ARTICLE · 04 JUNE 2012

Work, health and safety changes for the construction industry

Colin Biggers & Paisley

Explore more from Colin Biggers & Paisley

Occupational health and safety (OHS) is vital to the construction industry and it recently received a national overhaul.

AustraliaEmployment and HR

Faith Laube

Stephanie Livanes

In brief - Construction businesses need to be aware of their obligations

Occupational health and safety (OHS) is vital to the construction industry. On 1 January 2012 it received an overhaul.

The new regime imposes wider coverage, greater obligations and stricter penalties. Principals, designers and contractors now have new non-transferable duties. Principal contractors need to be appointed differently, otherwise the appointment will be ineffective. Directors and officers need to implement new due diligence steps to avoid harsher financial and custodial penalties.

The new work health and safety (WHS) laws came into effect in NSW, Queensland, NT, ACT and the Commonwealth. Victoria, Tasmania and SA will follow suit by 2013 and WA during the course of 2013.

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