OHS harmony for eastern states

Australia's eastern states have joined forces to release a harmonisation initiative designed to streamline OHS issues for businesses operating in more than one state.

The initiative is independent of the ongoing harmonisation talks between the ASCC and Australia's state and territories, Andrew Plumley, spokesperson for NSW Minister for Commerce, John Della Bosca, told Safety Solutions.

As part of the agreement, current construction induction cards will be recognised in each of the three states.

""¦construction workers who have completed induction training in NSW have their training automatically recognised in Queensland and Victoria," Della Bosca said.

"At the same time, workers will no longer need to undertake construction induction training to work in NSW if they hold a current Red Card issued in Victoria or a current Blue Card issued in Queensland."

The new initiative will also see NSW remove the requirement for employers to have an external auditor or tax agent certify their wages declarations prior to lodging with their workers compensation agent.

Plumley said the initiative is part of WorkCover's efforts to improve life for business and employees. "The more the states talk together about induction certificates etc, the more we have a consistent, similar and improved system."

Further state-based initiatives on standards for domestic construction work such as electrical safety, site supervision and site fencing are expected to be released early in 2007.

Wendy Cramer, Editor