New WA Work Health and Safety Legislation
WA’s new Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws have taken effect. The Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WHS Act) provides a framework to protect the health, safety and welfare of workers in WA workplaces, and of other people who might be affected by the work.
The Government announced that the new 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 ‘person conducting a business or undertaking’ (PCBU). Insurance will no longer cover penalties, ensuring that persons conducting a business undertaking are held accountable for their actions and are responsible for financial penalties.
The Government advises that, in furthering these aims workers and other persons should be given the highest level of protection against harm to their health, safety and welfare from hazards and risks arising from work as is reasonably practicable. ‘Health’ includes psychological health as well as physical health.
Full information about the new WHS laws is available on the WorkSafe WA/WA Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety Website – www.dmirs.wa.gov.au/safety-regulation
A reminder that in WA Level 1 Modified COVID Restrictions are now in effect, but with additional easing of public social measures from 12:01am Thursday 14 April 2022, as per below.
