Browsing: WHS Harmonisation (WA) | Page 5

Western Australia has tabled a draft mirror Work Health and Safety Bill, which, despite the State Government's long-term position on fines, includes the same maximum penalties as the model version of the laws.

In this update, OHS Alert examines the most important workplace safety and workers' comp news from the third quarter of 2014, including Safe Work Australia's controversial decision to dump draft Codes of Practice in favour of guidance packages, and other legislative developments.

A Western Australian version of the model WHS laws will be tabled in State Parliament soon, and then released for public comment, amid criticisms from unions that yet another consultation process will delay much-needed reform.

Proposed and actual major changes to the harmonised WHS Acts, as well as surprising developments in the non-harmonised states, dominated OHS Alert's pages in the second quarter of 2014. Check out this review of all the most important safety and workers' compensation news from the three months to 30 June.

Western Australia has replaced the term "harmonisation" with "modernisation" to describe the drafting of new WHS laws for its resources sector, suggesting the laws will differ considerably from those in other jurisdictions. Meanwhile, the State mining regulator has released new guidelines and fatality reports.

WA reviewing strict supervision-related safety rules; and Qld commits to harmonising mine safety laws "where possible".

The Western Australian Government is unlikely to introduce harmonised WHS laws in the foreseeable future, with its new budget making no reference to the legislation, and the Attorney-General championing the successes of the current OSH Act.

Western Australia is expected to introduce model WHS Bills for general industry and for the resources sector by September, while the State's average workers' comp premium rate will fall for the second year in a row on 1 July.

Dangerous goods penalties could skyrocket in WA; and Regulators issue alerts after nine deaths and other incidents.

Introduction date flagged for WHS Act for WA resources sector; Regulator launches plan to reduce deaths in NSW construction sector; New safety rules for material hoists begin in May; WorkSafe Victoria targeting town as part of statewide campaign; and Seafarers reminded of workers' comp requirement.