Call for comments on draft 2008 OHS Code of Practice

The draft Occupational Health and Safety Code of Practice 2008 (the draft OHS code 2008) has been prepared with the aim of improving workplace safety outcomes by ensuring that codes of practice support the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1991 and corresponding regulations, as well as complying with the Legislative Instruments Act 2003 and other Australian government regulatory policies.

The draft OHS code 2008 was developed in response to a review conducted by Comcare of all existing codes of practice within the Commonwealth jurisdiction. It will replace all previously approved codes and include new codes where these were identified as necessary to improve OHS in certain areas. It will also consolidate codes into one document separated in parts to provide a simpler reference for employers, employees and stakeholders.

In July 2007, Comcare sought comments from a wide range of stakeholders on a draft Occupational Health and Safety Code of Practice 2007 and received positive feedback from this process with a significant number of changes suggested, many of which were incorporated into the draft OHS code 2008. The draft OHS code 2008 also now includes a 'Part 25 - Cash in Transit', which aims to provide advice for the control of risks that are associated with the cash in transit industry.

An electronic copy of the draft 2008 OHS code, together with the explanatory notes for the OHS Code 2007, can be downloaded from the Comcare website at: www.comcare.gov.au/OHS_code_2007_for_the_Minister_for_2008.pdf and www.comcare.gov.au/explanatory_notes_final_draft.pdf

The consultation period ends at the close of business on Friday 7 March 2008. Comments should be made by this date via the OHS policy email box ohs.policy@comcare.gov.au.

Any questions in relation to this document should be addressed to Leone Leyshon by phoning 1300 366 979 or by emailing leyshon.leone@comcare.gov.au.