Workplace Health & Safety – some welcome changes
Following a large number industrial disputes and concerns raised, particularly in the construction industry, caused by WHS entry permit holders misusing their powers of entry under the Act, a new bill has been passed through parliament (Work Health and Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2014) which has some important changes for organisations as below:
- 24 hours’ notice will be required by the WHS entry permit holders in order to enter a workplace, a breach of this will incur a maximum $20,000 fine.
- There has been removal of power for health and safety representatives to direct workers to cease unsafe work, they now require the help of an outside person.
- Any person assisting the health and safety representative must give 24 hours’ notice before that person can enter the site.
- There has been an increase to the maximum fine payable for a breach of state electrical safety regulation to $33,000 (ok, this one may not be so welcomed)
- The requirement for a person conducting a business to provide a list of health and safety representatives to the WHS regulator has been removed.
For more information visit the links below:
Amendment Bill explanatory notes
Explanatory speech
If you need help managing your workplace health and safety requirements contact us at (07) 5530 1571
