Worker/HSR
Further Information
Frequently asked questions about the new WHS laws Safe Work Australia is an Australian Government statutory agency, which was established to drive the development and implementation of model WHS legislation.This toolkit is designed to inform and guide workers and HSRs on the 
WHS laws. It provides practical guidance on obligations, consultation, communication, and fostering a healthy and safe culture at work. There is information for Workers/HSRs about:
- Legislative obligations
- Accountability
- Leadership, health and safety culture
- Communication and consultation.
Workers and Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) are the people who directly face the hazards of a job, and often have valuable knowledge, expertise, and the motivation to improve health and safety. This often puts workers in the unique position of being the ones who set the health and safety standards in the workplace.
The laws for occupational health and safety have changed. The Occupational Health and Safety Act 1991 (OHS Act) changed to the Work Health and Safety Act (Cth)(WHS Act). This is a significant and historic change to OHS laws in Australia. From 1 January 2012 most States, Territories and the Commonwealth will have harmonised and implemented similar Work Health and Safety laws.
If you have been complying with the former OHS laws then you are well on your way to meeting the requirements of the WHS laws. There are a number of changes in the WHS legislation and they may be familiar to you as they are similar to the previous OHS laws. The WHS laws are broader and clearly define safety responsibilities.
One of the key differences for Commonwealth employees includes the change in definition from employee to worker. This means that the traditional relationship between the employer and employee under the former OHS Act broadens beyond the traditional employment relationship.
The WHS Act applies the overriding principle that workers and other persons should, so far as is reasonably practical, be given the highest level of protection against harm to their health, safety and welfare from hazards and risks arising from work. This level of protection cannot be achieved without the input of workers and HSRs.
Regardless of where they work, Australian workers should be entitled to the same WHS standards.