New On-the-Spot Workplace Health & Safety Fines
Recent amendments to the QLD Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 include the introduction of 18 new infringement notice offences for key risk areas such as asbestos, hazardous chemicals and construction work.
The 18 new offences are eligible to be become infringement notice offences (PINs), commonly known as ‘on the spot fines’ under the State Penalties Enforcement Regulation 2014.
The justification for these new infringement notice offences is to provide a cost-effective method of enforcement which can be immediately applied to the alleged offender.
Below is the list of new PINS, as published by WorkCover QLD on 21 December 2016.
Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2011 | Infringement notice fine (penalty units) |
s42(1) Duty to provide first aid | Individual – $720 Corporation – $3600 |
s299(1) Safe Work Method Statement required | Individual – $720 Corporation – $3600 |
s300(1) must comply with Safe Work Method Statement | Individual – $720 Corporation – $3600 |
s300(2) must ensure that work is stopped immediately if not carried out in accordance with the Safe Work Method Statement | Individual – $720 Corporation – $3600 |
s306(1) trench excavation to be secured from unauthorised access | Individual – $720 Corporation – $3600 |
s306L(5) ladder has a device fitted for stability when working on a pole | Individual – $720 Corporation – $3600 |
s306Q(2) measures to be used when dismantling scaffolding | Individual – $720 Corporation – $3600 |
s317(1) worker must have carried out general construction induction training | Individual – $432 Corporation – $2160 |
s330(1) manufacturer or importer must prepare a safety data sheet for the hazardous chemical | Individual – $720 Corporation – $3600 |
s339(1) supplier of a hazardous chemical to a workplace must ensure the current safety data sheet is provided with the hazardous chemical | Individual – $720 Corporation – $3600 |
s339 (3) supplier of a hazardous chemical to a workplace must ensure the current safety data sheet is provided if the person asks for the safety data sheet. | Individual – $720 Corporation – $3600 |
s346(1) register of hazardous chemicals at the workplace is prepared and maintained | Individual – $720 Corporation – $3600 |
s346(3) register of hazardous chemicals is readily accessible | Individual – $432 Corporation – $2160 |
s419(1) a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must not carry out or allow a worker to carry out work involving asbestos | Individual – $720 Corporation – $3600 |
s446(1) a PCBU must not use or direct or allow a worker to use high-pressure water spray or compressed air on asbestos | Individual – $432 Corporation – $2160 |
s446(3) a PCBU must not use or direct or allow a worker to use power tools, brooms or any other implement that causes the release of airborne asbestos into the atmosphere unless controlled (defined) | Individual – $432 Corporation – $2160 |
s466(1) a licensed asbestos removalist must give written notice to the regulator at least 5 days before the removalist commences licensed asbestos work | Individual – $432 Corporation – $2160 |
s466(3) if asbestos is to be removed immediately a licensed asbestos removalist must give notice to the regulator immediately by phone and in writing within 24 hours | Individual – $432 Corporation – $2160 |
