WHS News
Week of 6 October 2026 — the WHS news that matters for WA workplaces, from Perth to the rest of the world. Updated weekly.
Western Australia & Perth
A nickel mine owner and operator was fined after a worker suffered a serious spinal injury when an unsecured heavy plant component struck him during maintenance in 2023. The case highlights securing components and supervising high-risk maintenance tasks.
Read at WA Government / WorkSafe ↗A Goldfields mining maintenance business pleaded guilty after a 25-year-old heavy diesel mechanic died when a truck jack failed while an axle was being removed. Sentencing is listed for February 2027.
Read at ABC News ↗WA moves from Workplace Exposure Standards (WES) to updated Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL) from 1 December 2026, with changed limits for a range of chemicals and airborne contaminants. Mining, construction, agriculture and manufacturing should review chemical inventories and controls now.
Read at WorkSafe WA ↗WorkSafe WA is promoting October’s Safe Work Month with the theme “Safe work is for life”, encouraging employers, supervisors, workers and HSRs to take practical steps to prevent serious injury and illness.
Read at WorkSafe WA ↗The extended transition period for WA’s falls-from-height requirements in construction ran to 30 September 2026, followed by a six-month statement of regulatory intent. Builders should confirm their controls now meet the requirements.
Read at WA Government / WorkSafe ↗Around Australia
Safe Work Australia has published findings from its 2026 Australian Worker Exposure Survey on workers’ exposure to physical and chemical hazards, including airborne contaminants such as silica.
Read at Safe Work Australia ↗Safe Work Australia released a new practical guide to managing the risks of slips, trips and falls, one of the most common causes of serious workers’ compensation claims.
Read at Safe Work Australia ↗National Safe Work Month runs through October with the 2026 theme “Safe work is for life”, with weekly focus areas and free resources for workplaces.
Read at Safe Work Australia ↗Around the world
The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work highlights how better job quality and occupational safety can help essential sectors attract and keep workers.
Read at EU-OSHA ↗The US Department of Labor awarded $10.2 million to 67 organisations to deliver workplace safety and health training.
Read at US OSHA ↗US OSHA released guidance to help employers and workers prepare for and respond to opioid overdose emergencies in the workplace.
Read at US OSHA ↗Summaries are written by OH&S Systems Management Australia for general information, with links to the original sources. Always refer to the source and current legislation for detail. Last updated 2026-10-07.
What does this mean for you?
If a change or incident raises questions about your own systems, get in touch.