Brought to you by:

Victoria proposes OHS merger

Thirteen occupational health and safety regulations will be rolled into one document under proposed changes to Victoria’s workplace safety laws.

WorkSafe says the changes are necessary to remove duplication and align the state’s workplace safety regime more closely with national standards. Comments on the new system can be submitted until February 28.

It says a streamlined regulatory system, along with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, would slash red tape and compliance without jeopardising safety.

Proposed changes to the current framework include the removal of risk assessments in situations where a hazard is identified. However, risk and safety assessments would still be required for high-risk construction work, major hazard facilities and mines.

The new system would also enunciate how bosses liaise with health and safety representatives and provide specific construction industry regulations to reflect national standards.