Browsing: WHS legislation, regulations, standards and codes (National) | Page 33

New safety laws have taken effect in most jurisdictions this month, while some planned regulations have been scrapped.

• Two more model WHS Codes replaced by guidance material;
  
• Qld promises presumptive cancer compensation for firefighters; and
  
• SA transitioning away from Workers Compensation Tribunal.

Victoria's new Labor Government will review the State OHS Act and the WorkCover Authority's enforcement policies, while the Federal Government's Comcare Bill will face a hostile Senate after passing through the Lower House.

• Safe Rates Tribunal targets six new sectors;
  
• Government releases revised construction code; and
  
• ACT releases guidance on construction inductions and SWMSs.

• Both personal and process safety must be measured, regulator warns; and
  
• New jurisdiction welcomed to national rail safety regime.

Federal Employment Minister Eric Abetz has called for employers and unions to play an active role in a plan - agreed to by Abetz and other G20 employment ministers - to improve workplace safety through "robust legal frameworks".

A senior departmental officer has assured critics of the SRC Amendment Bill that Comcare has the expertise and resources to regulate complex, heavy industries.

Employers will no longer be required to obtain AS/NZS 4801:2001 certification before tendering for Commonwealth construction projects, under a plan to free up the Federal Safety Commissioner to target unsafe companies.

Anti-bullying claim rejected after jurisdictional objection; and Abbott announces OHS review as part of Government's response to insulation inquiry.

Safety month kicks off this week; and Queensland commits to national rail safety regime.