Call for public comment on WA's workplace safety regulations

Western Australians are being given the opportunity to contribute to the state’s future workplace safety and health system by submitting comment on the model Work Health and Safety Regulations.

In December 2015, the WorkSafe WA Commissioner provided information on the status of the consultation process and development of the Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws, including a review by WorkSafe of the proposed regulations and the preparation of a subsequent discussion paper.

WorkSafe has conducted its review of the model WHS regulations to identify where they can be modified to minimise prescription and keep the burden of compliance at an acceptable level. The recommendations in the discussion paper are consistent with this aim.

However, the recommendations are not the settled position of the state government, which will be considered after all submissions are considered.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Lex McCulloch said the Western Australian version of the national model WHS Act (known as the ‘Green Bill’) was released for public comment last year, and 50 submissions were received.

“The submissions identified areas of potential improvement, and further modifications have been suggested to the Minister for Commerce as a result of the feedback process,” McCulloch said.

“The Act provides the overarching principles of workplace safety laws while the regulations provide the more specific details for the various industries and procedures, and it is the regulations that are now being offered for public consideration.

“The public comment process gives all participants in WA workplaces the opportunity to have input into WA’s WHS regulations. All submissions will be considered and any necessary modifications will be made.

“After these processes are completed and any necessary Cabinet approval is obtained, the new laws will be introduced into Parliament for consideration and passage.

“Regulations based on the new laws will not be in effect until the new Act is passed and proclaimed, and any necessary interim regulations will be introduced only after a full consultation process.

“Western Australians with an interest in workplace safety are now being given the opportunity to view the discussion paper and the proposed regulations and contribute their opinions on WA’s future laws.”

The public comment period will end on 31 August. To view the discussion paper, Work Health and Safety Regulations for Western Australia, and find out about the process for making a submission, visit www.commerce.wa.gov.au/worksafe/public-comment-work-health-and-safety-regulations.

Originally published here.