Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden has flagged that changes to WorkSafe and the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 are coming later this year.
The Government is intending on reforming the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 to focus on critical risks, to promote greater clarity and consistency, and to reduce anxiety and overcompliance. WorkSafe’s focus will be shifting from enforcement to providing guidance.
While we can expect a Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill later this year, WorkSafe has been asked to make some immediate changes to ensure its:
– Actions and activities are proportionate to the risks at hand – including ensuring prosecution is even-handed.
– Actions and activities are practical – including shifting from providing “gold plated” guidance to providing guidance that reflects the realities on the ground.
– Advice is consistent and clear – including providing certainty around what is “reasonably practicable” and developing a system for duty holders to provide feedback regarding WorkSafe.
Understanding and complying with health and safety duties can feel like a daunting task and these changes will be welcome by many. We will wait and see how they will play out in practice and will provide further updates once draft legislation is released later this year.
If you require assistance regarding your health and safety obligations, or have questions about how these changes may affect your business, please contact a member of our health and safety team.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and not intended as a substitute for specific professional advice on any matter and should not be relied upon for that purpose.
