Wide ranging changes to Western Australia’s occupational safety and health laws were introduced into the lower house of State parliament on Wednesday, 27 November 2019. After years of consultation and discussion, Western Australia has taken steps to harmonise its occupational health and safety laws in the final sitting week of parliament for 2019. The Work Health and Safety Bill 2019 (WHS Bill) is expected to pass through the lower house of parliament quickly, making now the time to understand and act on the proposed changes contained in the WHS Bill.
Who will the changes apply to?
The WHS Bill, once enacted, will apply to all individuals, companies, partnerships, joint ventures, associations and governments with operations in Western Australia. Volunteer organisations will be captured where they employ anyone. It is important to note that as an insolvency practitioner these changes will apply to you in your position as officer. You will be subject to the new WHS laws if you are:
- A receiver, or receiver and manager, of the property of the corporation; or
- An administrator of the corporation; or
- An administrator of a deed of company arrangement executed by the corporation; or
- A liquidator of the corporation; or
- A trustee or other person administering a compromise or arrangement made between the corporation and someone else.
If you fall under any of the above categories, you may wish to read the article. Please click here to view the article and make yourself familiar with the changes and how they will impact you.
If you would like to discuss this further, please contact Alison Robertson or Richard Johnson at HWL Ebsworth.
This article was written by Alison Robertson, Partner and Richard Johnson, Partner.
