Safety Bulletin – January 2022

WA – WHS commencement moved to March 2022 and exposure draft of WHS Regulations released

The WA Government has announced that the new Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws will come into effect in March 2022 instead of January 2022 as earlier projected. In addition, it has released exposure drafts of the WHS regulations to assist all participants in improving their workplaces and preparing to meet the requirements of the new Act. Information sessions on the new laws will run throughout January and February 2022.

View the WA Government Work health and safety laws webpage here.

Read the WA Government media releases here and here.

VIC – Additional legislative support for silicosis and other occupational diseases proposed

The VIC Government has introduced the Workplace Safety Legislation and Other Matters Amendment Bill 2021 which aims to strengthen the support provided to workers suffering from silicosis or other occupational diseases. The changes will extend financial support and compensation for sufferers, improve access to payments for families of deceased workers, expand the range of incidents and near misses that must be reported to WorkSafe, and update the grounds for issuing a prohibition notice or giving directions.

Read the Premier of Victoria’s press release here for more information. 

WA – Industrial Relations Bill to improve protections for employees passed

The WA Government has passed the Industrial Relations Legislation Amendment Bill 2021, which will, among other things, provide new protections to employees in the areas of workplace bullying and sexual harassment. Commencement is yet to be proclaimed.

Read the Premier of Western Australia’s press release here for more information.