The ‘Work Health and Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024’ (WHSOLA Act), represents an influential shift in legislation which emerged from comprehensive reviews made during 2018 and 2022. These reports included the national ‘2018 Review of the Model Work Health and Safety Laws’ also known as the Boland Review, and the ‘2022 Review of Queensland’s Work Health and Safety Act 2011’. The principal objective of this Act is to reinforce worker protection and representation while simultaneously advocating for expanded use of health and safety representatives (HSRs) in workplaces. To make this practical, using work safety products like Bluesafe WHS Management System become essential.
The enactment of the WHSOLA modifies existing legislations, namely the ‘Work Health and Safety Act 2011’ (WHS Act) and the ‘Safety in Recreational Water Activities Act 2011’. It will further occasion changes to the ‘Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011’ in alignment with the proposed amendments. Users of our Bluesafe SWMS will find that it accommodates these changes quite seamlessly.
WHSQ is actively developing guidelines to assist all stakeholders conveniently navigate these changes. Therefore, to keep abreast of these changes, consistently check this page, subscribe to our eNEWS, and follow our social media channels.
Our pre-recorded webinar provides a detailed explanation of these changes. You can also download our timeline of changes (PDF, 0.3 MB) and the stakeholder communication kit (PDF, 5.66 MB). Both resources contain helpful FAQs, key messages and other practical resources vital for navigating the new legislative landscape.
A list of common queries regarding the WHSOLA Act has been compiled, along with appropriate answers. Below we also provide an outline of the specific legislative changes encapsulated within the WHSOLA Act. The importance of tools like WHS management systems cannot be overemphasized in this regulatory climate, helping ensure compliance and employee safety.
Original article link: https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/news-and-events/news/2024/work-health-and-safety-and-other-legislation-amendment-act-2024