Significant penalties for Work Health and Safety offences
Posted
The Workplace Legislation Amendment Act 2024 (ACT) (“the Act”) has come into effect from 20 April 2024.
The Act amends, amongst other legislation, the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (“WHS Act”) as well as the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (“the Regulation”). These amendments will only commence on 19 August 2024.
The Act introduces or substitutes various penalties for offences committed in terms of the WHS Act and the Regulation, and introduces a new schedule setting out the monetary penalties payable when committing a specific category of offence. The amendments also clarify and expands on the conduct of body corporates which will result in it committing an offence.
Members are encouraged to ensure strict compliance with their work health and safety responsibilities set out in the WHS Act and the Regulation. Failure to comply may lead to significant monetary penalties and imprisonment for individuals.
If you have any questions regarding your work health and safety responsibilities, please reach out to our Workplace Relations and Legal Team on 02 6175 5900.
