Updated Victorian OH&S regulations in force

The Victorian Government has updated the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (OHS Regulations 2017) and the Equipment (Public Safety) Regulations 2017 (EPS Regulations 2017). These regulations came into effect on 18 June 2017.

What has changed?

The new OHS Regulations 2017 are mainly the same as the OHS Regulations 2007. However, it is important to be aware of the changes and be sure of compliance. The majority of changes affect workplaces where asbestos is present; workplaces that deal with the manufacture, import and labelling of hazardous substances and agricultural and veterinary chemicals; the construction industry; mines; and major hazard facilities.

Compliance codes review

With the new OHS Regulations 2017 in effect, the compliance codes that align with the Regulations are now under review. In consultation with stakeholders, WorkSafe has updated the codes. Eight of the proposed codes were recently available for public comment, and four additional proposed compliance codes are expected to be made available for public comment in late 2017.

Most importantly, the new OHS Regulations 2017 maintain Victoria’s already high safety standards. A range of supporting information has been developed to provide a clear overview of the changes to the OHS and EPS Regulations. These resources have been available to support duty holders, employees and members of the public to understand the regulatory changes and their impact, and to support preparation for when the Regulations came into effect on 18 June 2017.

Information and resources including a summary of the changes can be found on the WorkSafe Victoria website.