The Western Australian Government has recently signalled significant changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1984 (WA) (OHS Act). The proposed changes place Western Australian businesses on notice, as penalties for business owners who commit workplace safety offences are set to increase significantly.
Partner, Jonathan Ivanisevic provides an update.
The proposed legislative changes to penalty levels are expected to take place ahead of the introduction to the Work Health and Safety Bill, due for introduction into State Parliament by mid-2019. The changes to the OHS Act have been flagged by the Government to provide an incentive for Western Australian businesses to comply with workplace safety laws, as well as align the penalty provisions with community expectations.
Examples of increases to penalty provisions under the proposed amendments are provided below:
| Description of Workplace Safety Offence | Current Penalty Provision | Proposed Penalty Provision |
| Level 4 offence involving employer breach of safety duties in circumstances of gross negligence | Maximum $500,000 for first offence and $625,000 for subsequent offences | Maximum $2.7 million indexed annually |
| Individual convicted of Level 4 offence | Maximum 2 year jail term | Maximum 5 year jail term |
| Level 1 offences such as employer failure to identify a manual handling hazard | Maximum $50,000 | Maximum $456,000 |
Western Australia is also expected to introduce the new offence of reckless or gross negligent conduct causing death in the upcoming Work Health and Safety Bill.
The new penalty provisions signal the imperative need for Western Australian business owners to seriously address occupational safety and health issues in the workplace. A comprehensive risk assessment can assist business owners in complying with their legal obligations. A review of company policies and procedures in this area is also essential.
For more information or discussion, please contact HopgoodGanim Lawyers' Partner, Jonathan Ivanisevic.