A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a critical document used in the construction industry to outline the high-risk work activities being carried out, the potential hazards involved, and the control measures in place to reduce risks. It is both a planning and communication tool, ensuring that workers and contractors understand how to perform tasks […]
Reminder: OHS Compliance is Not Optional — It’s Critical A recent court case has highlighted the serious consequences of failing to follow Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) procedures. In early 2025, National Infrastructure Solutions Pty Ltd was fined $500,000 for engaging in reckless conduct that exposed workers to a potentially fatal gas leak in Bentleigh East, Victoria. […]
How to Reward and Retain Staff (Without Blowing the Budget)Smart strategies that build loyalty, motivation — and won’t cost the earth. It’s no secret that salary matters. In fact, most employees will tell you upfront it’s a top priority. But when finances are tight and across-the-board pay increases aren’t on the table, many employers are […]
The Fair Work Commission handed down its annual wage review decision on 3 June 2025. The Commission has decided to increase the National Minimum Wage and minimum wages in all modern awards by 3.5% . These increases will take effect from the first full pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2025. The National […]
A recent Fair Work Commission (FWC) ruling has underscored the importance of following proper consultation procedures—even for small businesses—when making roles redundant. The case involved a long-serving employee who was dismissed without warning after nearly 15 years with a tile import business. The FWC ultimately found the dismissal to be unfair, awarding more than $31,000 […]
A recent Fair Work Commission (FWC) decision has highlighted key responsibilities for employers managing casual workers, following a case where a fast food employee was effectively dismissed after her shifts were cut to zero without formal notice. The worker, a casual crew member in Perth, had been working regular shifts from February 2023 until July […]
Workplace bullying and harassment are more than just HR issues—they are serious threats to employee wellbeing, company culture, and business success. When left unchecked, they can lead to increased absenteeism, high turnover, reduced productivity, and significant legal and reputational risks. Unfortunately, these behaviours are more common than many businesses realise. Studies show that a significant percentage […]
As an employer in Victoria, it’s crucial to understand your legal obligations regarding long service leave (LSL) payouts. Failing to comply with these requirements can lead to penalties and disputes, so ensuring you have the right processes in place is essential for smooth workforce management. Here’s what you need to know about long service leave […]
Did you know that Performance Advantage offers you options for OH&S audits? We can provide a full suite OH&S audit on your premises, or an initial streamlined Desktop OH&S audit to review your company’s occupational health and safety practices. Unlike on-site audits, it involves evaluating documents, policies, and systems remotely without physical inspections. From this […]
At Performance Advantage, we understand how vital it is for businesses to adhere to safety regulations, especially when it comes to protecting workers in high-risk environments. Recently, a national transport and logistics company was fined $40,000 for repeatedly failing to comply with its traffic management plan, despite no workplace incident occurring. Here’s a closer look at […]
