What do WHS Laws mean for your community group or P&C.

The changes for some are significant and cannot be ignored, the fines and legal ramifications in some cases are severe. But there are ways to comply and minimise your risk.

In 2008, Workplace Relations Ministers across Australia agreed to nationally harmonise work health and safety (WHS) laws.

All States and Territory except Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia will commence their work health and safety laws, on 1 January 2012.

Qld Parliament became the first to pass the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (the WHS Act 2011). The WHS Act 2011 reflects the national moderl WHS Act with minor changes which enable it to operate within the Queensland jurisdiction.

Click on the following to download a summary of the new changes that will affect all businesses from 1st January 2012.

Work Health and Safety Bill – What does it all Mean!

Click on the following to download a checklist to assist your businesses with the changes. Also information on funding, grants and support.

Queensland’s new WHS Laws – Checklist to assist you!

In some cases the costs to become compliant will be significant. On January 20th, Bill Shorten , Federal Minsiter with responsibility for Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Financial Services and Superannuation held a roundatable meeting in Melbourne with Stakeholders.

Read here what was discussed and the outcomes.

In the meantime contact your organisation advisors, WHS in your State or read these links

• Model Work Health and Safety Act
• Model Work Health and Safety Bill – 23 June 2011
• Model Work Health and Safety Codes of Practice – Public Comment
• National Compliance and Enforcement Policy
• Queensland’s new work health and safety laws
• Safe work Australia SA website

Our friends at ACSEA have provided us with some of the above content