Everyone has a right to work in a healthy and safe environment.
Each year in Australia more than 650,000 people are injured or die because of their work. Without considering the impact on employees or their families, the financial cost is over A$31 Billion.
Australian states and territories are responsible for regulating OHS in their workplaces. Each state and territory has a central piece of law - an Occupational Health and Safety Act.
OHS legislation differs in terminology and processes, but their aim is to keep workplaces safe. OHS Acts state the employer has a responsibility for health and safety and encourage a cooperative approach to health and safety.
The main objectives of the Acts are to:
Duty of care is a key principle in all OHS legislation. Duty of care places a moral duty on organisations, employers and employees to ensure the health and safety of others.
You can find out about your state's health and safety legislation by going to your state or territory WorkCover website.
ACT WorkCover: http://www.workcover.act.gov.au
NSW WorkCover: http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au
NT WorkSafe: http://nt.gov.au/deet/worksafe
Queensland WorkCover: http://www.workcover.qld.gov.au
SA WorkCover: http://workcover.com
Tasmania WorkCover: http://workcover.tas.gov.au
Victoria WorkSafe http://www.workcover.vic.gov.au
WA Workcover: http://www.workcover.wa.gov.au
Federal website: http://ascc.gov.au
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