Australia's federal work health and safety regulator, Comcare, recently launched Federal Court proceedings against the Australian Postal Corporation (Australia Post) in response to an incident at a Queensland mail delivery centre.
Comcare alleges that Australia Post contravened federal work health and safety laws by failing to take all reasonably practicable steps to protect the health and safety of its employees and contractors in relation to matters over which it has control. The maximum penalty for this type of legislative breach by a body corporate is $242,000. (WCxKit)
The proceedings arise from an alleged incident in July 2008 at Queensland mail delivery centre where a contractor involved in loading mail was run over by a forklift. As a result of being run over the contractor received severe crush injuries to the right leg, which was later amputated at the knee.
A spokesperson for Comcare, Neil Quarmby, Work Health and Safety Group General Manager, said, “We are focused on working with employers and employees to prevent such safety incidents. However, where warranted, Comcare will take court action to enforce the need for appropriate safety systems to be put in place for the protection of workers.”
This is not the first court action commenced by Comcare against Australia Post for an alleged contravention of federal work health and safety laws. (WCxKit)
In June 2010, Comcare commenced separate proceedings against Australia Post in relation to unsafe postie bikes. That matter is still before the Federal Court.
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers Compensation costs, including airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. Contact: Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-553-6604.
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Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers comp issues.
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