WorkSafe Victoria has released the proposed OHS Regulations 2017 and a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) that evaluates the costs and benefits of proposed changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007 (OHS Regulations). The OHS Regulations expire in June 2017 and the Victorian government will review and remake them by this date. These documents are available for public review and comment until Friday 9 September 2016.

As a high-cost area of state regulation, occupational health and safety is a reform priority for the Victorian Chamber. The government review presents an opportunity to improve the current system and provide meaningful savings for business without compromising workplace safety outcomes.

A dedicated website for online submissions is live at consultation.worksafe.vic.gov.au. Submissions can also be made by email or via post.  It is worth noting that all submissions will be treated as public documents and will appear online unless clearly identified as being confidential.

We will be providing a submission to WorkSafe on the proposed regulations.  If you are not preparing your own submission, you can contribute your thoughts to ours. All you need to do is to contact Phil Lovelock on 03 8662 5161 or email: plovelock@victorianchamber.com.au.

WorkSafe Victoria will also be holding public information sessions across the state in July and August 2016 to help you to understand the proposed changes and the public comment process. Visit the WorkSafe public comment website to register for a session.

In the meantime, should you have any questions about public comment or require additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact Phil at the contact address or phone number above.