Website addresses new WHS harmonisation laws

A new website is being launched to help small-to-medium employers get to grips with the new Work Health and Safety (WHS) harmonisation laws. The Safety First website, launched by the Group Training Association of Victoria (GTAV), offers up-to-date training and advice on workplace safety.

Many businesses are still unaware of their new obligations under the new WHS harmonisation laws, said GTAV Executive Director Gary Workman.

“Group training organisations deal with apprentices and small businesses every day, and we are aware of the safety issues that affect them,” Workman said. “We know that many small businesses want to be safe workplaces but don’t have the time and expertise to take advantage of all the resources that are available.

“Equally, we know that apprentices and young workers are particularly vulnerable if they are in an unsafe workplace and are often unable to speak out.”

Workplace injury and illness costs Australia over $60 billion every year, Workman said. “Sadly, once an accident has occurred the money and time are always found to pay for safety improvements, so why not do this before the accident happens?”

Safety First uses a range of learning techniques including audio, video, quizzes, interactive activities and real-life scenarios to get employers up to speed on WHS.

According to GTAV, the new WHS laws broaden the duty of care owed to workers to include people conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU), rather than just the direct employer of a worker. Employers now have a positive duty to ensure that they provide a safe work environment, with penalties up to $600,000 and/or five years’ imprisonment for failing to do so.

Visit the Safety First website at www.safetyfirst.org.au or www.s1.org.au.