A construction company that was earlier fined $100,000 over an accident where a teenager fell 8 metres down an elevator shaft has had its appeal for a reduction of the penalty approved.

With the major reforms being pursued for implementation by trade unions, negligent business owners and company directors would be held personally liable and be charged with serious penalties including jail when an employee in their payroll is killed in the workplace.

A sign installation business owner pleaded not guilty after being charged for an illegal construction of an advertising hoarding that was latched to a brick wall. It collapsed and resulted in the death of three Carlton pedestrians.

The Fair Work Commission kept the decision to terminate a BHP worker who refused to shave off his beard.

On April 30, James Felton’s request for unfair dismissal application was dismissed on the basis that he actually deliberately decided to simply not comply with the policy implemented by his employer.

Under work safety laws, experts warn Australian companies that allow their personnel to use Uber rather than the regular taxi service risk having to face heavy penalties while on work-related travel.