The national model Work Health and Safety Regulations have been amended to expressly ban hazardous work processes and update references to certain Australian Standards.
The Federal Safety Commissioner's WHS accreditation scheme could be expanded to cover multiple industries, ranging from business management to healthcare services, under plans to improve safety through procurement practices.
Workplace exposure limits for diesel emissions are likely to be set under the national model WHS laws, with a major Safe Work Australia-commissioned report finding the prevention of diesel-related cancers and other diseases hinges on keeping exposure levels low.
A range of WHS Codes and amendments, covering psychosocial hazards and other issues, have taken effect in two jurisdictions, while certain WHS exemptions have been reapplied in one of them, and duty holders in a third jurisdiction have been warned that driver-distraction cameras have been "switched on".
A Bill banning insurance against WHS penalties in the Commonwealth jurisdiction, and "lowering the bar" for safety convictions, has passed both houses of Parliament without amendment, despite one colourful senator describing it as "sneaky" and "dangerous" legislation, and others calling for provisions blocking vaccine mandates.
