WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY HARMONISATION
Having effective systems and processes in place will be paramount to demonstrate compliance with safety legislation. Internal and external audits will play a major part in monitoring workplace practices with reports going straight through to the Board. These audits will need to show what is happening - warts and all - because the Board of Directors will need to know that operationally, the business is doing the right thing.
Levels of penalties proposed under the model legislation are quite significant. However, the proposed increases will not be adopted here in WA with the government citing that the proposed levels are too harsh to inflect upon small businesses. The WA government does indeed support an increase in penalties, just not to the level proposed. In addition to the increased penalties for non-compliance, Officers can face jail terms as well.
Unlike existing law, a breach under the new legislation may be deemed serious even without significant injury or death occurring, as the new approach is about exposure to risk, rather than actual consequences, which is a very significant change.
Aurenda can conduct worksite audits that will provide you with peace of mind - and reflect any deficiencies or gaps that still require correction.
Email us on whs@aurenda.com or contact Kelvin Murphy on (08) 6389 8900 to discuss how we can help you to implement this legislation into your workplace.