Thursday 25th February 2021

New COVID-19 fact sheet released for indoor workplaces. 

Safe Work Australia has released a new COVID-19 fact sheet on Improving ventilation in indoor workplaces.

The fact sheet offers practical steps to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 while in an indoor workplace.

Well-maintained heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and turning off or limiting air recirculation can help manage the risk of exposure to COVID-19.

Safe Work Australia reminds workers to not attend work if they are feeling unwell.

View Safe Work Australia website for full media release

Melbourne’s Illegal Concrete Dumper Prosecuted. 

A Melbourne man has pleaded guilty to multiple illegal dumping counts after dumping tonnes of concrete on roadsides.

The Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) carried out the investigation in collaboration with other government agencies, media and members of the public. The investigation led to a successful conviction at the Magistrates Court on Tuesday (23 Feb).

A fine of $50,000 was issued. The man was placed on a two-year community corrections order to perform 300 hours of community service and ordered to pay the costs incurred by Casey and Mornington Councils for removing the concrete slabs.

Magistrate Richard Pithouse said, ‘If there was a power under the Act…I would jail you for an extended period of time.’

EPA CEO Lee Miezis stated, ‘We have zero tolerance for this kind of behaviour, and we are glad to be able to see this through to a successful prosecution. It is a great example of law enforcement agencies, local councils and the media working together to get a great outcome.”

More information can be found on the EPA Victoria website.