The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) has published information designed to help Western Australians prepare for the State’s new work, health and safety laws.
Minister for Industrial Relations, Stephen Dawson said the information, on the Department’s website, was supported by a wide range of educational content.
“This includes an introduction to Western Australia’s Work Health and Safety Act 2020 and a general overview to help people understand their health and safety duties and rights,” Mr Dawson said.
“The content also covers worker representation and participation, key changes to enforcement, engaging with stakeholders and many other topics.”
The Minister urged the State’s businesses, volunteer organisations and workers to familiarise themselves with their obligations under the new laws.
“The information published online is the most up-to-date content, and the Department will continue to add material as it becomes available,” Mr Dawson said.
In a statement, the Department said it expected the Act to come into force in January next year, which meant the current occupational, petroleum and mines safety legislation applied until then.
“The new laws are based on the national model Work Health and Safety Act used in other States and Territories (except Victoria), so industries and companies will have similar obligations and requirements across Australia,” it said.
“Transitional arrangements will provide sufficient time for businesses to adapt their safe systems of work to meet the new requirements,” the Department said.
Further information can be accessed on the DMIRS website at this PS News link.
