Q. What are the OHS laws?

A. The laws relating to OHS in Australia are outlined in the relevant state's OHS legislation.

At present, every state has its own set of OHS laws.

The national 'Model WHS Act' is due for release in January 2012.

This will set out to 'harmonise' the currently separate and distinct legislation for each state.

For more information about the model WHS Act or general information about legislation, please contact Safe Work Australia authority.

Codes of Practice and Australian Standards provide even more specific detail about how work is to be undertaken in a safe manner and relate to specific tasks, procedures or industries.

Whilst Codes of Practice and Australian Standards are not legislation, the legislation will refer to each from time to time to highlight best practice (i.e. guidance for complying with the law).