State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) Update - Business owner admits offence

A Hunter hospitality provider ran afoul of the law when she realised her public liability insurance did not cover her workers compensation liabilities.

She rang SIRA and explained her predicament, having been misled by the broker she used and trusted when she set up her business five years prior.

The business had been uninsured for a substantial period of time in a high-risk industry which recorded more than 18,000 injuries, more than 250 permanent disabilities and eight deaths in the past three years.

Sarina Tranter, Director of SIRA Compliance, Enforcement and Investigation, said SIRA dealt seriously with uninsured employers who avoided premiums to obtain a commercial advantage over other businesses.

“NSW has a safety net for workers in the event they are injured and their employer is uninsured,” Tranter said.

“The uninsured worker can make a claim through icare’s uninsured liability section. And while normal benefits apply to these claims, there are heavy penalties for employers. In addition the employer is liable for the cost of the claim.”

The hospitality provider faced the prospect of paying double premiums for up to five years, a fine of up to $55,000 and/or imprisonment for up to six months.

In determining appropriate enforcement action, SIRA’s investigators considered mitigating factors including the employer’s self-disclosure, cooperation and remorse, and ordered her to pay a more lenient three-year ‘avoided premium penalty’ of $18,000.

SIRA’s investigators also contacted the broker involved and reiterated the broker’s obligation to provide legally sound advice.

Workers compensation is required by law under section 155 of the Workers Compensation Act 1987.

SIRA’s Compliance, Enforcement and Investigations team identifies uninsured NSW employers, which often becomes apparent when an employee is injured.

The unit also leads projects targeting high risk industries to make sure employers are aware of their obligations under the Act so they can avoid penalties.

Workers compensation, return-to-work and injury management is complicated at the best of times, if you are unsure about your duties as a manager or business owner contact us today on 1300 789 132 for expert advice.

Health inspectors share the top five most common mistakes food businesses make

If you’ve ever wondered what the most common challenges for food businesses are, look no further. We’ve collated the data and put together a list of the top 5 mistakes food businesses make.

Pest control - Cockroaches, flies and rodent faeces are frequent observations at inspections. Common pests such as rodents, flies and cockroaches carry bacteria and viruses that can contaminate food and food contact surfaces. Most active at night, pests hide in dark places such as, inside wall cavities or cracks and crevices. Contact ISOsafe for practical measures on how to manage pests or any other safety issue in your business.

Temperature control - Food handlers are reminded to ensure foods are maintained at appropriate temperatures. Leaving potentially hazardous foods unattended in summer when kitchen temperatures can soar is particularly dangerous. Ensure frozen foods are thawed out overnight under refrigeration and not thawed on benches or in sinks. Cold foods must be maintained at 5°C or below. Hot foods must be maintained at 60°C or above. 

Food hygiene - Food handlers have recently been observed incorrectly washing or not washing hands, eating or coughing over unprotected food and wearing dirty clothing. It is the responsibility of the food business proprietor to ensure all food handlers have adequate skills and knowledge in food safety. 

Garbage disposal - Overflowing or insanitary garbage facilities are often observed at inspections. Facilities must be kept clean and tidy, adequately sized and emptied frequently enough to contain the volume of rubbish produced. They should also be enclosed to prevent pest entry. 

Toilets - Facilities and their surrounding areas must be maintained in a serviceable, clean and sanitary state at all times. Warm running water, liquid soap and disposable paper towels must be available at all hand washing facilities.

For expert advice managing compliance within your food business contact ISOsafe today on 1300 789 132. Protect your business, staff and customers with ISOsafe’s food safety training and procedures.

Warning to avoid Brisbane asbestos testing company

Businesses utilising the services of asbestos testing providers are advised to remain vigilant. One asbestos testing company, in particular, is being investigated by the Queensland Office of Fair Trading (OFT).

The company and its director are being investigated for allegedly charging customers to test asbestos samples but failing to have them tested.

The OFT began investigating after receiving a complaint from a regional Queensland council. It found that the company had been consistently invoicing clients for samples taken but not tested.

WorkSafe Victoria Executive director of Health and Safety, Marnie Williams, said that if the allegations proved correct, the company’s behaviour was “outrageous”.

“Asbestos is a dangerous substance, which is why employers put their faith in companies such as this one to ensure appropriate testing is conducted,” Ms Williams said.

“Employers need to have confidence that testing procedures are carried out to ensure workplace health and safety is never compromised.”

Ms Williams said any business who had engaged Asbestos Audit should check whether the company had provided NATA-accredited analysis reports for all samples taken at their site as part of the report.

“If such reports have not been, or cannot be, provided, they should organise for a competent person to re-take those samples and have them analysed by a NATA accredited laboratory,” she said.

Any Victorian business or consumer who has used the company and have concerns about its testing procedures should contact the Queensland OFT by calling 13 74 68 or make a complaint online at www.qld.gov.au/fairtrading.

For expert advice on how to make your workplace safer contact ISOsafe today on 1300 789 132. Protect your staff with ISOsafe’s asbestos awareness training and safety programs.

Victoria: Truck driver and farmer die in separate incidents

Earlier this month, it was reported that a delivery driver died after he was struck over by his truck at a storage depot in Tullamarine. The man was believed to have been at the rear of his vehicle at the time of the incident. The man, 65, died at the scene.

In a separate incident; a farmer was seriously injured when he was run over by a tractor he was undertaking maintenance work on at his farm at Meredith, near Geelong. The man, 68, suffered serious head injuries and died later in hospital.

Both incidents are being investigated by WorkSafe Victoria. 

WorkSafe’s Executive Director of Health and Safety, Marnie Williams, said the men were working alone when the incidents happened. “Both incidents will be thoroughly investigated, and our thoughts are with the families and friends of each man,” Ms Williams said.

For expert advice on how to make your workplace safer contact ISOsafe today on 1300 789 132. Protect your staff with ISOsafe’s training and safety programs.
 

Salmonella outbreak linked to pork pies produced by Adelaide bakery

SA Health has issued a warning linked to a selection of pork and ascot pies manufactured by a bakery in Victor Harbor after five people were struck down with salmonella earlier this week. Those affected by the salmonella outbreak were aged between 54 and 80, and four of them were hospitalised.

It was reported that the pork and ascot pies were sold by 30 retailers including independent supermarkets, delis and butchers across metropolitan Adelaide. The manufacturer has since stopped production of the affected pies and commenced a recall process.

SA Health are advising consumers to confirm the origin of any pork or ascot pies with the place of purchase prior to consumption. Any products affected by the recall should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase for refund.

For expert advice on Food Standards Australia New Zealand laws contact ISOsafe today on 1300 789 132. Protect your food business, customers and staff with ISOsafe’s food safety programs.