Significant amendments to Model WHS Act and Regulation
Safe Work Australia has amended the Model WHS Act and Regulations, and while some changes may appear technical, they represent a significant shift in how serious harm, particularly psychological harm, is recognised and reported.
Health and Safety Committee Provisions in NSW WHS Act 2011
Section / Topic Extract / Legal Requirement Connection to Consultation Section 76 – Constitution of Committee The composition of a health and safety committee is to be agreed between the PCBU and workers. At least half of members must be workers not nominated by the PCBU. If no agreement, an inspector can decide. ( NSW Legislation ) This agreement mechanism is directly tied to consultation obligations — committees only exist if workers and PCBU agree or a regulator decides.
Three Categories of WHS Offences and a Table of NSW Penalty Units (2025-2026)
The NSW WHS Act 2011 has recently been amended. These amendments have included an increase in the penalty rates for WHS breaches. ....
Lack of Proactive Officer Duties Drives a 30 % Higher Workplace Fatality Rate
Victoria’s workplace health and safety regulator, WorkSafe Victoria, recorded 12 workplace fatalities in the 12 months to 21 November 2025. Twelve preventable deaths in one year, in industries where the hazards and controls are well known is an unacceptable toll by any measure. The causes remain unchanged: structural collapses, unguarded machinery, falls from height, fatigue-related vehicle incidents, and chemical explosions, concentrated in construction, agriculture, manufac
Chemical Hazards – The Hidden Risk Across All Industries
Chemical risks are not confined to laboratories or manufacturing plants, they exist in workplaces across every industry, from hospitality and cleaning services to healthcare, construction, and community care. Whether it’s a cleaning product, disinfectant, or industrial sealant, hazardous chemicals can cause serious injury, illness, or even fatalities if not handled, stored, or supervised correctly. Under the WHS Regulation , the business has a legal duty to provide adequat
Workplace fatality sees directors personally charged for breaches of duty under WHS Law
In many small businesses, directors are not only decision-makers but are also directly involved in day-to-day activities. This hands-on involvement brings unique advantages, but it also increases accountability under Work Health and Safety (WHS) law. Directors are recognised as “officers” of a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) and, as such, carry significant legal obligations. Their foremost responsibility is to ensure the business maintains an effective WHS
Bullying and Harassment costs Director $15,000 in fines
Trigger warning : This article talks about workplace sexual harassment and bullying. If this topic is distressing, feel free to skip the...
What does it take to be an HSR trainer?
Courtenell put considerable effort into expanding its scope of WHS services in 2023. Being one of the oldest training providers in New...
Liabilities of Directors in new Industrial Manslaughter laws
From 16 September 2024, industrial manslaughter has been a formal offence under New South Wales work health and safety (WHS) legislation.
“Hands on” Director not prosecuted
27 March 2025. 3 minute read. The recent court case of SafeWork NSW v Miller Logistics Pty Ltd; SafeWork NSW v Mitchell Doble [2024]...
Employer convicted and fined for failure to provide information
A recent case in New South Wales serves as a stark reminder of the importance of workplace health and safety (WHS) compliance and the...
Construction company fined $270,000 after fatal fall
13 March, 2025. 3 minute read. In February 2025 a family-operated Victorian construction company was convicted and fined $270,000 after a...
Foreign businesses must abide by Australian Work Health and Safety Laws
Many commercial businesses operating in Australia are owned and managed by overseas companies. In most cases, a company from another...