Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011

Resolving safety issues:

• A step-by-step process for raising and resolving workplace safety disputes — any party can kick it off, everyone must meet or communicate, and resolutions can be put in writing

Managing risks generally:

• Businesses must identify hazards, then eliminate risks if possible; if not, minimise them using a priority order: first substitute or engineer out the hazard, then use administrative controls (like rules and procedures), and only lastly rely on personal protective equipment (PPE — things like hard hats, gloves, goggles)
• Control measures must be maintained and regularly reviewed

Workplace basics:

• Safe layout, adequate lighting, ventilation, temperature management
• Toilets, drinking water, washing and eating facilities must be provided and maintained
• First aid equipment and trained first aiders must be available
• A written emergency plan must be prepared, tested, and actually used in an emergency

Personal protective equipment (PPE):

• Employers must provide it free of charge — workers cannot be charged for PPE
• Workers must use it correctly and report damage

Special hazards:

• Air monitoring for dangerous airborne substances (records kept for 30 years)
• Managing hazardous atmospheres (e.g., flammable gases or dust)
• Minimising flammable materials on site
• Protecting against falling objects

Psychosocial risks (mental health hazards):

• Businesses must manage risks to workers' psychological health — things like poor job design, bullying, or hostile work environments
• Sexual harassment and sex/gender-based harassment at work are explicitly listed as hazards that must be managed

Union entry to workplaces:

• Union officials with a "WHS entry permit" can enter workplaces to investigate safety concerns — but must follow strict notice requirements and carry proper permits

Why does it matter to you?

• If you run a business: non-compliance can result in significant fines (up to 60 penalty units per breach — roughly thousands of dollars)
• If you are a worker: you have the right to elect a safety rep, raise issues, stop unsafe work, and receive free PPE and training
• If you are a volunteer or community organisation: you may be exempt from some rules if you don't employ anyone
• If you live in a residential strata building: the body corporate managing common areas is generally not treated as a business for WHS purposes — unless it employs staff