English
Australias Work Health and Safety laws are changing
Australia
International SOS is hosting a webinar to educate Australian companies and global companies with staff based in Australia on the new Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) laws.
The new laws, which are being rolled out across in each Australian jurisdiction and have come into effect in some states and territories already, set an expected standard of care for all employees, contractors and vendors. Tougher new penalties for breaches include criminal charges and higher fines.
While the laws have so far only come into effect in NSW, QLD, NT and the ACT, as well as at Commonwealth level, it is worth highlighting that regardless of the head office location, if staff are employed or supplying services in states where the laws have passed, responsibility is on the company to comply with the changes.
One of the most significant changes is that duties owed under Australian workplace safety laws may apply to Australian businesses or undertakings which have workers travelling for work purposes, or who are based in overseas jurisdictions. They may also apply to foreign businesses that have workers travelling to, or based in, Australia.
Steve Bell, Senior Associate at Freehills law firm, advised that companies sending employees overseas for travel and longer-term duties are required to take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure the health and safety of workers while they are at work, whether the worker is in Australia or overseas.
Responsibility for ensuring compliance cannot fall to in-house legal counsel alone, and staff with other remits need to understand how the new laws apply across different areas of the business.
"Implementing duty of care and WHS risk mitigation programs may fall to travel managers, risk managers, security or medical directors, human resources or other staff. It is no longer enough to give travelling staff a briefing and send them on their way," International SOS Medical Director, Dr Hooper said.
Staff from all areas of businesses are invited to attend the free webinar and learn from the experts what needs to be done to meet these new laws.
Presenting the webinar will be:
Steve Bell, Senior Associate at Freehills law firm
Dr Dick Hooper, Medical Director at International SOSThe webinar will commence at 2pm (AEST) on Thursday 8 March. To download the briefing papers and register for the event go to our dedicated WHS micro site.
A recording and summary will be made available to download after the event.
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Notes to Editors
About the International SOS Group of Companies The International SOS Group of Companies is in the business of saving lives, protecting your global workforce from health and security threats. Wherever you are, we deliver customised health, security risk management and wellbeing solutions to fuel your growth and productivity. In the event of extreme weather, an epidemic or a security incident, we provide an immediate response providing peace of mind. Our innovative technology and medical and security expertise focus on prevention, offering real-time, actionable insights and on-the-ground quality delivery. We help protect your people, your organisation's reputation, as well as support your compliance reporting needs. By partnering with us, organisations can fulfil their Duty of Care responsibilities, while empowering business resilience, continuity and sustainability. Founded in 1985, the International SOS Group, headquartered in London & Singapore, is trusted by 12,000 organisations, including the majority of the Fortune 500, as well as mid-size enterprises, governments, educational institutions and NGOs. 12,000 multicultural medical, security and logistics experts stand with you to provide support & assistance from over 1,000 locations in 90 countries, 24/7, 365 days.
To protect your workforce, we are at your fingertips: www.internationalsos.com
