SafeWork SA recently announced that work health and safety laws will be fully implemented starting 1 January 2014.
“The regulations will take effect on 1 January 2014 and aims to further enhance the safety of South Australians by improving work practices and safety planning,” said Bryan Russell, Executive Director of SafeWork SA.
A limited number of areas involving new requirements were given a one-year grace period to better understand the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012 (SA). The period will end on 31 December 2013.
Regulators subject to transitional arrangements include construction, diving, electrical, hazardous chemicals, health and safety representatives, lead risk work, manufacturers, suppliers, importers, naturally-occurring asbestos, noise, registration, accreditation and competence.
“The transition year has provided people time to familiarise themselves with the changes and to meet their new legislative requirements,” said Mr Russell.
The following key regulations will apply from 1 January 2014:
- Safe work method statement required for high risk construction work, and additional duties for the principal contractor
- Employers required to provide audiometric testing for workers who frequently use noise-protection equipment;
- Requirement to notify SafeWork SA of lead risk work within seven days, and undertake specific health monitoring;
- Workplaces that have identified naturally occurring asbestos must have a management plan in place, including training;
- New competencies required for diving work, including qualifications and dive plan;
- Updates to supply, usage and handling of prohibited and restricted carcinogens.
Public information sessions will be conducted by SafeWork SA on 14 and 16 January to provide more information.
“We are working with business , industry and workers to keep South Australians safe and healthy at work,” said Mr Russell.
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