by ABILITY GROUP | Sep 21, 2026 | Injured Worker, Injury Management, Work Health & Safety, Workplace safety
A recent prosecution by SafeWork NSW highlights the significant consequences businesses can face when working-at-heights risks are not adequately managed. A building renovator has been convicted and fined $90,000 after two workers were injured when a garage roof collapsed during demolition works.
While the financial penalty is substantial, the case serves as an important reminder that workplace health and safety obligations extend far beyond compliance. Employers must proactively identify hazards, implement appropriate controls, and ensure workers are protected from foreseeable risks.
(more…)
by ABILITY GROUP | Sep 14, 2026 | Work Health & Safety, Workplace safety
Many Australian employers focus on managing visible workplace hazards. Yet, airborne contaminants remain among the most significant and often overlooked risks across industries, including construction, manufacturing, transport, healthcare, laboratories, mining, and warehousing.
To strengthen workplace health protections, Safe Work Australia is replacing the current Workplace Exposure Standards (WES) framework with a new Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL) framework for airborne contaminants.
While businesses must continue complying with existing WES requirements until 1 December 2026, organisations should start preparing now. This transition presents an important opportunity to review workplace health risks, strengthen control measures, and ensure compliance well before the new limits take effect.
(more…)
by ABILITY GROUP | Aug 17, 2026 | Health & Wellbeing, Injury Prevention, Work Health & Safety, Workplace safety
Agriculture remains one of Australia’s most hazardous industries, and the latest farm safety data released by WFI Insurance highlights lessons that extend far beyond farming into every workplace. For business owners and leaders, understanding the causes of workplace incidents is critical, not only to prevent injuries but also to reduce workers' compensation costs and create safer, more productive environments.
(more…)
by ABILITY GROUP | Aug 3, 2026 | Health & Wellbeing, Managing Psychosocial Hazards, Mental Health, Return To Work
Australian employers are facing mounting pressure from rising workers compensation costs, with psychological injury claims emerging as one of the most significant drivers of premium increases.
According to the Australian Financial Review, claim costs are escalating faster than regulators can respond, placing strain on compensation schemes and insurers alike. For business owners, HR leaders and operational managers, this trend is more than an insurance issue; it underscores the urgent need for stronger workplace mental health strategies, effective injury management, and proactive return to work practices.
(more…)
by ABILITY GROUP | Jul 13, 2026 | Work Health & Safety, Workplace safety
A recent prosecution by WorkSafe Victoria has delivered one of the strongest workplace safety messages Australian businesses have seen in recent years. A Victorian bakery has been fined a record $3.4 million under workplace manslaughter legislation following a fatal workplace incident.
This landmark case is more than just a headline; it reflects a significant shift in workplace health and safety (WHS) enforcement and demonstrates the growing expectations placed on employers, directors, and business leaders to actively protect their workers.
For businesses across Australia, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the case serves as a powerful reminder that workplace safety must be a core business priority, not simply a compliance obligation.
(more…)
by ABILITY GROUP | Jul 6, 2026 | Work Health & Safety, Workers Compensation
The commencement of Section 26A of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) on 1 July 2026 marks a significant shift in workplace safety compliance across New South Wales (NSW). Approved Codes of Practice no longer serve solely as guidance documents; they now establish the minimum WHS standards businesses must meet.
For Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs), this change removes much of the uncertainty surrounding compliance expectations. Codes of Practice are no longer optional reference material. Instead, businesses must either comply with the relevant Code or demonstrate that their alternative approach provides an equivalent or higher level of health and safety protection.
As a result, compliance, enforcement, and workplace risk management have entered a new era.
(more…)
