In the media

SARTA defends Garden Grove in driver dismissal case
Union says company's dismissal of second driver in two months reflects 'poor safety practices' (13 July 2017). More...

Farmers urged to put safety first as fatalities soar
Victorian farmers are being urged to make safety a critical part of their daily routine after a shocking six months in which eight people have died in workplace incidents on farms across the state. Ms Williams said WorkSafe research had revealed that the majority of farm fatalities were experienced farmers doing activities they had done many times before (11 July 2017). More...

Keep workers and equipment safely away from powerlines
Two new electrical safety on the spot fines were introduced on 30 June to make sure employers put measures into place to keep workers safe while working around powerlines, following nine serious electrical incidents in the past 12 months (10 July 2017). More...

Cargo ship Kiunga Chief banned from Australian ports
Cargo ship Kiunga Chief banned from Australian ports The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has banned the Papua New Guinea - flagged cargo ship Kiunga Chief from entering or using Australian ports for three months after the ship was detained for a third time in less than 18 months due to the failure of its operators to safely and effectively manage the operations of the vessel (05 July 2017). More...

EPA issues hefty fines following tanker rollover
A transporter and consignor penalised over using wrong type of tanker trailers. The New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has investigated a transport company following a rollover, leading to the issuing of multiple fines. The investigation led to the issuing of $48,000 in fines after it was revealed dangerous goods tankers used to carry ammonium nitrate were not up to standard (04 July 2017). More...

Taskforce to address cladding in Victoria
The Andrews Labor Government will establish an expert taskforce to investigate the extent of non-compliant cladding on Victorian buildings. It will also make recommendations to the Government on how to improve compliance and enforcement of building regulations to better protect the health and safety of building occupants (03 July 2017). More...

WorkSafe investigates North Melbourne scaffold collapse
WorkSafe is investigating the cause of a scaffold collapse at a demolition site in North Melbourne this morning. WorkSafe's Executive Director of Health and Safety, Marnie Williams, said this was an extremely serious incident and it was fortunate that no serious injuries or fatalities had occurred (03 July 2017). More...

Published – articles, papers, reports

On the Road, Issue 13, 3 July 2017 - NHVR newsletter
The industry updates provide important information for subscribers on the heavy vehicle industry, including the latest NHVR news and events, relevant law and policy changes, and resources to help industry members comply with the law.

In practice and courts

NHVR unveils user-friendly heavy vehicle chart
The NHVR has released a new chart showing 39 common heavy vehicle combinations, with details about weight limits, length and (14 July 2017).

NTC seeks input on proposed amendments to the Australian Road Rules
The National Transport Commission (NTC) has released the latest package of proposed amendments to the Australian Road Rules (ARRs) for public consultation. The draft amendments and a document explaining the proposed changes are available on the NTC website. Submissions are open until 11 August 2017. More...

NTC seeks feedback on draft load restraint guide
Having released a new draft version of its Load Restraint Guide today, the National Transport Commission (NTC) is inviting stakeholder feedback that will help improve the new edition. Last day to submit feedback is 4 August.

WorkCover Queensland: The wiring rules are changing
The Australian Standard AS/NZS3000 is being updated and will be released later this year. To help you prepare, here's the first of a few summaries we'll send you about the most important changes to requirements (07 July 2017). More...

WorkCover Queensland: Understand the risks when working with switchboards
Before you remove switchboard panels it is important to carry out a risk assessment. If you identify any hazards you must put control measures in place to address the risk of electric shock, explosion or fire. Electrical safety laws prohibit work on energised electrical equipment. Information about electrical work on energised equipment, including mandatory controls, can be found in the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 sections 12-23.

QLD: Carrying out gas work on recreational vehicles
10 July 2017 | Petroleum and gas safety information bulletin 4
This information bulletin outlines the licensing requirements for working on caravans and other recreational vehicles in Queensland. Industry: Petroleum and gas. Subject Fires; Gas leaks; Gases; Governance or compliance; Ventilation. More...

VIC: Guide for food businesses: Food safety supervisors and training
CA guide for food businesses regarding the requirements for a food safety supervisor, their training and their responsibilities under the Food Act 1984 (06 July 2017). More...

Cases

Worksafe Victoria Prosecution Result Summaries & Enforceable Undertakings

SPTC Services Pty Ltd 158 692 963 06/07/2017
Crush injuries; Failure to provide information, instruction, training or supervision Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 21(1)&(2)(a); Wangaratta Magistrates' Court.

Pro Wall Retaining Walls & Excavations Pty Ltd 159 246 714 03/07/2017
Falls/work at height offences; High risk construction work Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 26(1); Melbourne Magistrates' Court.

Legislation

Queensland

Subordinate legislation as made
No 124: Transport Operations (Road Use Management—Driver Licensing) (Road Rules Test) Amendment Regulation 2017 - Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 – 07 July 2017.

Victoria

Statutory Rules made

No. 41: Road Safety Road Rules 2017
Commencement: 01/07/2017: rule 2 Not yet in operation: Rules 1-408: on 01/07/2017: rule 2 Sunset Date: 06/06/2027.

No. 42: Road Safety (Drivers), (General), (Traffic Management) and (Vehicles) Amendment (Road Rules) Regulations 2017
Commencement: 01/07/2017: reg. 3 Not yet in operation: Regs 1-13: on 01/07/2017: reg. 3 Sunset Date: 06/06/2027.

No. 68 Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Regulations 2017
Date of Making: 11/07/2017 Commencement: 23/07/2017: reg. 3 Not yet in operation: Regs 1-18: on 23/07/2017: reg. 3 Sunset Date: 11/07/2027.

No. 69 Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) (Infringement Notices) Amendment Regulations 2017
Date of Making: 11/07/2017 Commencement: 23/07/2017: reg. 3 Not yet in operation: N/A Sunset Date: 11/07/2027.

No. 74 Marine Safety Amendment (Expiry Date) Interim Regulations 2017
Date of Making: 11/07/2017 Commencement: Regs 1-5, 7 on 14/07/2017: reg. 3(1) Reg. 6 on 13/07/2018: reg. 3(2) Not yet in operation: Regs 1-5, 7: on 14/07/2017: reg. 3(1) Reg. 6: on 13/07/2018: reg. 3(2) Sunset Date: 14/07/2018: reg. 7.

No. 75 Heavy Vehicle National Law Application (Infringements) Amendment Regulations 2017
Date of Making: 11/07/2017 Commencement: 21/07/2017: reg. 3 Not yet in operation: Regs 1-6: on 21/07/2017: reg. 3 Sunset Date: 11/07/2027.

This publication does not deal with every important topic or change in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you have found this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances please contact one of the named individuals listed.