The McGowan Government has today released exposure drafts of regulations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 ahead of the commencement of major work health and safety (WHS) reforms in March 2022.
The WHS laws will, as a national first, bring together work health and safety for general industry, mines and petroleum operation under a single WHS Act.
Releasing the exposure drafts of the supporting regulations provides all participants in Western Australian workplaces the opportunity to prepare themselves to meet the requirements of the new Act and to make moves to improve safety in their workplaces.
The State Government is partnering with peak employee and employer bodies to ensure a wide distribution of information about the WHS laws.
This approach will complement promotional activities being undertaken by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety to other important stakeholders, as well as a government-funded education and awareness campaign.
The exposure draft regulations can be found on the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety website at https://dmirs.wa.gov.au/whs
As stated by Industrial Relations Minister Stephen Dawson:
“This is a watershed moment, allowing the community to begin familiarising themselves with the regulatory requirements of the Work Health and Safety regime that will come into force next year.
“Every Western Australian has the right to expect a safe workplace where at the end of their day’s work they can return home to their loved ones uninjured and healthy.
“I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to access the exposure draft regulations and to take the time that is available to prepare themselves.”
