Your Chance to Speak on OHS Laws

Employees and employers are being called on to make submissions to the NSW Government’s review of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000.

A discussion paper has been released on the review and a number of information sessions will be held across the state.

NSW Minister for Commerce, John Della Bosca, said the review needed wide consultation to ensure it met the changing workforce.

"The latest data shows the incidence of injuries and fatalities in NSW workplaces at their lowest levels in 15 years," Della Bosca said.

"That's a very encouraging trend that we want to continue - while also exploring practical improvements that ensure our safety framework is straightforward, flexible and effective."

Unions NSW OHS officer Mary Yaager said she hoped the process would strengthen the existing legislation, not water it down.

Unions have made a number of recommendations to the review, including making it easier for workers to stop work when they see a safety risk, and allowing unions to apply for enforceable safety orders on employers

Copies of the discussion paper can be obtained from workcover.nsw.gov.au or by calling the WorkCover Assistance Service on 13 10 50.

Submissions can be sent to WorkCover NSW at ohsact.review@workcover.nsw.gov.au, by fax on 9287 4920, or mailed to the OHS Act Review, WorkCover NSW, Locked Bag 2906, Lisarow NSW 2252.

Details of the free public information sessions to be held across metropolitan and country NSW are as follows:

• Wollongong 4 July 05 8:30am - 10.30am

• Wagga 5 July 05 8:30am - 10.30am

• Batemans Bay 6 July 05 8:30am - 10.30am

• Sydney CBD 11 July 05 8:30am - 10.30am

• Parramatta 12 June 05 4:30pm - 6:30pm

• Newcastle 14 July 05 8:30am - 10.30am

• Orange 22 July 05 8:30am - 10.30am

• Armidale 20 July 05 8:30am - 10.30am

• Coffs Harbour 26 July 05 8:30am - 10.30am

Registration is essential and numbers are limited. Venue details will be sent to participants when they register. To book, email your details (name, contact number, business name, seminar date and location) to ohsact.seminar@workcover.nsw.gov.au. Please bring your registration confirmation with you for entry to the seminar.

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Last modified: Tuesday, 15-Nov-2005 20:37:36 EST