Category Workplace Relations

As part of its ‘Safer Farms’ election commitment to address skills and safety issues in the agriculture sector, the Victorian Government has provided new funding under the ‘Making our Farms Safer’ initiative. This funding has enabled the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) to…

WorkSafe Victoria have amended the Incident Notification reporting requirements due to COVID 19. The changes commenced on Tuesday 28 July 2020 and are for a 12 month period. The changes require duty holders to notify WorkSafe immediately after becoming aware that:  an employee,…

There’s no doubt that agriculture is one of the most challenging, varied and rewarding jobs that people can choose to do. But it’s also one of the most dangerous environments to work in.  It’s a confronting fact that, last year,…

On Friday the 19th of June 2020, the Fair Work Commission issued its decision for the Annual Wage Review 2019-20. The increase decided upon was 1.75%. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Commission altered and extended its timetable, to allow it…

A new offence of workplace manslaughter has been introduced into Victorian occupational health and safety laws and applies to a workplace death that occurs after 1 July 2020. The offence may also apply even when the death of the person…

Not sure about how to do a risk assessment? The NFF, together with Safe Work Australia, have partnered to bring you two short videos with four simple steps to guide you through the legal process. Watch these videos and you’ll…

The subject of child safety on farms has been well documented in the past. However, with the recent release of the coroner’s report which investigated the tragic events of last year where a four year old child was fatally injured…

Quad bikes are an essential piece of machinery for some farms but also feature in a number of farm fatalities each year. Let’s look at the health and safety requirements where the quad bike is the right vehicle for the…

A groundbreaking decision this week has been given by the Federal Court, ruling that certain casual workers are entitled to paid leave entitlements. This can cause a lot of potential issues for employers that currently employ casual staff. Casual workers…