Are You Ready for OHS Harmonisation?

The harmonisation of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) laws in Australia is no longer just a possibility but a fast-approaching reality, with new laws to be enacted in all states and territories by 1 January 2012.

What is OHS harmonisation?

Currently all six states, the two territories and the Commonwealth Government are responsible for making and enforcing their own respective OHS laws. Harmonisation is the move towards a national approach for OHS by implementing uniform OHS legislation throughout the country.

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What are the benefits?

OHS Harmonisation is designed to improve OHS standards for all Australians by streamlining OHS legislation across the country. It will improve health and safety outcomes for many employees, while for employers it is designed to reduce compensation costs and simplify administrative processes. In particular, it will benefit those employers who conduct business across multiple states.

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How was the new Legislation developed?

Safe Work Australia have developed a national model work health and safety Act with the assistance of Commonwealth, State and Territory representatives of unions and employer associations. The Model Legislation consists of a principal Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act, supported by model regulations and codes of practice that will be adopted in each jurisdiction.

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What is happening now?

The Commonwealth, state and territory governments have agreed to enact the model WHS Acts and the model WHS Regulations by December 2011. State governments have commenced tabling WHS Bills in parliament with South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland leading the way.

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How will the new laws affect employers?

Employers will be required to apply the new legislation, regulations and codes of practice within their OHS and Injury Management systems.

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How GIO can help?

To help customers prepare for harmonisation, GIO are running scheduled training sessions in NSW and WA. For more information, click here. GIO will also be conducting training sessions in ACT and TAS, depending on demand. Please email our Risk Services team to express your interest.
GIO also provides a range of other OHS training courses. Click here for more information.

GIO customers can also submit OHS questions to our Risk Services team online via the Safety Guru.