Research from the BMC Public Health Journal conducted in 2024 indicated that 61.75% of truck drivers develop some form of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) during their career. This alarming statistic will almost certainly be applicable to the wide range of roles undertaken by the local government sector throughout WA.
It’s that time of year when members consider their protection requirements for the upcoming year. A recent issue has been valuations and making sure that assets are detailed on the register.
It’s raised challenges for some members when making a claim.
On 6 December 2024, Western Australia’s Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing Act 2024 (PRIS Act) was given Royal Assent. The PRIS Act is a significant step towards improving the handling of personal information and setting up a control and enforcement
regime for public sector agencies.
Bush fire responsibilities for local government is a hot topic with members at the moment. Risk Matters sat down with LGIS legal advisor, Cameron Maclean, Partner at DLA Piper to explore member’s recurrent questions and scenarios. We take a deep dive to look at
member’s duties and obligations along with the associated liability implications across a variety of common situations.
In February 2022, a shire worker drowned after entering a soak (body of water) on a rural property while pumping water to a water cart for road work maintenance. The worker had received training and was experienced in the task of pumping water from the soak
to the water cart.
Working from home and hybrid working is now common practice for many local governments. It offers plenty of benefits to individuals and employer alike. It can provide meaningful flexibility for employees to juggle multiple demands and is now expected by many recruits.
Members are once again asking questions about fire safety for e-bikes, e-scooters and other light electric vehicles (LEV), alongside the installation of EV charging stations. This is an evolving risk area and members should consider the developing situation.
2023/24 proved an interesting year for the LGIS scheme and our members. There have been inflationary pressures, labour markets have been tight and skilled workers difficult to find, the workforce is ageing, and there has been substantial legislative change including the Local Government Act and a brand-new Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act.
Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Local governments are committed to ensuring the health and safety of their bushfire volunteers. However, safety responsibility does not fall solely on the local government – individual volunteer firefighters also have a duty to look after themselves and not put themselves or others at unreasonable risk.
Every year local governments across Western Australia invest millions of dollars in the assets that deliver vital services to their communities. Whether it’s a new roof for the recreation centre, construction of a new administration building or creating a new home for the library, LGIS members are building, renovating, extending or repairing assets. The question is, what happens if the contractors fail?
