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National Harmonisation Overview

HAZCON Pty Ltd Health, Safety & Environmental Consultantswww.hazcon.com.au

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Have you heard the news?

New Work Health and Safety laws will be adopted across Australia and will be in effect as

of 1st January 2012.

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The New Laws

The new laws will include:• Work Health and Safety Act• Work Health and Safety Regulations• National Codes of Practice and guidance

material

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The New Laws

In Victoria, these will replace the current:•Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004•Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007•Compliance Codes

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The New LawsThe new work health and safety laws will:•Reduce compliance costs and red tape for employers•Maintain a strong work, health and safety framework•Keep businesses accountable•Make laws easier to understand while protecting workers.

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The New Laws

There will be new definitions:• Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking

(PCBU)• Worker• Work Group

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The New Laws

There will be new duties, for example:Duty of Officers to exercise due diligence to

ensure PCBU compliance.

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The New Laws

There will be broader consultation requirements, for example:•Consult with other PCBU’s•Must be extended to all workers.

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The New Laws

New Work Health & Safety Regulations will - •Include information on how particular sections of the Act are to be implemented and high risk activities.

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New National Codes of Practice• Managing Risks• Consultation• Work Environment

and Facilities• Managing Noise• Manual Tasks• Confined Spaces

• Preventing Falls• Labelling Hazardous

Chemicals• Preparing Safety

Data Sheets• Managing Asbestos• Removing Asbestos• Construction Facilities

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New National Codes of Practice

More National Codes of Practice will be developed in 2012 and beyond. For example:•Machinery and Equipment•First Aid

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Enforcement

WorkSafe Victoria will continue to enforce Work Health and Safety legislation in

Victoria (no change for other regulators).

Maximum penalty for the new category 1 offence of reckless conduct will be

$3 million and / or 5 years imprisonment.

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What should you be doing now?

• Review current OH&S policies and procedures• Allocate resources to revise documents and

train workers• Talk to the professionals• Discuss implications with HSR’s, workers and

key partners• Keep up to date with legislative changes.

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What should you be doing now?

Attend one of HAZCON’s National Harmonisation Information Sessions.

HAZCON are running two information sessions in Melbourne and Gippsland. For more information

on these sessions and to RSVP, please go to www.hazcon.com.au and click on What’s New.

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Work SaferStay Safe and Healthy

Contact HAZCON for further information on Health, Safety and Environmental matters.

1800 HAZCON (1800 429 266)www.hazcon.com.au