Workplace health and safety legislation updates, compliance guidance and practical information for Victorian and Australian employers and businesses.
We held a LinkedIn survey last week, see results in the picture below. Our survey results suggest that people generally think that responsibility is more important than power for HSRs. Speaking about requirements in Victoria, if we go by the “Vic OHS Act 2004 s58 Powers of health and safety representatives”, I suggest that the […]
The Workplace Safety Legislation Amendment (Workplace Manslaughter and other matters) Bill 2019 passed Parliament in November 2019 and comes in to place on the 1st July 2020. There are no additional duties required by duty holders, however the consequence for not meeting current duties under the Victorian OHS Act 2004 have been significantly increased. Therefore, […]
The extract below is from the model WHS Act which is currently legislation is all States other than Victoria and Western Australia. These 2 States have very similar requirements. It is important to note that when the legislation mentions ‘workers’, it is referring to employees, contractors and volunteers. So basically, amongst other things, we have […]
1st May 2012 “The Government will not sign up to the current proposal for harmonised legislation for occupational health and safety. It offers little benefit for Victoria to offset the $3.4 billion of estimated costs, the majority of which falls on small business. Victoria will continue to work towards best practice legislation.” 2012-13 Treasurer’s Speech […]
One proactive activity within every organisation is to determine who in your organisation is an “officer”, hence carrying personal liability if OHS is not managed as per legislated requrements. This link provides a detailed article, which has been summarised below http://www.mondaq.com/australia/x/170736/Directors+Officers+Executives+Shareholders/An+officer+and+a+defendant+personal+liability+of+managers&email_access=on?goback=%2Egde_4386381_member_107248272 Who in your organisation might be an officer under the OHS Act? The Corporations […]
http://www.baysidebusiness.com.au/index.php/event/bbn-seminar-series-seminar-8-ohs-what-are-your-obligations/ Click on the link for details, seminar run by Julie McLoughlin Session Outline: Victorian OHS Act 2004 – Current Employer Obligations How do we work towards meeting our obligations For medium and large businesses – seven pillars of safety Common Hazards in small business Harmonisation Update Victorian EO […]
Does your company employ staff or engage contractors, and if so, are you comfortable that you are fulfilling your legal and moral Duty of care obligations? Can you answer YES to all of these statements, or do they leave you feeling a little nervous? If nervous, you may benefit from the services of OHS&HR Management […]
OHS Harmonisation – not happening January 2012 in Victoria, probably another 12 months now! Are you ready for the new harmonised OHS legislation that come in to place on 1 January 2012? Here is my top ten list of changes that these laws will bring: 1. The Model Act provides a framework, each State will […]
now in place What’s new? All businesses must demonstrate pro-active strategies to eliminate sexual harassment, discrimination and victimisation. Along with this new ‘positive duty” , ‘direct’ and ‘indirect’ discrimination have been redefined. All businesses need to review current EEO policies and procedures, as they now have a positive duty to ensure their workplaces are free […]