At WEGEL (WHS & Management Services) our consultants are up to date with current Australian Standards, Legislation and Codes of Practices across many industries throughout Western Australia. Employers need to understand that some of the standards, legislation and codes of practices are applicable to their operations. WEGEL (WHS & Management Services) can provide support by providing information and up to date legislative requirements.
Legislation that might be applicable to your workplace may include:
- Occupational Safety & Health Act & Regulations
- Mines Safety & Inspection Act & Regulations
- Dangerous Goods Safety Act
- Workers’ Compensation & Injury Management Act
If legislation is not met companies may face fines and depending on the situation they may be convicted of a criminal offence
A standard is a published document that has been developed to provide a safe, reliable and consistent process for the applicable system e.g. (AS/NZS 3000:2007 Electrical installations). Within these documents requirements, services, specifications, guidelines and procedures are set out to ensure that they are fit for their purpose.
There are three kinds of standards:
- International : ISO
- Regional: AS/NZS, EN
- National: AS
Australian standards and AS/NZS are not legal documents however some standards are referenced in Legislation subjecting the employers to the possibility of prosecution e.g. AS/NZS 3000:2007 Electrical installations also known as Australian/ New Zealand wiring rules.
Standards help businesses reduce cost and at the same time ensuring products and services are safe, reliable and consistent. Standards minimise waste, reduce errors and helps increase productivity and in turn reduces costs of the business.
Standards are constantly changing following the needs of business and government (potentially up to 1500 changes yearly). By signing up to a Safety Package we can assist your organisation in staying current and compliant with any changing standards.
Similar with standards there are Code of Practices which are referenced in legislation. When a code of practice is compared to a regulation it does not have the same legal force as a regulation. A code of practice by itself is not sufficient for prosecution under the Act. However they can be used to support prosecution for non compliance.
Approved codes of practice link
WEGEL (WHS & Management Services) will help your business maintain and compliant to Acts and Regulations, Standards and Codes of Practice requirements.