WHS Legislation and Worksafe Guidance

WHS Consultants: Experts in the Latest WHS Laws & Requirements

In 2012, in Australia the new National WHS laws were introduced to improve workplace health and safety harmonisation throughout the country. Deciding that the costs outweighed the overall benefits, the states of Victoria and Western Australia forfeited the adoption. As such, these are the only two Australian states where OHS legislation is still enforced.

To find out more about your organisation’s WHS compliance requirements, speak to one of our experienced WHS consultants. Contact our friendly team at ICS by calling 1300 132 745.

For additional information regarding OHS legislation, we have provided a webpage that covers your obligations as an Australian business.

For your interest, we have also made the following material regarding WHS legislation readily available. This includes an overview of employer requirements and a comprehensive summary of the implications the changes will have for your business.

How can WHS consultants help me to meet all minimum obligations?

It is now a requirement that in the relevant states, your organisation operates in compliance with the Act and Regulations. As such, it is essential that as an Australian business you carry a WHS Health and Safety Management System that is actively integrated into your workplace culture.

When working to satisfy your WHS legislative requirements, you may find it beneficial to read the following summary.

At ICS, we can help your organisation in introducing a low cost WHS Management System that works in compliance with current legislative and WorkSafe requirements. Contact our WHS consultants for assistance by calling 1300 132 745.

What’s the latest on WHS Harmonisation and what does it mean for my business?

The Australian state of Victoria has chosen to continue using OHS legislation as opposed to adopting the new National WHS harmonisation laws. As such, The Victorian Government will enforce business compliance with the Occupation Health and Safety Act 2004 for the foreseeable future.

If your business is operating on a national level, you will need to have an informed comprehension of your differing requirements between states. This will be reliant on whether OHS or WHS legislation applies to where your conduct is taking place.

Therefore, your business may need to consider developing an Occupational Health and Safety Management System that adequately addresses both Victorian and WHS harmonisation laws.

At ICS, our experienced WHS consultants can assist your business in achieving compliance with relevant legislation. Contact us today by calling 1300 132 745.

How do I find out about OHS Legislation that I have to comply with?

Interested in finding out more about the OHS legislative codes and practices that are relevant to all Victorian businesses? You may benefit from reading WorkSafe Victoria Laws and Regulations.

For information regarding the similarities and differences between WHS and Victorian law requirements, Australian Industry Groups’ WHS/OHS Laws – Comparison Summary is a great resource.

You can also contact us directly, free of cost, and speak with a WHS consultant to resolve any of your queries by calling 1300 132 745.

What’s the difference between SafeWork Australia and Worksafe Australia?

About SafeWork Australia:

SafeWork is an Australian government agency that was established in 2008, with members working cooperatively to meet the strategic and operational objectives outlined by SafeWork Australia. In doing so, ensuring that there is appropriate policy in place to manage workers’ compensation.

The roles of SafeWork Australia include:

• Developing and harmonising national policy and strategies;
• Helping to implement model health and safety laws and making continual improvements to the legislative frameworks;
• Partaking in research; and
• Gathering, analysing and reporting data.

About WorkSafe:

WorkSafe is an independent body that operates in the Australian state of Victoria to manage OHS legislation workers’ compensation.

WorkSafe Australia works to:

• Assist in the avoidance of workplace injuries;
• Enforce OHS legislation;
• Provide employers with reasonably priced workplace injury insurance;
• Help those injured in the workplace return to work; and
• Adopting appropriate services and financial practices as to effectively manage the workers’ compensation scheme.

In Australian states such as ACT, NT and WA there are corresponding WorkSafe organisations.

Speak with a WHS consultant

If you have any queries regarding WHS legislation and improved organisational compliance, get in touch with our experienced consultants today.