WA to update workplace safety laws

A new Work Health and Safety Bill will be developed for Western Australia, improving consistency with the rest of the country.

Based on the national Work Health and Safety Act, the Bill will provide the primary legislation for workplace safety and health across all Western Australian industries.

Petroleum and major hazard facility industries will continue to operate under a safety case approach.

“Occupational, health and safety legislation in WA is 30 years old and is out of date,” said Mines and Petroleum and Commerce and Industrial Minister Bill Johnston.

“This is why we’re taking action — the new Bill is an important step in updating and improving the regulation of workplace health and safety.”

The Bill will be supported by a number of industry-specific regulations to suit WA’s unique conditions, enabling the resources sector to continue to use a risk-based approach.

The government’s contemporary, single Act approach has been adopted following collaboration between the former departments of Commerce and Mines and Petroleum (now the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety).

Consistent with the government’s commitment to reduce red tape, the Bill will replace three Acts: the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984, the Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994, and the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Safety Levies Act 2011.

The development of the Bill will involve extensive consultation with stakeholders and the community, prior to expected introduction to State Parliament in mid-2019.