Manufacturer fined after worker's fingers amputated

WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety Narelle Beer said it was up to employers to ensure workers were appropriately trained and using machinery correctly.

“No one should have to suffer such awful injuries at work, there are simply no excuses,” Dr Beer said.

“Safety measures, such as pneumatic clamps in this case, are only effective if employers ensure their workers are properly trained and the equipment is actually being used as intended.”

To manage risks when working with machinery and plant, employers should:

• Identify hazards, assess the risks associated with them, and eliminate or control those risks by isolating them or using an alternative.

• Train staff in the safe operation of machines and equipment and provide written procedures in the worker's first language.

• Develop and implement safe operating procedures in consultation with employees and health and safety representatives.

• Ensure safety guards and gates are compliant and fixed to machines at all times.

• Regularly service and inspect machines and equipment.

• Place signs on or near a machine to alert employees of the dangers of operating it.

As a business owner, are you confident that you do not have shortfalls in your efforts to keep your workers healthy and safe? Do you have an understanding of your responsibility to ensure the safety of your employees? Are you confident that you can provide a safe work environment and comply with OHS laws? Do you believe that you are effective in carrying out risk assessments, employee consultation and providing training? Do you regularly review these measures to ensure that they remain fit for purpose and keep you and your employees healthy and safe?

At Beaumont Advisory we assist business owners clarify what they currently have in place, as well as where there are shortfalls. We then assist in developing effective systems and documentation, working with businesses to ensure effective implementation. Checks are put in place to monitor ongoing effectiveness, to ensure that going forward, they are sound and comply with the Act, and most importantly keep you and your employees informed, and healthy and safe. Please feel free to contact me, Mark Felton, at Beaumont Advisory on 0411 951 372 or mfelton@beaumontlawyers.com. au for an obligation and cost-free initial discussion.

Mark Felton

Accountant

By Warren Strybosch

The ATO is likely to issue fewer refunds as they tighten on expense claims related to rental properties, work claims and capital gains tax (CGT).

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has outlined its focus areas for the 2023-24 financial year, with particular attention being given to rental properties, work claims, and capital gains tax. These areas have been identified as priorities due to their potential for noncompliance and revenue leakage.

The ATO Assistant Commissioner, Tim Loh, has stated, “Within these areas we have identified common mistakes and are particularly focused on addressing these and supporting taxpayers and registered tax agents to get their claims right this year.”

Rental properties have long been a key area of interest for the ATO. With the rise of the sharing economy and the increasing popularity of platforms such as Airbnb, the ATO is keen to ensure that taxpayers accurately report their rental income and claim only legitimate deductions. The ATO will be scrutinizing claims related to rental income, expenses, and depreciation to identify any instances of overstatement or fraudulent reporting. Taxpayers will need to maintain accurate records and ensure they understand the rules and limitations around rental property deductions to avoid potential audits or penalties.

“We expect fewer people will receive a refund or may receive smaller refunds than they were expecting, and more may have tax debts to manage.”

Mr Loh said nine out of 10 rental property owners were getting their returns wrong with errors such as omitting rental income, overclaiming expenses or claiming for improvements to private properties.

With 87 per cent of landlords using tax agents to prepare their returns, the ATO said its analytics systems could now highlight residential propery loans along with other rental data.

“We encourage rental property owners and their registered tax agents to take extra care this tax time and review their records before lodging their return,” Mr Loh said.