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Home Membership Information Services OHS and workers' compensation From OHS to WHS - The New National Work Health and Safety Laws

From OHS to WHS - The New National Work Health and Safety Laws

 Latest news

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!
With the national harmonised Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws due to commence on the 1 January 2012 it is timely that we pause for a moment to look at where things are at. Part of this review process is to understand how the national laws can be integrated into current work practices. Ai Group has developed and continues to develop tools to assist with this process.

What's happening with the WHS laws?

WHS Act. Passed in six of the nine jurisdictions! The Commonwealth, NT, Queensland, NSW and the ACT are on-track for the January 2012 start date. Tasmania has also passed the Act but will not commence it in their State until 1 January 2013. In South Australia debate on the Act had progressed before being adjourned until 14 February 2012. Victoria and WA although remaining committed to the harmonisation process, have yet to introduce the Act into their parliaments, and have requested a delay in implementing the new laws in their States.

WHS Regulations. The WHS Regulations and the 11 first stage Codes of Practice were endorsed by State and Federal Workplace Relations Ministers on 10 August 2011. The Regulations and Codes of Practice have undergone significant amendment following public comment and are available for download from Safe Work Australia.

What does this mean for the delayed states?
Delay in the implementation of the WHS laws is now certain for Victoria, WA, SA and Tasmania. However, safety laws both harmonised and current will continue to be enforced in all jurisdictions by the current State-based regulators for each of their respective States or Territories. The expectation is that ultimately all States will adopt the harmonised laws. Importantly, this means that any work already started in preparation for the new laws has not been wasted.

Additionally, many requirements of the new WHS laws are equally relevant to workplaces in non-harmonised States and so obligations of the new laws can be followed in many situations without being in breach of the current laws. It makes good business sense, where no conflict exists with the current laws, to move to the harmonised obligations.

Ai Group has developed a detailed comparison to assist organisations who wish to adopt this approach.

Let us help
Ai Group has been providing a range of information and educational options to help you prepare for the new laws and we will continue to do so. You can access information, tools and webinars through this website or participate in one of our many seminars or training sessions. Many of our members have already benefited from on-site briefing sessions tailored to their specific needs. We are here to help - give us a call.


Download the WHS at a glance Industry Magazine insert. (PDF 250Kb)

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New national WHS laws

The model Work Health and Safety Act marks an historic point in health and safety law reform.
The Act represents a new way of looking at safety governance and reflects the changing nature of work in modern times. The journey towards national WHS laws is continuing.
WHS newsletters and bulletins

As a member of Safe Work Australia, Ai Group is in a unique position to get up-to-date and relevant WHS information 'hot-off-the press' for employers. Ai Group members can access the latest WHS Newsletters and Bulletins.
WHS Information Sheets

Unsure about what your obligations are under the WHS Act? To help you, WHS Information sheets on topics such as consultation, officer duty of due diligence and union right of entry are available to download here.
WHS regulations

The endorsed WHS Regulations have been published by Safe Work Australia and a copy of the regulations is available for download from their website. 
Ai Group is developing tools to help you understand any changes to the regulations. This information will be available soon on these dedicated WHS laws webpages.
The new WHS language & FAQs

The new WHS laws bring change. With the change comes opportunities and some challenges. New names for things, a different way of handling safety - a new language. Find out what it means and read our FAQs.
Comparison to existing laws

The WHS laws bring significant changes but may appear familiar because in parts they are similar to current safety laws. Generally, the new laws are broader and safety responsibilities have been clearly defined. 
Read our summary of the changes.