The effective management of occupational health and safety (OHS) demands knowledge of the basic
legal requirements currently in place in Australia. The OHSW Act puts an obligation on employers
to ensure the safety of both employees and others (visitors, contractors, etc) in their workplaces.
These obligations are set out in the OHS Acts and in the Regulations. Guidance on how to set up safe
systems of work in specific areas of work can be found in codes of practice and standards.
Failure to fulfil these legal requirements may result in ill health, fatalities and injuries to employees
and others. Apart from the final responsibility for such tragic and serious outcomes, managers may also face
severe financial penalties if they, or their companies, are successfully prosecuted through the courts for
breaches of the occupational health and safety Acts.
In addition to employers, other people also have obligations under OHS legislation. Occupiers of premises,
manufacturers, suppliers of plant, employees, self-employed persons and the Crown must also be familiar with
the legislative provisions.
The legislation must be the first point of reference in the effective practice of occupational health and
safety when the penalty character of the legislation and the relevance of statutory duty actions are considered.
