KEY TAKE-OUTS Some out-of-office conduct may constitute a valid reason for dismissal. The lines between work and private life can often merge which makes it… Read More »Can Out-of-Hours Conduct lead to Dismissal?
In the recent case of Tapp v Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft & Rodeo Association Limited [2022] HCA 11. On 6 April 2022 the High Court held… Read More »High Court Considers “Dangerous Recreational Activity”
KEY TAKE-OUTS Employers can mandate the COVID-19 booster vaccination An employer direction to get the COVID-19 booster vaccination must be lawful and reasonable Employers must… Read More »COVID-19 Boosters, Mandatory or Not?
In this edition of Coutts Law Cast, Partner Karena Nicholls answers the question often asked by injured workers in New South Wales – what is… Read More »What is the difference between a Workers’ Compensation Claim and a Work Injury Damages Claim?
Arbitrator John Harris has found in the case of Sara v G & S Sara Pty Ltd [2021] that the estate of a deceased director… Read More »Contracting COVID in the Workplace Results in a Massive Payout to the Estate
KEY TAKE-OUTS: It is important to know whether your injury was caused by obvious risks when making a Public Liability Claim. A recent decision of… Read More »Some Risks Aren’t So Obvious – Council Held Liable
KEY TAKE-OUTS: Australian employees are now better protected from sexual harassment from their colleagues and leaders after the passing of the Sex Discrimination and Fair… Read More »New Workplace Sexual Harassment Legislation Passes Parliament
A former female Australian Federal Police (“AFP”) officer (“the plaintiff”) who was driven from being able to pursue her career has been afforded the right… Read More »Workplace Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination Under the Microscope
Industrial deafness can be a hindrance to a person’s everyday life. Whilst safety regarding hearing in the workplace has greatly improved, what about those who… Read More »Have you heard of Industrial Deafness?
It’s another blow to businesses and families as the Premier announced another lockdown for 4 weeks due to the COVD-19 outbreak. But two areas of… Read More »Employers Power: If You Breach a Health Order During COVID-19 and Mandatory Vaccination
KEY TAKE-OUTS Mr Rode was a truck driver who was dismissed for making a joke to another employee in relation to making a WorkCover claim.… Read More »When Personal Injury and Employment Law Collide
A finance broker with 7 years of service was dismissed by his employer for misconduct after posting two memes on his personal Facebook page. In… Read More »Poor Culture Is No Excuse for Offensive Post on Facebook
KEY TAKE-OUTS With the rise of the ‘gig economy’, the impacts of the Global Pandemic on employment rates and Australia’s industrial relations system has fallen… Read More »Big Changes on the Menu(log) for Gig Economy Contractors
Co-written by Mai O’Regan (Paralegal) If a psychological injury is inflicted upon you by either an intentional or negligent act/omission by another person, this is… Read More »Nervous Shock: What is it?
What a whirlwind the last few weeks has been in the media regarding sexual harassment in the workplace. It highlights the need for change in… Read More »Workplace Sexual Harassment: A Reform is on its Way
Let’s look at two cases Hubbard v CPB Contractors Pty Ltd (No 2) [2020] NSW SC 1922 and Hayley Marks v Skydive Holdings Pty Ltd… Read More »Public Liability Claims: Negligent or Not?
The Personal Injury Commission (PIC) will come into effect from 1 March 2021. What this means is there will be no more Workers Compensation Commission… Read More »The New Personal Injury Commission (“PIC”) comes into force 1 March 2021!
Both employers and employees in 2020 have struggled to gain their footing, from mass layoffs and redundancies due to COVID-19 requirements. The job sector has… Read More »What Does 2021 mean for Employment Law?
Trigger Warning: This blog contains details about Sexual Assault, which may be upsetting for some. Reader discretion is advised. A former student of a Canberra… Read More »Duty of Care, How Far Can It Extend?
Co-written by: Mai O’Regan (Paralegal) Plastic and cosmetic surgery is becoming more and more popular. There are many reasons why people undergo these surgeries, some… Read More »BOTCHED! What can I do? Who can I sue?