WHS and OHS Legislation & Regulators
Find the WHS or OHS law and regulator applying to your workplace, including Victoria’s separate OHS framework.
How Safety Legislation and Guidance Fit Together
The Act
The Law (You MUST do this)
The applicable WHS or OHS Act sets out workplace safety duties and rights. Victoria uses the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004. Other jurisdictions have their own WHS Acts.
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
Check locally approved Codes of Practice or Victorian Compliance Codes for practical guidance. Their legal effect depends on the jurisdiction. A model Code is not automatically approved law or guidance in every state.
State Regulators & Legislation Directory
Check your jurisdiction
The model WHS laws are a national framework, not a single law applying throughout Australia. Victoria has not adopted them. Confirm the law applying to your business and worksite, including whether Commonwealth jurisdiction applies.
| Jurisdiction | Regulator | Legislation Link | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model framework | Safe Work Australia (national policy body) | 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 → |
Victoria has its own OHS framework
For workplaces covered by Victorian OHS law, the main framework is the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017. The Occupational Health and Safety (Psychological Health) Regulations 2025 also apply to relevant psychosocial hazards and commenced on 1 December 2025.
Use applicable WorkSafe Victoria Compliance Codes and guidance when selecting and adapting documents. A WHS template needs review for Victorian duties, terminology and worksite conditions; adding a Victorian Act to its reference list does not by itself complete that review.
Confused by all the legal jargon?
Start with practical policies, procedures and records, then confirm the WHS or OHS requirements applying to your workplace. We can help you select and adapt documents for your activities and jurisdiction.