Terry Delaney sues Kawasaki Heavy Industries over husband Carl's death at Inpex gas plant. The widow of a man who died in a workplace accident on Darwin's Inpex gas plant is suing one of the companies involved, alleging her husband would still be alive if safety protocols had been followed.
Carl Delaney died in a workplace accident in Darwin in November 2017His widow, Terry, has launched legal action alleging two companies breached a duty of careIn Supreme Court documents, she is seeking compensation including for loss of income Terry Delaney's husband Carl had been working alone inside a large tank late in 2017 when he fell into an insulation material called perlite and suffocated. Maurice Blackburn yesterday filed documents in the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory on Mrs Delaney's behalf alleging Kawasaki Heavy Industries, which oversaw construction of the tanks, breached a duty of care owed to the worker. How do workplaces turn toxic and what can be done to fix them? A good workplace, according to workplace psychologist Tasha Broomhall, is one where we can "come to work, participate fully, be our authentic self and not have to … feel psychologically unsafe at work".
By contrast, a toxic workplace has a host of red flags, Professor Gary Martin, chief executive at the Australian Institute of Management WA, told Geoff Hutchison on ABC Radio Perth. He said one of the first signs of a potentially problematic workplace is high staff turnover. Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume. Download 7 MB Other signs include low morale, unrealistic expectations of employees, lack of communication, gossiping and innuendo, and excessive or cutthroat internal competition. Advocates demand the government responds to the Respect@Work report on workplace harassment. Here's what that report found. In January last year, Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins handed the government a lengthy report into sex discrimination in Australian workplaces, telling the nation there was an urgent need for change.
But, not long afterwards, the government's attention quickly turned to responding to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, with Australia's first case recorded just weeks after the report dropped. Now, with COVID-19 largely under control, attention has again turned to the treatment of women in workplaces across the country, including Parliament House. Thousands of people rallied around the country yesterday, calling for urgent action and, in particular, for the government to act and put in place the recommendations from last year's report. So, what were those recommendations? Sydney food delivery rider in serious condition after crash in Rockdale. A food delivery rider in Sydney is in a serious condition after a crash in the city's south only 200 metres from where another rider died last year while working.
A 20-year-old food delivery driver is in hospital after his scooter was hit by a car Last year four riders were killed on Sydney roads and a taskforce was set up to investigate the deaths New rules currently being considered aim to provide better protection for workers The 20-year-old man was riding a scooter at about 9:00pm yesterday when he was hit by a car at the intersection of the Princes Highway and Rockdale Plaza Drive, Rockdale. He sustained serious head injuries and remains in a serious condition at St George Hospital where he is expected to undergo surgery. The 22-year-old woman driving the car was arrested and taken to hospital for mandatory testing and has since been released. Police are appealing for information and dashcam or CCTV footage from the area at the time of the crash as their investigations continue. Charges laid against Darwin crane company after two workers suffer crush injuries at police station.
A Darwin mobile crane hire company faces up to $3 million in penalties after an electrical switchboard weighing almost two tonnes toppled back onto two workers, leaving one of them in a critical condition.
NT Worksafe has alleged A.M. Cranes & Rigging had no safe system of work in place despite high riskIt has charged the company with breaching workplace health and safety laws after two men were injuredOne of the men suffered serious head injuries. ATSB report into 2019 Kakadu helicopter crash finds numerous Parks Australia safety issues. An investigation into a mechanical failure that caused a 2019 helicopter crash in Kakadu has found a number of oversights in Parks Australia's safety procedures worsened the accident that three crew were lucky to survive.
Key points: The investigation identified several problems with Parks Australia's safety proceduresIt found high staff turnover and poor documentation led to limited oversightAerial culling operations in the national park remain suspended The helicopter crashed into terrain during a feral horse cull in a remote section of Kakadu National Park in May two years ago. Two park rangers and the pilot were flown to Royal Darwin Hospital with serious back injuries and chemical burns from spilled fuel. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has now released its report into the incident, blaming the crash on a mechanical failure. It found those oversights were among "a range of factors exacerbating the occupants' injuries or increasing risk". Power makes people 'more likely to lie, to cheat, to swear' at work, experts say. You can't see or smell power.
But with enough practice, it's easy to recognise who has it and who doesn't — especially when you're the one without it. Social psychologist Professor Dacher Keltner, from the University of California, Berkley, has talked to thousands of people about power. He's studied it for 25 years. He says most of us consider power in terms of work, money or prestige. However what power really comes down to, he says, is your "capacity to alter the state of another person … their thoughts, their feelings, their actions, their pocketbook, their health". Staffer Brittany Higgins allegedly raped in office of senior government minister Linda Reynolds inside Parliament House. The issue of the toxic treatment of women inside Parliament House has re-emerged following new allegations that a federal government staffer was raped in a minister's office.
Key points: A Liberal Party staffer alleges she was raped inside Linda Reynolds's office in 2019She says she did not make a formal complaint because she wanted to protect her job and the reputation of the Liberal PartyA follow-up meeting was held inside the office, a decision the Government concedes is "regretted" Tasmania's police union fears suicide toll climbing, compensation cases spike. Tasmania Police is in the grip of a mental health crisis, with at least six attempted suicides and another four serving officers who have taken their own lives in the past four years, the police union says.
Key points: Police officer Robert Cooke took his life last October after seeking help for mental stress49 officers are seeking compensation for psychological injury, the union saysThey want management to address fatigue and overwork issues The Tasmanian Police Association said of 112 full-time members off on workers compensation, 49 were for psychological injury. Robert "Cookie" Cooke was the most recent of those suicides. The 49-year-old took his own life last October, after years of battling work-induced post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). New guidelines to protect food delivery riders after spate of deaths on Sydney roads. More than two months after a spate of delivery rider deaths on Sydney roads, a SafeWork NSW taskforce has found riders' lack of familiarity with NSW road rules and the use of "poorly maintained and unsafe" bicycles or motorbikes were common hazards that led to injuries.
Key points: The SafeWork NSW taskforce was set up after four delivery rider deaths on Sydney roadsIts draft guidelines suggest poorly designed apps and unrealistic delivery times are making the job unsafeThe union welcomes government attention but says direct intervention is needed to address low pay and standards. Online food delivery deaths prompt calls for better worker's compensation for gig economy workers. Four-year-old Azka is getting used to a new phrase in his vocabulary: "My father has passed away. " They are an enormous five words for a small boy to carry. Key points: Over recent months there have been five deaths involving food delivery ridersAs independent contractors, delivery riders are not entitled to the same rights as employeesThe deaths have underscored a union campaign for stronger protections for gig economy workers.
Protesters call for wage theft crackdown in Adelaide's Chinatown following alleged assault. Dozens of protesters have again gathered in Adelaide's Chinatown district urging better wage protections for vulnerable workers, especially migrants and international students. Key points: Rally organisers called for an end to systemic underpayment of international studentsThe protest was prompted by a viral video that showed an alleged assaultThe SA Government says agencies including the Fair Work Commission are empowered to tackle the problem The rally came after an alleged assault on a worker at Chinatown business Fun Tea last week, which has sparked discussion about alleged wage theft among the international student community.
Footage of the incident, which went viral on social media, shows a verbal dispute between a man and a young woman who makes claims about wage theft. The man can be heard denying the claims. Security guards speak out on poor pay and conditions at quarantine hotels, amid Perth COVID-19 scare. Hotel quarantine security guards at the frontline of keeping the highly-contagious B117 variant of COVID-19 out of Western Australia have called for better wages and duty of care provisions, with many paid as little as $22 an hour to put their health at risk during 12-hour shifts. Speaking anonymously for fear of being sacked, two security guards working for different private contractors have spoken out about the poor conditions and personal toll of the job. "What's the upside? " Both security guards have come to the defence of a young colleague known as Case 903, who tested positive to the UK variant and sparked Perth's lockdown, saying the "poor fella" was being demonised.
It has been revealed that Case 903 appeared to have contracted the virus from a returned overseas traveller, despite being stationed two metres away from the person's room, at the Four Points by Sheraton in Perth. According to authorities, he did not, as was earlier thought, deliver medical supplies to the room. WA's booming mining industry had 378 'serious' safety incidents in 2019-20, including two deaths.
New figures show West Australian mine workers are being seriously injured on the job at a rate of more than one a day — a damning statistic after companies were warned about fatigue management during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic. Key points: 477 mines varying in size and commodity operated in WA during 2019-20At the peak of the boom, the sector had 107,335 workers in 2013–14 — it has grown to 132,144About 51 per cent of the workforce is employed in iron ore; 23 per cent in gold As the resources sector continues to carry the state's economy on the back of booming iron ore and gold prices, the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) on Friday released its 2019-20 report on safety performance.
The most heart-wrenching fact contained in the 56-page report was the two fatalities recorded in the 12 months to June 30 last year. The bulk of those workers (121,088) are employed in surface jobs. As heatwaves become more extreme, which jobs are riskiest? Heat is more dangerous than the cold in most Australian regions. About 2 per cent of deaths in Australia between 2006 and 2017 were associated with the heat, and the estimate increases to more than 4 per cent in the northern and central parts of the country. The risk is higher in some regions but where you live is not the only factor that matters. When it comes to heat, some jobs are much more dangerous, and put workers at higher risk of injury. Who is most at risk? Gold miners in China trapped underground for eight days send note to elated rescuers. At least 12 gold miners trapped hundreds of metres underground in China for more than a week have sent up a note warning that they are injured, surrounded by water and urgently in need of medicine.
When backpackers went home, these Australians gave farm jobs a go. Here's how they went. As soon as it became clear COVID-19 was going to wreak havoc, most backpackers hastily left Australia and made their way back home. Fearing the nation's fresh produce would be left to rot, the Federal Government and agriculture bodies lobbied young Australians to take up farming jobs instead.
Some farmers flaunted attractive wage figures, saying it was possible to make $3,000 per week, while Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack told teens regional work might make for interesting Instagram content, and even lead to finding "the love of your life". These Australians gave it a go. Former Huawei employee speaks out on Shenzhen's '996' culture as Chinese city enforces paid leave.
For five years, former Huawei employee Zeng Meng embraced China's infamous "996" culture of working from 9:00am to 9:00pm, six days a week. Canberra receptionist who rolled ankle rushing to answer phone wins $120,000. A receptionist who rolled her ankle while rushing to answer the phone has been awarded $120,000 after suing her employer. The woman sprained her ankle while hurrying to answer her office phoneThe court heard she had asked for a headset so she could answer the phone from afar, but was deniedThe court awarded her $119,000 plus costs The woman worked at Canberra cleaning business Broadlex Services, where she was required to answer the phone and perform other duties away from her desk area.
NSW Health employee was suspended from his job on the Mid-North Coast for talking to his union. NSW Health whistleblowers claim patients 'set up to fail' amid 'toxic' culture. Two former NSW Health employees are taking legal action against the department, claiming its "flawed and toxic" work culture destroyed their careers and had deadly consequences in hospitals. Key points: China's trade war with Australia is having very real consequences for stranded seafarers. Intensifying trade tensions between China and Australia are now leaving seafarers in limbo, as dozens of ships remain stranded near the Chinese coast. Key points: Chinese workers strike in Warrnambool after employee injured in altercation at abattoir.
More than 80 Chinese workers from an abattoir in south-west Victoria have gone on strike after an altercation between two employees this week left one with concussion and a black eye. Underground worker dies after underground incident at Westgold Resources Limited's Big Bell mine - ABC News. North Bondi wall collapse leaves construction worker with serious injuries - ABC News. Heatwave study to investigate warming climate's effect on workers - ABC News.
Hundreds of Metro Train drivers quit union over concerns new workplace rules could lead to tragedy - ABC News. Tennant Creek electrician pleads guilty to fatal workplace safety failures - ABC News. NT Worksafe charges cattle company directors over 2018 fatal helicopter crash in Central Australia - ABC News. Soldiers complain that conditions, neglect during Melbourne coronavirus deployment took toll on mental health - ABC News. Ground-breaking Australian study creates world-first tool to help veterans transition to civilian life - ABC News. We're in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, so why are people still 'soldiering on' at work? - ABC News. Ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Oxfam releases report on Australian fashion brands - ABC News. Four delivery riders die on Sydney roads in three months in 'massive crisis' for gig economy - ABC News. Sydney news: New plans to revamp Sydney's iconic Sirius building released - ABC News.
Landmark research reveals 'horrific' mental health crisis facing Australian truck drivers - ABC News. Border controls leave an army of invisible workers trapped on floating sweatshops - ABC News. Work safety watchdog orders AFP to fix Canberra police traffic operations centre - ABC News. Paramedics have one of Australia's most dangerous jobs — and not just because of the trauma they witness - ABC News. As a fly-in fly-out worker on a mine site, coronavirus has kept me isolated for months - ABC News. Healthcare workers say the Victorian Government is still not doing enough to protect them from coronavirus at work - ABC News. Canberra stone company tries to protect workers from silica dust as silicosis disease cases rise nationally - ABC News. Riverina farmer Adam Symons has arm torn off in 'horrific' hay baler accident, drives himself to get help - ABC News.
Being monitored by your boss while working from home — necessary trade-off or 'stupid' surveillance? - ABC News. Mental health experts say it would be 'advisable' to keep JobKeeper and JobSeeker long term - ABC News. Airservices Australia staff sacked for bullying and harassment amid warnings of cultural problems - ABC News. Working from home to avoid a toxic workplace? You may not be alone — but you can manage it - ABC News. Victorian teachers lodge more WorkCover claims for impacts of coronavirus pandemic than any other profession - ABC News. Suffering from burnout at work? This is where it comes from and how to avoid it - ABC News. Fijian workers on Pacific Labour Scheme say they were fired over workplace injuries and faced deportation - ABC News. Thousands at risk of dud insurance in their super as they lose work due to coronavirus - ABC News.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison introduces national coronavirus safe workplace principles. Working from home during coronavirus shutdown? These hacks may help keep ease the pain of your home office - Health - ABC News. Home carers for elderly, people with disabilities worried about lack of PPE after nurse exposed to man with coronavirus. Coronavirus creating thousands of new jobs as companies re-purpose for 'corona-conomy' Buying Australian-made clothing? It might not be as ethical as you think. Among coronavirus chaos, union calls for special measures to protect millions of casual workers from COVID-19 fallout. Canberra construction industry reforms remain incomplete, almost eight years after Jayson's fall.
Law Society slams proposed industrial manslaughter legislation for senior mine employees as 'harsh and unjust' Chris sorted through the 'blood and gore' on social media. Now he's suing Facebook over PTSD. Remote NT health clinic placed under special administration after threats of violence. What can parents do to help their child's teacher? A 'recovering' teacher's term one wishlist. Worker trapped in Tasmanian gold mine named. Worker missing after collapse at Henty Gold Mine in Tasmania's west. Paramedics speak out against assault rate as staff told to delay treatment in the face of violence. Lawyers push for Paul McGuire coronial inquest to probe who prosecutes mining fatalities. Former WA police officers query shortcomings of compensation scheme. Employers sitting in on workers' compensation medical appointments a growing trend: unions. Second Circus Rio performer injured in less than a week during Glenelg show in Adelaide.
Workers exposed to asbestos at the Jeeralang power station in the Latrobe Valley. Mother pleads for better safety after son killed at church working bee, fears it could happen again. Workplace loneliness leading to mistakes, poor productivity, study finds. Man killed in accident at Central Queensland coal mine. With just one in four Aussies staying with same employer for 10+ years, is traditional long service still relevant? Gun brought to Royal Adelaide Hospital as violent incidents increase, union says. Violence against council workers escalates in Victoria, prompting calls for more protection. Chef mentor's suicide drives campaign to fix mental health crisis in hospitality industry. Living like a super-productive chief executive is harmful to your health. Bus driver abuse, assaults taking heavy toll on mental health. Lucas Heights nuclear medicine production halts after workers exposed to unsafe radiation.
Traumatised police officer takes criminal action after case manager EML dragged out workers' compensation claim. Building construction site in Cambodia collapses, killing at least 13 and trapping dozens. Cladding risks raised by Melbourne fire brigade before Neo200 blaze, but council deemed risk 'low' Workers exposed to Agent Orange chemical decades ago demand compensation from Tasmanian Government. Rio Tinto NT mine production suspended amid safety concerns.
Gayle's Law loophole, allowing nurses to see patients alone, draws concern from union. Public servant's 11-year fight to have Comcare pay for ironing and gym sessions to continue. Miners don drag to break down Pilbara's blokey culture and start talking about mental health. Rio Tinto accused of 'cutting corners' on safety amid mystery over executive's departure.
Darwin bus drivers demand respect following launch of abuse tracking system. The coffee nap is a hare-brained scheme brought to you by capitalism. Parent allegedly stabs teacher with scissors at Byron Bay Public School. Silicosis epidemic draws Federal Government help as stonemason shortage strikes industry.
Katherine man Dwayne Beaumont killed in Darwin workplace incident. Deaths of chefs by suicide focus attention on mental health in hospitality industry. I quit my job and discovered the secret to good health. Northern Territory man killed after being crushed on Darwin worksite. Digging up Broken Hill's mining and union history which tells of life and death underground. Bullied and harassed teachers a significant problem in Australian schools, report finds.
Reject Shop and KFC piloting program to curb customer abuse towards retail workers.