WA public comment sought on national workplace safety laws

The WA State Government is seeking public comment on the costs and benefits of the proposed national Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations as they apply specifically to Western Australian workplaces.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Lex McCulloch said the public comment period was a good opportunity for businesses, industry and workers to express their opinions on the costs and benefits associated with the model Work Health and Safety Regulations package.

"Harmonised work health and safety laws will affect all Western Australian workplaces in varying degrees, and it is important that we all provide input during this consultation process to gauge the impact of the new laws on all WA workplaces," McCulloch said.

"An Australia-wide consultation process took place late in 2010, but the current public comment period is specific to WA and aims to give participants in all WA workplaces the opportunity to provide their views on the proposed new laws."

WorkSafe has engaged Marsden Jacob Associates to conduct the two-month consultation process to assess the potential costs and benefits of the proposed laws to the WA community.

WorkSafe has prepared an Information and Issues Paper that provides easy-to-understand details about the changes that would take place with the adoption of the model WHS Regulations.

In addition, letters and emails will be sent to subscription lists and industry associations, and press and radio advertisements will be used to increase awareness of the public comment period.

Six public forums will also be held in regional WA to ensure that regional communities are aware of the new laws and the opportunity to have input into the process.

At the conclusion of the public consultation process, Marsden Jacob Associates will prepare a report for the state government’s consideration.

McCulloch encouraged participation in the public comment process.

"I urge everyone in WA workplaces - particularly anyone with an interest in occupational safety and health - to look at the documents and consider submitting comments or suggestions," he said.

"Your input could make a valuable contribution to the safety and health of all Western Australian workers."

The Information and Issues Paper and further information on submissions is available on the WorkSafe website.