The new “on-the-spot” fines are likely to apply to OHS breaches like failing to: allow a health and safety rep to access certain information; notify WorkSafe of asbestos removal work; keep a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) for the duration of high-risk construction work; keep a record of the results of atmospheric monitoring; or erect signs in the immediate vicinity of a confined space.

These infringement notice offences were recommended by a 2016 and 2017 review of OHS compliance and enforcement in Victoria and were promised by the Victorian Labor Government in the lead up to last year's State election.

"We're making sure WorkSafe has the resources it needs to keep unsafe workplaces to account," Hennessy said.

This means the Victorian Government is acting on a recommendation of last year's OHS compliance and enforcement review by introducing infringement notices for these types of safety offences.

Some of Labor's other safety-related election commitments included:

• investing $12.7 million to improve WorkSafe's capacity to deal with the unique health and safety risks on major construction projects, under a plan that includes engaging 40 additional specialist inspectors over the next four years;
• introducing a $3 million health and safety strategy for farms;
• establishing a licensing scheme for electrical lineworkers to improve the safety of both workers and members of the public;
• commissioning a forum to design a plan for the management, demolition, transportation and disposal of asbestos-containing materials in the Latrobe Valley.

The Victorian Chambers Health Safety and Wellbeing team are highly qualified and experienced in reviewing, preparing and improving your procedures and practices, and upskilling your staff in these complex safety management needs.

For more information and support for this area of HSW consulting, training and other support please contact us on 03 8662 5333 or hsw@victorianchamber.com.au to discuss your needs.