WorkSafe inspectors focus on the residential sector

WorkSafe Inspectors focus on the residential sector

WorkSafe ACT Inspectors have confirmed that site safety inspections will continue 7 days a week indefinitely to achieve Industry compliance with safety requirements.  The residential sector is receiving priority attention from inspectors

Key focus areas that require members attention to ensure compliance:

• Working at Heights
• Scaffold
• Site house keeping
• Site security
• Site signage

If you require assistance with any of these areas contact our Advisory Team

Manual Handling

Members have advised that union officers are requesting workers to show ‘Manual Handling cards’. Members are reminded that while manual handling training is not a mandatory training requirement it is recommended that members ensure their workers are provided the provision of information, training, instruction or supervision in accordance with WHS Act section 19 and WHS regulation section 39. Work Health and Safety (Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice) Approval 2020 | Notifiable instruments

MBA Training conducts Manual Handling Training sessions. Contact our team to discuss your teams training requirements.

NSW Refinements made to the controversial exposure draft Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment Bill in NSW

Draft laws requiring workers to pursue a case in a court or commission before seeking compensation for bullying or harassment injuries have been dumped in NSW, and replaced with a set of “refinements” to their Government’s controversial exposure draft Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, the finalised Bill was introduced to Parliament on Tuesday 27 May 2025. The main implications of the proposed Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment Bill for businesses if passed:

• Businesses must adapt to the new eight-week claims assessment process for bullying or harassment injuries, potentially reducing legal costs and court involvement.

• Employers need to address excessive work demands as a compensable cause of psychological injury, requiring better workload management and employee support.

• Businesses may face financial implications with workers accessing lump sums before weekly payments cease, especially for those with a whole-person impairment (WPI) of 30% or lower.

• Gradual increase in the psychological-injury WPI threshold for weekly payments for life may affect long-term financial planning and insurance premiums.

• Employers must recognize and manage vicarious trauma as a compensable event, necessitating enhanced support systems for affected employees.

• Stronger WHS powers within the Industrial Relations Commission could lead to increased compliance requirements and potential penalties for businesses.

• Scheme-funded lawyers to act in the interests of workers and have a reasonable prospect of success, potentially impacting legal strategies and costs for businesses.

NSW State Treasurer and Industrial Relations Minister also announced a $344 million Workplace Mental Health Package which includes funding for:

• • 50 new SafeWork NSW inspectors specializing in psychological injuries, increasing oversight and compliance requirements for businesses.
  • WHS compliance and enforcement activities to strengthen psychosocial hazard prevention, necessitating proactive measures from employers.
  • Wraparound psychological support services for injured workers, requiring businesses to coordinate with these services.
  • Eight weeks of income and medical or vocational support for injured workers, impacting financial planning and resource allocation.

These changes aim to enhance worker protection and support, but businesses will need to adapt to new compliance requirements and potential financial impacts.