The Victorian Government has announced an administrative review of the OHS Act 2004.

The review is described as an opportunity for WorkSafe to keep working with its stakeholders to improve its operations and make Victorian workplaces safer.

The focus of this review is to consider whether there have been any unintended consequences or practical “glitches” associated with the new/changed policies in the OHS Act 2004 and to consider whether there may be opportunities to improve the administrative arrangements that have been put in place to support these policies.

It is not intended that this will be a review of WorkSafe’s performance or all aspects of WorkSafe’s administration of the Act. Nor is the review intended to revisit the fundamental policies of the Act, which were widely consulted on at the time.

The review will focus on the following questions:

• Which of the new/changed policies in OHSA 2004 do you believe have or have not made an impact on promoting improved safety outcomes? Do you have any evidence to support your observation?
• Have there been any practical problems or unintended consequences of WorkSafe’s administration of the new/changed laws? What details or particulars can you provide to support any concerns you may have?
• Are there any issues with the way WorkSafe has administered new/changed policy? Are there additional measures that WorkSafe could take to assist with compliance with this policy? What else is needed to assist compliance? What is the evidence for this?
• Are there any opportunities for streamlining the current administrative arrangements?
• Are you aware of a need to provide more support to people who raise OHS issues? Are there any further measures that could be taken to provide protection to workers or HSRs who raise OHS issues?

Visit the Victorian WorkCover website for more information about the review, including details on how to make a submission.

SA launches OHS newsletter

SafeWork SA has launched a new newsletter reporting on current OHS and IR news for workplaces in South Australia.

Visit the SafeWork SA website to download a copy of the newsletter and subscribe to future editions.

WA Work Safe Forums

The annual Work Safe Forums are presented by WorkSafe, the Commission for Occupational Safety and Health and WorkCover Western Australia.

The target audience for the forums is elected safety and health representatives – employees, managers and supervisors are also welcome to attend.

The 2007 forum will be held on Monday 22 October 2007 at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre.

Register now for the Perth Work Safe 2007 Forum by visiting the Work Safe website.

NT review of Work Health and Mining Management Acts

The final report of a review of the Work Health and Mining Management Acts in the Northern Territory has been released.

The review was commissioned following the amalgamation of various departments within the Northern Territory Government last year.

Visit WorkSafe NT's website to download the report.