Posts

Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017: An Overview for Occupational Physicians and Healthcare Professionals in Australia

The Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 (WHS Regulation 2017) is a key legislative framework in Australia designed to ensure the health and safety of workers. It provides detailed guidelines that enforce the obligations of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act). Occupational and environmental doctors, as well as any professional working in an occupational health, safety, or wellbeing capacity in Australia, should understand the key features of the legislation and keep up-to-date with changes in the law.  Understanding these regulations is essential to promoting workplace safety and compliance with national standards.

WHS 2017 Key Features

There are a number of key features of the WHS Regulation 2017. These include risk management, duties of officers and workers, health monitoring, incident notification and response, and workplace training and competency.

The legislation emphasises a proactive approach to workplace safety through effective risk management. Employers must identify potential hazards, assess risks, and implement control measures to prevent harm. This includes risks related to chemical exposure, hazardous substances, and manual handling tasks, all of which are key concerns within occupational and environmental medicine.

The regulation outlines specific duties for both employers (referred to as Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking or PCBUs) and workers. PCBUs are required to ensure a safe working environment by adhering to safety protocols, conducting regular risk assessments, and maintaining communication with workers. Workers are also obligated to take reasonable care for their safety and that of others. PCBUs must report certain workplace incidents, such as serious injuries or dangerous occurrences, to relevant authorities. This also aligns with the role of occupational and environmental doctors in investigating workplace incidents and guiding return-to-work programs for injured workers.

For occupations involving exposure to hazardous substances, the WHS Regulation mandates health monitoring. Occupational and environmental doctors play a critical role in conducting assessments for workers exposed to lead, asbestos, and chemicals such as hazardous solvents or pesticides. Monitoring must be carried out regularly to detect any early signs of occupational disease.

Ensuring that workers have the appropriate training and competence is a core requirement under the regulation. Occupational and environmental doctors can assist by advising on job-specific health risks and developing educational programs to improve awareness of safe practices.

Latest Update to the WHS Regulation 2017

In 2023, a significant amendment was made to the WHS Regulation 2017 in response to evolving workplace health risks and new safety research. The major update included psychosocial hazards and risks, silica dust control, and Covid-19-related changes.

Psychosocial risks, including mental health challenges stemming from workplace bullying, stress, and fatigue, are also one of the latest changes. Occupational and environmental doctors should be aware of the requirements for managing psychosocial hazards and advising employers on preventive strategies.

With an increased focus on silica exposure, the update also strengthens regulations on industries where workers are at risk of exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS), such as construction and manufacturing. Occupational and environmental doctors should conduct regular health assessments for affected workers and recommend appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and workplace controls, while liaising with organisations where there is greater risk of exposure.

Finally, the update centres on provisions for managing infectious diseases, particularly regarding hygiene protocols and vaccinations following the pandemic. These include enhanced guidelines for preventing the spread of airborne pathogens in high-risk settings, such as healthcare facilities.

Occupational and environmental doctors should integrate the principles of the WHS Regulation 2017 into their daily practices by conducting risk assessments, monitoring health through health surveillance, advising on safe return-to-work programs, and supporting mental health initiatives. The Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017, along with its latest updates, continues to shape workplace safety standards in Australia. Occupational and environmental doctors, as well as allied health professionals, insurers, and organisations, play a critical role in interpreting and applying these regulations to improve the health and wellbeing of workers across industries. By staying informed of regulatory changes and embracing a proactive approach to workplace health, we can contribute to safer and healthier working environments.

Acknowledgement Of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.