Confusion over national OHS standards puts Queensland businesses at risk
8 February
Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland (CCIQ) today expressed serious concern that confusion over the proposed national Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) legislation is leaving hundreds of Queensland businesses at risk of prosecution.
CCIQ President David Goodwin said a number of businesses that CCIQ talked to did not realise that they were still legally required to have an accredited Workplace Health & Safety Officer (WHSO) if their organisation employed more than 30 people.
"While there has been a lot of media coverage on the national Model Occupational Health & Safety Act, the new standard will not come into affect until 2012," Mr Goodwin said.
"There is also every chance employers may need to have an accredited WHSO post 2012 with the Queensland Government currently working on alternative strategies to ensure it will continue to assist Queensland businesses."
A recent CCIQ survey of 700 businesses showed clear advantages of a WHSO such as internal expertise on Workplace Health & Safety issues, ensuring a constant focus on WHS issues, ensuring businesses comply with their obligations under the Act and increasing awareness on WHS issues.
"Even if the requirement to have a WHSO is eliminated, businesses will still be obliged to ensure safety in their workplace and will face hefty penalties if they fail to meet this obligation. It is a risk business cannot afford to take," Mr Goodwin said.
"WHSOs are essentially the mechanism for businesses to meet their duty of care to Queensland employees."
To become an accredited WHSO you must complete relevant training including a five day WHSO core unit and an elective unit.
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