NSW WHS Codes of Practice Open for Consultation

SafeWork NSW is inviting employers, self-employed people, employees, employee representatives and contractors to provide feedback on twenty Work Health and Safety Codes of Practice to ensure they are still relevant and support current and emerging work practices and technologies.

Codes of Practice published by Safework NSW and other state-based regulators represent a ‘state of knowledge’ which can be taken into account when considering what is reasonably practicable under the WHS Act and WHS Regulations.

SafeWork NSW states, an approved industry code of practice:

gives practical guidance on how the required standard of health, safety and welfare can be achieved in an area of work

should be followed, unless there is an alternative course of action that achieves the same or better standard of health and safety in the workplace

can be used in support of the preventive enforcement provisions of the OHS Act or OHS Regulation

can be used to support prosecutions for failing to comply with or contravening the OHS Act or OHS Regulation.

Three Codes of Practice have been released for comment and you can have your say here.

MicroRisk Group can assist you to understand your obligations under the WHS regulations and ensure that your business is managing its WHS risks. See our Services for more information.