National OHS laws one step closer

02 Jun 2009

A newly agreed framework for uniform national Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) laws will address the current disparities and inconsistencies across Australian jurisdictions.

Considering and responding to recommendations of the National Review into Model OHS Laws, the Workplace Relations Ministers’ Council (WRMC) agreed to the framework for national OSH laws at their May meeting. The Western Australian Government did not sign the agreement.

A model OSH Act will be drafted by the Safe Work Australia Council. The WRMC, comprising the federal, State and Territory Ministers responsible for workplace relations, says the model OSH Act’s provisions will enhance safety protections for employees and certainty for employers. Each jurisdiction will face changes to its current OSH legislation.

The WRMC’s responses to the National Review’s recommendations are available here at www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au.