We would like to wish all our readers a very happy and healthy holiday season.
 
We appreciate that this has been a year of unpredictable situations, from the bushfires that raged last summer to an unprecedented global health crisis, COVID-19. 

This time last year, parts of Australia were badly affected by extreme heat and bushfires.  Working in heat and/or in air pollution can be hazardous and can cause harm to workers in both indoor and outdoor work environments.

Safe Work Australia says with Summer rolling around again, workers should be reminded of the risks of working in heat and in air pollution.
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Working in heat or air pollution can be hazardous and can cause harm to workers in both indoor and outdoor work environments.

Over the 10 years from 2009-10 to 2018-19, there were 1,774 workers’ compensation claims resulting from working in heat.
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“Employers must take precautions this summer and know the risks of working in heat and/or air pollution and protect worker health and safety,” Safe Work says.

Its been a tough year so what better way to reset for 2021.
 
With a combination of practical sessions focused on key workers compensation themes as well as personal development and well-being, you'll be able to start the new year with renewed optimism and clarity.
 
Our relevant, topical subjects are presented by inspiring, expert speakers, and offered in a series of short sessions. We'll also have a virtual Q&A panel where you can discuss any of the themes raised in the sessions and find out more from icare.
 
You can dip in and out of sessions, visit our virtual stalls and chat one on one with icare staff across a range of areas.
 
We look forward to seeing you.
 
When: 10.00am - 2.00pm, Wednesday 2nd December

Source:www.cvent.com/events/virtual-insurance-and-care-forum/event-summary-c3a190cca2cf4f0dbfffb6aa62ca1121.aspx

 
 

​www.un.org/en/observances/ending-violence-against-women-day

New South Wales (NSW) has passed new laws to help track and prevent occupational dust diseases, while workplace exposure standards for respirable crystalline silica and coal dust have been halved in Western Australia (WA).

​NSW
In NSW, changes to the Work Health and Safety Amendment (Information Exchange) Bill will strengthen the process of tracking, responding to and preventing deadly occupational dust diseases, such as silicosis and asbestos, NSW Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation Kevin Anderson said. Following the passage of new laws through the NSW Parliament, silicosis, asbestos and mesothelioma will now be notifiable diseases and if acquired through workplace exposure, they will be placed on a new Dust Diseases Register.

Western Australia’s (WA) Work Health and Safety Bill 2019 has been passed by the Legislative Council and will receive royal assent soon, after consideration of amendments by the Legislative Assembly in November. The new Work Health and Safety Act (WHS Act) will replace the current Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984, and elements of the Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994 and the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Safety Levies Act 2011 that relate to work health and safety (WHS).
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When assented, the WHS Act will not be operational until regulations are complete; work to develop the regulations is currently underway and will continue in 2021. It was then sent to the Legislative Assembly for the final vote, which was expected to take place on 3 November, and will become law once the supporting regulations are finalised next year

The NSW State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) has taken action to ensure employers are not operating without workers’ compensation cover.

​SIRA says 1627 businesses purchased cover following investigations last quarter, reflecting almost $3.2 million in additional premium raised and 5236 more employees being covered.

National Mental Health Month is an initiative of the Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA) to advocate for and raise awareness of Australian mental health. It is an important time where the Australian community comes together to raise awareness that #MentalHealthMatters.
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The National Mental Health Month is unlike many other mental health awareness campaigns.

Health Benefits of Good Work
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The Health Benefits of Good Work (HBGW) is an initiative from the Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (AFOEM) of The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP). This initiative is based on compelling Australasian and international evidence that good work is beneficial to people’s health and wellbeing and that long term work absence, work disability and unemployment generally have a negative impact on health and wellbeing.