Legislative requirements

Organisations have a duty of care to ensure the risks applicable to the activities of the business and their workplaces are eliminated or reduced to a reasonably practicable level. In all Australian jurisdictions, legislation requires an active commitment from businesses. Management must ensure systems and processes are in place to provide a safe and healthy workplace.

Since the 1980s, safety legislation has been performance based or outcome focused. Whilst there have been differences in each jurisdiction's application of standards and regulations, the objective of each piece of legislation has been to eliminate or reduce the incidence of work-related death, injury and illness, as well as ensure the overall protection of workers.