WorkSafe WA commissioner Lex McCulloch recently issued a reminder about public comment on the costs and benefits of the proposed national Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations as they apply specifically to Western Australian workplaces.
The public comment period was a good opportunity for businesses, industry and workers to express their opinions on the costs and benefits associated with the model WHS Regulations package, according to McCulloch.
“We’re now at the halfway mark in the public comment period on the costs and benefits of the proposed Regulations, and it is worth reminding anyone who is considering making a contribution that time is running out to do so,” McCulloch said.
“Harmonised work health and safety laws will affect all Western Australian workplaces in varying degrees, and it is important that we all provide input during this consultation process to gauge the impact of the new laws on all WA workplaces.”
“An Australia-wide consultation process took place late in 2010, but the current public comment period is specific to WA and aims to give participants in all WA workplaces the opportunity to provide their views on the proposed new laws.”
WorkSafe WA engaged Marsden Jacob Associates to conduct the two-month consultation process to assess the potential costs and benefits of the proposed laws to the WA community.
Comments must be submitted by close of business on Friday, October 12.
WorkSafe has prepared an Information and Issues Paper which provides easy to understand details about the changes that would take place with the adoption of the model WHS Regulations.
At the conclusion of the public consultation process, Marsden Jacob Associates will prepare a report for the State Government’s consideration.
“I urge everyone in WA workplaces - particularly anyone with an interest in occupational safety and health - to look at the documents and consider submitting comments or suggestions,” said McCulloch.