Modernising workplace health and safety laws

MODERNISING WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY LAWS

Participants at the Modernising Work Health and Safety Laws in WA information session held in Perth

Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety

The modernisation of Western Australia’s Work Health and Safety laws is one of the State Government’s top priorities.

Based on the national model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act, the State's new legislation will not only improve consistency with the rest of Australia but also assist in ensuring the same, high standards of safety are applied across all workplaces.

In July last year, the State Government formed a Ministerial Advisory Panel (MAP) to look at Western Australia's Work Health and Safety laws and how best to modernise them.

Minister Bill Johnston requested MAP develop proposals to provide a single Act for mines, petroleum and general workplaces using the model WHS laws as a basis.

MAP recently released a report detailing their recommendations, which form a key element in the process of modernisation.

While based on the national model Act, it is important these changes are tailored for WA workplaces to protect WA workers.

It is proposed that three sets of regulations will be developed to cover general workplaces, petroleum operations and mining operations.

For mining operations, it is proposed that the foundation for the regulations are based on the National Mines Safety Framework (NMSF). The framework is an initiative of the Council of Australian Governments which aims to achieve a nationally

consistent occupational health and safety regime in the Australian mining industry. For more information about the NMSF, visit the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science website.

Throughout this process it is important that the community has a voice in the development of these laws. Accordingly, the Department conducted a series of information sessions throughout the State. These provided an overview of the proposals for adopting the WHS Act in Western Australia as developed by the MAP.

The sessions also outlined how to provide feedback on the proposals or on any other aspect of the model WHS Act.

A total of 66 submissions were made during public comment, with over 600 pages of content. Submissions that were not confidential have been published on the Department’s website.

The Minister’s office has been provided with an analysis of the submissions made as part of the public consultation process, and is currently considering the various proposals.

While the public comment period regarding the MAP recommendations has now finished, the Department will provide further opportunities for consultation as work continues on modernising Western Australia’s WHS laws.