{"id":714,"date":"2022-03-30T07:49:17","date_gmt":"2022-03-30T07:49:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hazardco.bbtdevelopment.com\/au\/?p=714"},"modified":"2024-04-10T20:24:27","modified_gmt":"2024-04-10T20:24:27","slug":"western-australia-is-moving-to-new-whs-laws","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/hazardco.bbtdevelopment.com\/au\/blog\/western-australia-is-moving-to-new-whs-laws\/","title":{"rendered":"Western Australia is moving to new WHS laws"},"content":{"rendered":"

You might have heard some rumblings that Western Australia is introducing new Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws. Work started on modernising the WHS laws way back in 2017, and after a heap of industry consultation, the new rules will be in place from 31st March 2022.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s a bit to get your head around, so we\u2019ve summarised the main things you need to know as a residential builder in WA.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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What is happening?<\/b><\/h3>\n

The new laws are largely based on the national model used in other states and territories, so companies will now have similar obligations and requirements across Australia (except Victoria who like to be a bit different and do their own thing).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The WHS Act is supported by three sets of industry specific regulations to suit WA\u2019s unique conditions. One is the \u201cWork Health and Safety Regulations (General)\u201d which applies to all workplaces including the residential building industry. The other two are for Mining and Petroleum industries so we won\u2019t focus on them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Why the change?<\/b><\/h3>\n

The new WHS laws are intended to improve the protection of workers by factoring in modern employment agreements, higher penalties for companies and individuals, and introducing the term \u2018person conducting a business or undertaking\u2019 (PCBU).<\/span><\/p>\n

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Did WA adopt all the clauses from the national model WHS laws?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Some sections of the WHS laws were tailored for WA following extensive consultation. The term ‘Not used’ has replaced any clauses that don’t apply in WA.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Will there be a transition period for businesses to adopt the new laws?\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

Transitional arrangements will be put into place where duties are new or are substantially changed from existing requirements.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Keep in mind, the systems for identifying, assessing and controlling known hazards should already be in place, as both the WHS legislation and the previous occupational safety and health legislation already focused on the elimination or minimisation of risks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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What are some of the key changes to what is currently in place?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Based on extensive consultation and recommendations, key changes by the government include:<\/span><\/p>\n