Just in case you didn’t know, there is actually a difference between OHS Regulations and OHS legislation. The reason why many people think they are related is because they are frequently used in the same context or even in the same sentence. It is important that you understand the difference otherwise you may encounter both communication and legal problems when it comes to inspections of Construction Safety Management.
OHS legislation refers to law made and enforced in each Australian state and territory which set out requirements to ensure that workplaces are both healthy and safe for everyone involved. On the other hand, OHS Regulations refer to a body of legally enforceable rules which are established due to the relatively high level of workplace hazards which have the potential to cause a large amount of injuries. The construction industry is a classic example of one such industry.
Just like legislation, the regulations (as well as the codes of practice) vary in each state and territory and it is highly recommended that you become acquainted with them in order to avoid any undesirable legal wrangles. Fortunately, the Australian Government website has a page with all the links to each legislation, regulations and codes of practice of each state and territory. You’d be wise to take a look at the Acts & Codes of Practice in your state or territory.
If you are involved in the Australian construction industry, you cannot afford to overlook important information such as this. The consequences of not complying with OHS Regulations are certainly undesirable and which includes large financial penalties and even prosecution.
