What is Occupational Health and Safety legislation?
The main OH&S legislation in New South Wales is the: • Occupational Health & Safety Act 2000 • Occupational Health & Safety Regulation 2001 This legislation ensures employers have a responsibility to provide a safe and healthy workplace for all employees. It also requires that all workers should be aware that they have a duty of care to follow safe work practices so that they do not injure themselves or other workers. There are heavy fines and penalties for both employers and employees who fail to practice workplace safety. All employers and employees, self-employed contractors, work experience students and any visitors to a workplace are covered under this legislation. It is important to remember that a safe and secure workplace will only be achieved if everyone takes responsibility to follow OH&S policies & procedures. All staff should be motivated to contribute ideas and suggestions to try to continually improve and update safety in their workplace.
