THE MODEL WHS LAWS REVIEW: WHERE TO FROM

摘要

During 2018, the content and operation of model WHS laws underwent a review process in order to ascertain whether the laws were working effectively. Safe Work Australia appointed Marie Boland, formerly the executive director of SafeWork SA, to lead this independent review. While the review found that the laws are largely operating as intended, the Review of the model Work Health and Safety laws final report submitted by Boland to WHS Ministers makes 34 recommendations, some of which are technical and others that reference the need for further analysis. Key recommendations relate to the model WHS Regulations and Codes of Practice. These include: • making regulations on psychological health; • higher penalties and other measures to strengthen the compliance and enforcement framework and enhance deterrence; and • clarifying requirements for meaningful WHS consultation, representation and participation to improve safety outcomes.