Exposing a worker to crystalline silica dust could be made a punishable offence if the Bill passes.

3 Aug 2022 | Health and safety representative

Most common injury at work - Musculoskeletal injuries

Find out how musculosketetal injuries are caused and how they might be prevented in the workplace.

3 Aug 2022 | Health and safety representative

Augusta Zadow Awards

In honour of pioneer Augusta Zadow, the Augusta Zadow Awards applications are now open.

30 Jun 2022 | Health and safety representative

First conviction for industrial manslaughter in Queensland

This case provides guidance to regulators across Australia in relation to the operation of the industrial manslaughter laws follo…

30 Jun 2022 | Health and safety representative

Do you work with ropes, rigging or other industrial rope access systems?

Safe Work Australia has released new guidance on managing the risks of industrial rope access systems.

30 Jun 2022 | Health and safety representative

Industrial Manslaughter Bill tabled in Parliament

The amount of the maximum fine in the Bill is $5m less than that announced by Labor in its policy prior to the election.

30 Jun 2022 | Health and safety representative

Safe Work Australia have released agreed changes to model WHS laws and regulations

For these changes to take effect in South Australia the State Government will need to amend the state WHS Act and regulations.

30 Jun 2022 | Health and safety representative

The South Australian Business Chamber approved CITB training provider

The South Australian Business Chamber as an approved CITB training provider can deliver discounted training programs on eligible courses to qualifying part…

16 Jun 2022 | Health and safety representative

The art of customer service

Because of how busy we are, quality customer service is even more important today.

16 Jun 2022 | Health and safety representative

Safety tips for driving and working with heavy vehicles

About 20% of road crash fatalities involve a heavy vehicle, these crashes are more likely to result in fatality or serious injury.

16 Jun 2022 | Health and safety representative

How to spot the signs of fatigue and reduce the risk

Fatigue affects all industries and their workers and the effects of fatigue can pose a negative impact on workers and the company.

16 Jun 2022 | Health and safety representative

WHS duties as part of a contractual chain

A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) who may owe WHS duties to themselves and to other workers.

16 Jun 2022 | Health and safety representative

Bottling company fined for exposing workers

A wine bottling company was found guilty of failing to ensure the health and safety of its workers and failing to comply with a P…

16 Jun 2022 | Health and safety representative

New guidance material on minimising the risk of exposure to silica dust

SafeWork SA has published new guidance on managing the risks of silica dust across the construction industry.

10 May 2022 | Health and safety representative

Use of step ladders

Unfortunately, there have been several falls from step ladders over the past few months. Any fall from height can cause injuries …

10 May 2022 | Health and safety representative

South Australian Freight Company fined $300,000 for a breach of Federal Work Health and Safety laws

This case is another example of the importance of undertaking risk assessments and that PCBUs must take logical and straightforwa…

10 May 2022 | Health and safety representative

SafeWorkSA prosecutions highlight the need to conduct proper risk assessments for hazard management

Three recent successful cases prosecuted by SafeWorkSA show that proper risk assessments and adequate controls to eliminate or re…

5 Apr 2022 | Health and safety representative

SafeWork SA launches ‘April No-Falls’ safety campaign

It is timely to talk about SafeWork SA launching their 'April No-Falls' safety campaign. Across April, they are raising awareness…