Model WHS Laws

We created the model WHS laws in 2011.

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WHS laws in your jurisdiction

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Data and Research

We collect, analyse and publish data and information on work health and safety and workers' compensation.

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Key work health and safety statistics

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Resources and Publications

We publish a wide range of resources covering many work health and safety topics.

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Read our Codes of Practice

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While we’ve come a long way in ensuring physical health and safety is a normal part of how we work, our next challenge is to ensure mental health is given the same priority.

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This infographic shows how to apply the risk management process to manage psychosocial hazards
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An information sheet about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease including the symptoms, causes and risk factors as well as information for persons conducting a business on undertaking on how to manage these risks at work.

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An information sheet about Q fever including the symptoms, causes and risk factors as well as information for persons conducting a business on undertaking on how to manage these risks at work.

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An information sheet about asbestosis and mesothelioma including the symptoms, causes and risk factors as well as information for persons conducting a business on undertaking on how to manage these risks at work.

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An information sheet about silicosis including the symptoms, causes and risk factors as well as information for persons conducting a business on undertaking on how to manage these risks at work.

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When it comes to psychological health and safety, employers can often be confused about their responsibilities. They want to know how to address the legal requirements, what best practice is, and how they can address the risks.

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WHS reporting needs to provide relevant, robust and timely information to inform decisions that influence ongoing business performance. 

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Resources and information for migrant workers about work health and safety. 

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Work health and safety laws protect all workers, no matter how they are employed (e.g. labour hire; casuals) or their visa status. The same laws apply to all workplaces and workers in Australia.

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Working from home may change WHS risks or create new ones.  It may also impact how you meet your WHS duties. For example, how you consult with workers, identify hazards, or implement control measures.   

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WHS laws apply to when workers work from home just as they do in traditional workplaces such as offices. Working from home can have benefits for both workers and businesses. However, the WHS risks must still be managed.

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Risk management should be ongoing. You may need to think about risk management again when changes occur within your workplace. For example, when you start a new business, change your business structure or purchase new equipment. 

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Risk management involves thinking about what could happen if someone is exposed to a hazard and how likely it is to happen. You should always aim to eliminate risks. If you can’t, you must minimise risks so far as is reasonably practicable. 

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Persons who conduct a business or undertaking (such an employer) and others have a duty to manage WHS risks in the workplace. 

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Work health and safety (WHS) laws apply when workers work from home just as they do in traditional workplaces such as offices.

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Persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) must notify their WHS regulator immediately after becoming aware of serious work-related injuries, illnesses and dangerous incidents. These are referred to as ‘notifiable incidents’.  

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Risk management involves thinking about what could happen if someone is exposed to a hazard and how likely it is to happen. Hazards are things and situations that could harm a person. 

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As a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU), you have a duty to consider good work design in a workplace. This page will assist you in understanding your duties under the model work health and safety laws, and direct you to supporting documentation.

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Under the model WHS laws, all workplaces must have an emergency plan in place. 

The plan must let workers and visitors know what to do in an emergency.  

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We partner with BeUpstanding – a free program that aims to prevent health problems caused by sitting for long periods. They conduct research and provide advice to help you meet your duties to manage risks with sitting and standing. 

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Most jobs involve some risk of sexual and gender-based harassment. This is a hazard and can cause both psychological and physical harm.

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Working alone or remotely can increase the health and safety risks of any job. Workers may be isolated from support and assistance because of where or when they’re working, or the nature of their work they are doing. 

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Every year, quad bikes are a major cause of death and serious injury in rural workplaces. Many incidents involve rollovers. 

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Most jobs involve some psychosocial hazards. These are the hazards that can harm workers’ mental health. 

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Fatigue is more than feeling tired and drowsy. In a work context, fatigue is mental and/or physical exhaustion that reduces your ability to perform your work safely and effectively.

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An electrical risk is something that can cause death, serious injury or shock. It can be direct or indirect contact. 

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This page provides information for PCBUs and workers about crystalline silica and some of the legal duties relating to protecting workers from exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS). 

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A carcinogen is something that can cause cancer. 

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Workplace bullying is repeated, unreasonable behaviour directed at a worker (or group of workers).  

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Despite being banned in 2003, thousands of buildings and machinery parts still contain asbestos. 

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An information sheet on how to use safety data sheets to identify, understand and manage the risks of hazardous chemicals in your workplace, which includes hazards that may put your workers at risk of developing an occupational lung disease. Available in .docx and .PDF formats.
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An information sheet for Health and Safety Representatives on how to consult with workers and identify hazards to protect workers’ health and safety and prevent occupational lung diseases. Available in .docx and .PDF formats. 

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An information sheet for persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) on how to consult with their workers on things that affect their health and safety – including occupational lung diseases. Available in .docx and .PDF formats.
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A useful checklist for all workplaces and industries which outlines the steps and process for reviewing your control measures when work processes change, or a new hazard is identified. Available in .docx and .PDF formats.
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An information sheet for all workplaces and industries which outlines the process for reviewing your control measures when work processes change, or a new hazard is identified. Available in .docx and .PDF formats. 

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A case study for all workplaces and industries to illustrate an example of reviewing your control measures when work processes change, or a new hazard is identified. Available in .docx and .PDF formats.
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This fact sheet provides a brief overview of what you and your employer can do in your work environment, as well as what you can do yourself, to protect you and your mates’ lung health at work.
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This is the sixth annual national statement issued by Safe Work Australia to identify trends in psychosocial health and safety and bullying in Australian workplaces.
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Promote the Clean Air. Clear Lungs. campaign on your website with our campaign web banner.
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Promote the Clean Air. Clear Lungs. campaign and how to identify hazards, manage risks and monitor your control measures by using these social media banners for your social media channels. This pack contains banners for Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn in .PNG format.
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Promote the Clean Air. Clear Lungs. campaign by using these social media banners for your social media channels.
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A printable poster with the Clean Air. Clear Lungs logo in .PDF format.
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An infographic which details the main types of occupational lung diseases to provide a quick overview of these conditions.
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An infographic which outlines some key statistics including the prevalence of, exposure to, main types of and compensation claims for occupational lung diseases.
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An infographic to show the ongoing process of monitoring and managing your control measures. Managing WHS requires your attention over time and whenever there are changes in work process or new hazards identified.
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