New work health and safety (WHS) laws commenced on 2012 in many states and territories to harmonise occupational health and safety (OH&S) laws across Australia.
On 1 January 2012, the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 took effect and replaced:
- the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1991
- the Occupational Health and Safety (Safety Standards) Regulations 1994
- the Occupational Health and Safety (Safety Arrangements) Regulations 1991.
WHS legislation includes a model WHS Act, regulations, Codes of Practice and a national compliance and enforcement policy. The model WHS Act is not significantly different from previous occupational health & safety (OH&S) laws, but make it easier for businesses and workers to comply with their requirements across different states and territories.
Each state and territory is responsible for regulating and enforcing WHS laws.