Model OHS Act must adopt Queensland WHSO approach
13 November
Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland (CCIQ) today called on the Federal Government to follow Queensland's lead and incorporate the requirement for a Workplace Health and Safety Officer (WHSO) in workplaces with more than 30 employees as part of the new national OHS Act.
To date the government has rejected the recommendation to adopt provisions similar to those set out in Queensland as they believe this would encourage employers to delegate responsibilities, however feedback from Queensland employers demonstrates this is not true.
CCIQ President, Beatrice Booth, said a recent survey of Queensland businesses found widespread support for the WHSO role and support for the role to be adopted in the OHS Act.
"The survey demonstrates that more than 74 per cent of respondents would have a Workplace Health and Safety Officer in the workplace even if it wasn't mandatory, reflecting the worth of the WHSO initiative," Ms Booth said.
"Survey respondents identified a number of advantages to having WHSOs in the workplace, including access to internal expertise on WHS issues, ensuring a constant focus on WHS issues, ensuring businesses comply with their obligations under the Act and increasing awareness of WHS issues.
"The role of the WHS Officer in any workplace is significant and it’s disappointing to see the exclusion of this role from the exposure draft of the OHS Act."
Ms Booth said the decision not to include provisions for a required Workplace Health and Safety Officer in larger workplaces was unsatisfactory.
"WHS Officers provide safer and more productive workplaces, and the inclusion of this role in a workplace can save employers money through lower lost time injury frequency rates and reduced worker compensation costs and premiums," Ms Booth said.
"CCIQ calls on the government to amend the Model OHS Act to provide for the inclusion of Workplace Health and Safety Officers as a matter or urgency.
"The addition of a WHS Officer in workplaces across Australia can only lead to positive outcomes for government, businesses, the community and the economy."
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