Andy Simmonds, Chairman, OH&S

"The OH&S Committee of SACOME is committed to the health and safety of our industry with a vision of an industry free of fatalities and injuries. As Chairman of the OH&S Comittee, I work with our dedicated members to provide practical outcomes to achieve our vision".   

First step for harmonised OHS

THE Federal Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Julia Gillard, has announced a national review into model Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislations.

 

A panel of three will review the OHS laws in each State, Territory and Commonwealth jurisdiction and find the best and most optimal structure and content. The ultimate aim is to create an OHS act which can be adopted in all jurisdictions.

This is the first step towards harmonising OHS laws nationally, smoothing out the current inter-state differences in form, detail and other matters such duty holders and duties, defence mechanisms, compliance regimes and penalties.

Robin Stewart-Crompton will chair the panel of three which incudes Barry Sherriff and Stephanie Mayman. Robin Stewart-Crompton and his team will review OHS legislation in each State, Territory and Commonwealth jurisdiction for the purpose of making recommendations on the optimal structure and content of a model OHS Act to apply nationally.

According to the Federal Government, OHS legislation will be harmonised within five years. The panel is expected to provide a progress report in May 2008, and to finalise its report and recommendations by 30 January 2009.04 April, 2008

Terms of Reference for the Review are available on the National OHS Review website along with biographies of the panel members. http://www.nationalohsreview.gov.au/

South Australian Chamber
of Mines and Energy Incorporated
Mining and Energy House

290 Glen Osmond Road

Fullarton South Australia 5063

Phone +61 8 8202 9999

Fax +61 8 8202 9900