WorkSafe is investigating work-related deaths in two separate incidents today. At around 8am in Donnybrook, a male worker suffered fatal injuries while in the process of collecting a skip bin from the front yard of a residential premises. WorkSafe investigators attended and conducted an examination of the scene. At around 2pm at Maida Vale, a worker is believed to have been electrocuted while...

Buying new furniture can be exciting, but it’s important to install your new item, securely, to prevent it from toppling over and causing serious injury or even death. Furniture, such as chests of drawers, wardrobes, bookcases, cabinets, TV or entertainment units or other tall items, can pose serious risks and potentially tragic outcomes. Young children, especially, can try to climb on, or pull...

Our TV screens, in-boxes and devices have been overflowing with End of Financial Year (EOFY) sales pitches – and you might be one of the thousands of people who snapped up a bargain-priced home appliance or some new furniture. But did you also agree to buy an ‘extended warranty’ on your purchase? Extended warranties are often sold to consumers by retailers as an added ‘peace of mind’ to cover...

The Building Services Board has refused to renew the building contractor registration of Atalla Abbas (BC101011, expired), trading as Consbuild Developments , on financial grounds. The Board’s decision follows a similar ruling in March against Mr Abbas’ other building contractor business, Beyond Builders Pty Ltd (BC103289, expired). In both cases, the Board was not satisfied the applicants met...

Industrial inspectors from Private Sector Labour Relations (PSLR) recovered $548,817 on behalf of employees in the 2023/24 financial year. This figure comes from proactive compliance activities undertaken by PSLR inspectors and underpayment complaints made to PSLR by employees. In the last 12 months, industrial inspectors conducted 102 proactive inspections which recovered more than $150,000 on...

The cooler weather has finally arrived and this usually means staying warm by using products like heaters, wheat/heat packs, hot water bottles and electric blankets, or even sitting near a cosy fire. Consumer Protection is reminding people there are safety risks with many winter products and if not careful, they could pose a fire hazard to your home. Winter is also a time to be aware of mould in...

There will be major changes to the state Hairdressers Award later in 2024, as this WA award is being updated by the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission (WAIRC). In mid-June 2024 the WAIRC issued an Order, which has not yet commenced , to vary the provisions of the award. It is anticipated that the scope of the Hairdressers Award will also be varied to extend coverage of the award...

The Building Commissioner is reminding WA consumers that only registered painting contractors can legally carry out paid painting work valued at $1,000 or more. The message follows Building and Energy’s prosecution of a Mandurah tradesman who was fined $3,500 and ordered to pay more than $500 in costs for working without the required painter registration, which he had not held for six years...

An increase to WA award pay rates and the state minimum wage is effective from today, with employers obligated to pay the new rates from the first full pay period on after 1 July 2024. The state minimum wage for employees 21 and over will increase to $918.60 per week. Minimum rates for younger workers and award free trainees and apprentices will also increase. Rates of pay in WA awards will...

Nerve damage, scarring, pain, burns, infections and psychological trauma. No, this isn’t about medical negligence, it’s about injuries received from beauty and cosmetic treatments. How would you feel if a simple trip to get your eyelashes looking lush for an event ends with red, infected eyes and a course of antibiotics, or your first session of laser hair or tattoo removal results in painful...

As a national ban on engineered stone approaches, Consumer Protection is urging affected homeowners to be aware of their rights and avoid signing new contracts to have the product installed. From 1 July 2024, the supply or installation of engineered stone – commonly used to make kitchen and bathroom benchtops – will be banned in all states across Australia to protect workers from the risks of silicosis, an irreversible lung disease.