WA publishes new Work Health and Safety Act information online

Information designed to help Western Australians prepare for the state’s new work health and safety laws has been published on the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) website. The information includes an introduction to Western Australia’s Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WHS Act) and a general overview to help people understand their health and safety duties and rights. The content also covers worker representation and participation, key changes to enforcement, engaging with stakeholders and many other topics. A video message from the Minister for Industrial Relations, Stephen Dawson, is also included. The information published online is the most up-to-date content, and the department will continue to add material as it becomes available.

The WHS Act is expected to come into effect in January 2022, with WA businesses, volunteer organisations and workers encouraged to familiarise themselves with their obligations under the new laws. Current occupational, petroleum and mines safety legislation will apply until the new WHS Act comes into force.

The new laws are based on the national model WHS Act used in other states and territories (except Victoria). This means industries and companies will have similar obligations and requirements across Australia. Transitional arrangements will provide enough time for businesses to adapt their safe systems of work to meet the new requirements.

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