Independent contractors: back to the bad old days

The recent case of Inspector Childs (WorkCover Authority of New South Wales) v State of New South Wales (Department of Services, Technology and Administration) [2009], demonstrates that existing safety management systems are not the be all and end all.

Large employers are opting out of operating in South Australia because of the complexities of the South Australian workers’ compensation regime. Arguably, the case law and statute unreasonably favour the employee over the employer.

Forklifts and pedestrians using the same doorway – Result: Injury

Workplace bullying is repeated, unreasonable and unwelcome behaviour directed towards an employee or group of employees that creates a risk to health and safety.

“Three Rules of Work: out of clutter find simplicity; from discord find harmony; in the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” – Albert Einstein

On February 9, 2010 a Victorian Magistrate handed down fines totaling $330,000 for workplace bullying.

“You take the blue pill, the story ends. You wake up in your bed and you believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill, you stay in wonderland. And I show you how deep the rabbit holes goes.”