The new materials released by the EPA include critical information about risk management for businesses and the duties under the new environment protection laws intended to take effect from 1 July 2021.

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) has been actively consulted with and involved in shaping the development of these guides to ensure a safe working environment for all Victorians.

What is ‘reasonably practicable’

Under the Environment Protection Act 2017, three new duties will require businesses to minimise or respond to risks so far as ‘reasonably practicable’.

Adapted from the OHS Act 2004, this guidance explains the concept of reasonably practicable, and how it applies to the required duties under the new environment protection laws.

This document also builds on the existing information on the EPA’s website and the Assessing and controlling risk: A guide for business guidance, which was published in 2019.

Also known as Publication 1856, this new document details and provides examples of factors to consider when determining what controls are ‘reasonably practicable’ to implement which will eliminate or minimise the risk of harm to workers and the environment.

This guidance will be useful for all employers as it describes solid risk management practices, and aids businesses in the preparation for the new environment laws taking effect in July 2021.

Industry-specific guides

Creating waste and pollution in the workplace is unavoidable for many businesses, and while it is common, different industries produce more waste and will need to follow different guidelines.

In recognition of this, the EPA has released six industry specific guides for:

• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Waste and Recycling Sectors
• Agriculture
• Mining and Quarrying
• Retail

Each of these guides can help businesses identify which of their activities could cause harm and what steps can be taken to prevent them. In an effort to reduce complexity, these guides outline a simple four-step process to help manage risks.

Each of these guides also include information about:

• Future legal obligations, starting with the general environmental duty
• The EPA’s approach to compliance and enforcement
• Common hazards in industry

The aforementioned guides link to other guidance which have further information about controls and help businesses decide what best suits their circumstances. The guides also have a list of resources and where to go for further help and support.

The EPA has stated that they understand that the focus and priority of most businesses is to continue, or rebuild, operations during the state of emergency in Victoria. As we get closer to the 1 July 2021 commencement of the new environment laws, the EPA will build more awareness of these materials at a later time.

These guidance materials also follow the release of the Self-assessment tool for small business, which was published in January this year.

How the VCCI can help

The experienced and qualified team of HSE&W Consultants at the Victorian Chamber can advise, review, and audit your Health, Safety and Environmental policies, procedures and practices to ensure your workplaces are as ready as they can be for the new laws in 2021.

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