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Model Work Health & Safety                   Codes of Practice

 

Safe Work Australia (SWA) has developed Model Codes of Practice that are intended to provide practical guidance on how to achieve compliance with the requirements of  Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation. A Code of Practice applies to anyone who has a duty of care in the circumstances described in the Code, eg confined spaces or hazardous manual tasks.

Codes of Practice can be used as evidence of what is known about a hazard, risk or control and are admissible in court proceedings. A court may rely on the Code in determining what is reasonably practicable under the WHS Act and Regulations.

Model Codes of Practice are intended to be based on existing codes and the guidance available in jurisdictions. Existing jurisdictional codes will remain in force until a replacement model Code of Practice is approved. Transitional arrangements are outlined in the SWA Policy for Transitioning document.

The following model Codes of Practice have been approved by a majority of SWA members and the Ministerial Council:

 

On the 13th of July, 2012 the Select Council Chair advised jurisdictions to adopt and implement the following Codes of Practice: 

 

The following codes are also now available :

 

 

The following draft model Codes of Practice are currently being revised based on public comment feedback and SWA envisages materials on this matter will be finalised in the second half of the year:

  • Preventing and Responding to Workplace Bullying 
  • Preventing and Managing Fatigue in the Workplace 

 

The draft Codes below were released for public comment and are currently awaiting finalisation:

 

The draft Traffic Management Guides below were released in conjunction with the Traffic Code:

 

The public comment period for the following draft versions of Codes and Guides closed on the 24th August. SWA is currnetly considering final versions of these Codes:

 

 

Further Codes of Practice and Guidance material will be developed.

If you would like further information on Codes of Practice and their implications, please contact us.

ACCI's National Member Network has participated through  ACCI's WHS Working Partyand a wider industry consultative forum. This group of business organisations represents every industry sector in the Australian economy. The Network provides an opportunity for you to share views and have your say on the new WHS laws.

You can provide feedback on these Codes and the WHS legislative package to the business organisation that participates in ACCI's National Member Network most relevant to your industry or you can submit comment directly to our ACCI WHS review bank.