Consultation on Improving WHS Dispute Resolution
Safe Work Australia is seeking feedback on options to improve dispute resolution under model work health and safety (WHS) laws. The consultation paper explores a specialist tribunal and alternative dispute resolution approaches, with submissions due by April 17, 2026.
Model Code of Practice on Biological Hazards at Work
Safe Work Australia has released the first Model Code of Practice globally on managing biological hazards at work. This guidance assists employers in protecting workers and others from exposure to biological hazards like viruses, bacteria, and mould, which can cause injury, illness, and disease across all industries.
Online Model Code of Practice for Healthcare Industry
Safe Work Australia has released an online version of the model Code of Practice for the Healthcare and Social Assistance industry. This update makes the existing guidance more accessible and user-friendly for employers and workers across the sector.
Asbestos Framework Review Consultation
Safe Work Australia has opened a consultation on reviewing the Asbestos Framework. The review aims to strengthen model WHS laws to better control asbestos risks and support its prioritized removal. Feedback is welcomed from various stakeholders until April 26, 2026.
Recycling Company Fined for Telehandler Incident Causing Life-Changing Injuries
Sheridan Skips Burnley Limited was fined £24,000 after an employee suffered life-changing injuries in a telehandler incident. The Health and Safety Executive investigation found the company failed to conduct adequate risk assessments and segregate vehicles from pedestrians.
EEOC Commission Meeting Sunshine Act Notice
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has issued a notice regarding an upcoming commission meeting. The notice specifies the date, time, place, and matters to be considered during the meeting, adhering to Sunshine Act requirements.
OSHA cites Adonel Concrete $58,604 for 9 serious violations after fatal injury
The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has cited Adonel Concrete Corp. for nine serious violations following a fatal injury to an employee. The company faces $58,604 in penalties for inadequate machine guarding and other safety failures.
Labor Department: Union Pacific Railroad wrongly terminated employee
The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA found Union Pacific Railroad violated the Federal Railroad Safety Act by terminating an employee after they reported a work-related injury. OSHA ordered the company to reinstate the employee and pay over $315,000 in damages.
OSHA Fines Grain Company $276,407 for Safety Violations After Worker Injury
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued citations and proposed $276,407 in penalties to Alliance Grain Co. in Gibson City, Illinois. The citations stem from an inspection following a serious injury to a seasonal laborer, revealing violations related to machine guarding, lockout/tagout procedures, and grain bin entry safety.
OSHA cites contractor after worker exposure to toxic chemicals
The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has cited PCE Petroleum Contractors Enterprises Inc. for 12 serious violations after a worker was fatally exposed to benzene and toluene. The agency proposed $60,242 in penalties.
OSHA Cites Florida Contractor $28,135 for Serious Violations After Fatality
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Hyvac Inc., a Florida contractor, for two serious violations after a worker fatality. The agency proposed $28,135 in penalties for exposing workers to struck-by hazards.
OSHA Interim Enforcement Guidance on Handrail and Stair Rail Systems
OSHA has issued interim enforcement guidance regarding handrail and stair rail system requirements under 29 CFR 1910.28(b) and 1910.29(f). This guidance provides a temporary compliance path for employers until a final rule is issued, addressing a formatting error in Table D-2 of the 2016 Walking-Working Surfaces final rule.
OSHA Guidance on Recordability of Lithium-Ion Battery Injuries
OSHA issued guidance clarifying that workplace injuries resulting from employees improperly carrying personal rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (e.g., in e-cigarettes) are considered work-related and must be recorded under OSHA's recordkeeping regulation (29 CFR Part 1904). The guidance addresses a specific scenario involving unprotected batteries sparking in a pocket.
OSHA Clarifies Lead Contamination on Surfaces
OSHA has issued a clarification regarding the interpretation of "as free as practicable" for lead contamination on surfaces in its lead standard for construction. This guidance addresses employer responsibilities for maintaining clean work areas and lunchroom facilities to minimize lead exposure.
OSHA Interpretation on Respirator Medical Evaluations
OSHA has issued an interpretation clarifying its Respiratory Protection standard (29 CFR § 1910.134) regarding medical evaluations for respirator use. This interpretation addresses the extent of information employers must provide to healthcare professionals and the scope of the PLHCP's evaluation concerning an employee's ability to perform job tasks safely while using a respirator.