The face of health and safety at work in Western Australia is changing. WorkSafe WA has announced that the new work health and safety (WHS) laws will become operational on 31 March 2022.
What does it mean for Business Owners?
New responsibilities
New terminology that introduces broader duties for duty holders
New and/or additional duties on all persons within the supply chain of goods and services
A redefined workplace that effectively increases the footprint of the laws
Increased enforcement tools and penalties for breaches of the legislation
What are some of the new WHS laws and changes?
The new offence of industrial manslaughter as a strong deterrent effect and to accord with community expectations
Enforceable undertakings as an alternative to prosecution
Prohibition on insurance for monetary penalties
Health & Safety Representatives (HSRs) having the right to choose their course of training and greater involvement in decision making
A specific duty for providers of work health and safety services to ensure those services do not pose a risk to persons at the workplace.
What is Peninsula doing about it?
It is important to note that your primary duty has not changed under WHS laws. If you have a health and safety duty now, you will continue to have a duty.
However, Peninsula recognises that such changes will impact our clients significantly. To help ensure our clients are set up for success, Peninsula will be using its extensive marketing and communication channels to keep our clients up to date and will provide clients:
updated and/or new policies, as required, to all clients impacted
updated and newly developed policy support material such as checklists and forms
a video titled “Roadmap to Compliance” to assist clients in implementing their new health and safety system documentation
access to webinars conducted by Peninsula
For information on health and safety advice, contact: 1300 651 415.
Need More Advice?
Peninsula is one of Western Australia’s largest WHS advisers. We can help your business, whether it is based in Western Australia or interstate, understand and implement these changes.
Call Us For Free Initial Advice
Our team can help give you free initial advice on any WHS or workplace relations topic.