New Work Health and Safety laws (WHS) have been passed by the Legislative Council replacing outdated rules relating to occupational safety and health as well as elements of mines safety inspection laws and petroleum and geothermal energy safety levies.
Royal Assent to the new laws is expected following consideration of amendments by the Legislative Assembly in November but the changes will not be operational until Regulations are complete sometime in 2021.
According to the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety the delays will allow workplace participants time to become familiar with the provisions of the new WHS Act.
The Department said transitional arrangements would be in place to provide sufficient time for duty holders to adapt their safe systems of work to the new requirements.
It said it was developing resources to assist workplace participants adapt to the new laws.
“These will be available closer to the date the new laws become operational and will include information about the new Regulations,” the Department said.
It said the development of the new WHS Act began in 2017 and involved extensive consultation with stakeholders and the community prior to it being introduced into Parliament in November 2019.
