WHS Legislation & Regulators
Understanding your legal obligations shouldn't be complicated. Here is your guide to Australian Work Health and Safety laws.
Understanding the Hierarchy of Control
The Act
The Law (You MUST do this)
The WHS Act is the overarching law passed by parliament. It sets out the broad responsibilities for safety in the workplace. It is legally binding.
The Regulation
The Details (HOW to do it)
Regulations provide the specific details on how to comply with the Act. They set out mandatory requirements for specific hazards and risks.
Codes of Practice
The Practical Guide
These are practical guides on how to achieve the standards required by the Act and Regulations. Following them is the easiest way to demonstrate compliance.
State Regulators & Legislation Directory
Warning
Each state has specific WHS Acts and Regulations. While the 'Model WHS Laws' are similar nationally, you must comply with the specific legislation in the state where you work.
| Jurisdiction | Regulator | Legislation Link | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | Safe Work Australia | Model WHS Laws | Visit Site → |
| NSW | SafeWork NSW | Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) | Visit Site → |
| VIC | WorkSafe Victoria | Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 | Visit Site → |
| QLD | WorkSafe QLD | Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (QLD) | Visit Site → |
| WA | WorkSafe WA | Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA) | Visit Site → |
| SA | SafeWork SA | Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA) | Visit Site → |
| TAS | WorkSafe Tasmania | Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (TAS) | Visit Site → |
| ACT | WorkSafe ACT | Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (ACT) | Visit Site → |
| NT | NT WorkSafe | Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011 | Visit Site → |
Confused by all the legal jargon?
You don't need to read 500 pages of legislation to be compliant. Our WHS Management Systems are already pre-written to meet these specific state regulations.