Comments invited for new Work Health and Safety Codes of Practice

Safe Work Australia has announced the start of the public comment period for 15 draft model Codes of Practice which support the new model work health and safety legislation.

Many of these codes have direct relevance for the swimming pool and spa industry.

The draft model Codes of Practice released for public comment are:

• First Aid in the Workplace

• Managing Risks in Construction Work

• Preventing Falls in Housing Construction

• Managing Electrical Risks at the Workplace

• Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals

• Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace

• Safe Design of Building and Structures

• Excavation Work

• Demolition Work

• Spray Painting and Powder Coating

• Abrasive Blasting

• Welding and Allied Processes

• Safe Access in Tree Trimming and Arboriculture

• Preventing and Managing Fatigue in the Workplace

• Preventing and Responding to Workplace Bullying

There are a range of draft Codes of Practice available for comment. These include broad topics including first aid and preventing and responding to workplace bullying. Specific industries like construction, excavation and demolition work are also covered in these draft Codes of Practice.

The new model work health and safety laws ensure organisations can comply with one set of laws regardless of the number of states or territories in which they operate. This will ease the burden on business owners operating across the country.

Safe Work Australia Chair,  Tom Phillips, says the public comment period is a good opportunity for businesses, industry, workers and the wider community to have their say about work health and safety in Australia.

The public comment period for the draft model Codes of Practice begins on Monday 26 September 2011 and closes on Friday 16 December 2011. The public comment period for model work health and safety legislation on mining has been extended and closes on Friday 7 October 2011.

For more information on the model work health and safety laws, visit www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au.