Occupational Health and Safety: A Review of Developments in 1987

Abstract

Occupational health and safety has continued to assume a growing importance for both managers and workers in Australia. This article overviews some of the more important developments which have occurred in 1987 and places them in the context of broader trends and debates. After briefly discussing some occupational risks which received public attention in 1987 the article then analyses trends in the areas of preventive legislation, arbitration and direct negotiation, and workers compensation. With regard to preventive legislation it is noted that the push for Robens' model laws has made further gains in 1987 although Queensland continues to lag behind other states. Some important developments in relation to the inclusion of occupation health and safety provisions in federal and state awards are then identified. In the final section the ongoing battle by state governments to balance competing claims in the field of workers compen sation is discussed.