This page includes resources for Cultural Institutions (including museums, galleries and libraries) on work health and safety, workers’ compensation and COVID-19.
Cultural institutions are mainly engaged in the preservation and exhibition of heritage objects and artefacts or visual arts and crafts with aesthetic, historical, cultural, and/or educational value. They may also include libraries or archives, which collect and maintain collections of books, documents or other media. Examples of cultural institutions include:
- art galleries and museums
- historical or heritage places, sites or houses
- natural history and science museums
- social history museums
- transport and maritime museums
- war memorials and museums
- libraries and archives
Workplaces in this industry may include art and portrait galleries, museums, science and technology centres, libraries, archives, war memorials, shrine and memorial complexes, or cultural heritage centres, buildings or sites. They are visited by individuals or groups of people, and can include tours led by tour guides or facilitated with technology.
To ensure this information is as accessible and easy to understand as possible, we refer to ‘employers’ and their responsibilities.
However, under the model WHS laws, duties apply to any person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) which includes employers, but also others who engage workers. For more information about who is a PCBU see our Interpretive Guideline – model Work Health and Safety Act – the meaning of ‘person conducting a business or undertaking'.
The model WHS laws have been implemented in all jurisdictions except Victoria and Western Australia.
Safe Work Australia does not regulate or enforce WHS laws or the recently introduced COVID-19 restrictions on business operations. If you want to know how WHS laws apply to you or need help with what to do at your workplace, contact the WHS regulator in your jurisdiction. If you want to know what restrictions on business operations apply to you or your workplace, go to your relevant state and territory government website for information.