OVERWHELMED BY THE PLETHORA ACTS, REGULATIONS, AND CODES?

A controlled library must be created with complete copies of all OHS / WHS acts, regulations, codes of practice, and Australian Standards that are relevant to your organisation for Commonwealth, State, local government and statutory authorities.

A system must be established to keep the library up-to-date and ensure that any amendments are noted. Copies of documents in the library must be easily accessible to personnel who need them.

In many jurisdictions, ‘lack of knowledge’ will not constitute a valid legal defence. It is therefore critical that Chief Executives, General Managers, Managers and Supervisors ensure that all personnel are provided with clear communication on all matters relating to legal obligations and WHS.

Managers need to be formally advised that in jurisdictions where industrial manslaughter is in force individuals can face imprisonment if found guilty of industrial manslaughter (i.e. a fatality, where criminally reckless or criminally negligent behaviour on the part of the officer has been proven).

Managers must be formally advised that jail sentences can be given to offenders for ‘gross negligence’ – that is, where there was a disregard for the likelihood of death or serious harm occurring and, where death or serious injury did result from the contravention. Executives and Senior Managers should participate in a continuous learning program, Due Diligence and Manager Supervisor WHS Training. 

In Victoria for example, legislation dictates that approved inspectors from authorities must be given right of entry, the requested information and the required cooperation. Authorised representatives of a registered employee organisation (ARREO) with an approved and valid Entry Permit must also be allowed on to the premises.

Entry Permits are valid for three years and must include at least the following:

• the name of the authorised representative
• the name of the registered employee organisation of which the authorised representative is a permanent employee or officer
• the address of the registered employee organisation or relevant branch of the organisation
• a passport sized photograph (no more than 6 months old) of the authorised representative
• the date of issue of the entry permit
• a unique number that identifies the entry permit

Managers must be advised that in such cases, these persons have the legal right to enter the premises if they suspect an OHS contravention relating to or affecting work that is being carried out by persons:

• who are eligible to be members of the registered employee organisation
• whose employment is not subject to a certified agreement by which any registered worker organisation is bound

Corrective Action notices must be strictly adhered to and any changes must be made promptly, within the set time limit. Where required by legislation, the authority must be notified once compliance with the notice has been achieved.

Businesses must ensure that all required licences are obtained, kept up-to-date and complied with. This must include licences from the EPA for dangerous goods, radioactive substances and any other applicable licence. In some cases, you may be required to obtain long-term licences for 5 or 10 years.

Activities scheduled by legislation must be notified to the appropriate authority (e.g. WorkCover Authority, EPA, Department of the Environment, etc) within the specified time.

Such activities may include:

• Storage of dangerous goods
• Storage of hazardous wastes
• Any other activity as specified by the relevant legislation