New WHS laws now in effect across Western Australia

New WHS Laws Now in Effect Across Western Australia

New WHS laws now in effect across Western Australia have officially commenced, bringing sweeping changes to how workplace safety obligations are managed statewide. The Western Australian Government's updated Work Health and Safety framework replaces previous occupational safety regulations with a single, harmonised approach.

What's Changed Under the New WHS Laws

The new laws bring workplaces in Western Australia under a single WHS Act, consolidating what was previously a fragmented set of rules across different industries. This legislation introduces the term "person conducting a business undertaking" (PCBU), replacing older terminology and broadening who holds safety responsibilities within an operation.

Key aspects of the reform include:

• A unified WHS Act covering all Western Australian workplaces
• Expanded duties for persons conducting business undertakings
• Greater focus on managing psychosocial hazards alongside physical hazards
• Alignment with national work health and safety standards used across other states

Why Psychosocial Hazards Now Matter More

Among the most significant updates is heightened attention to psychosocial hazards in workplace safety planning. Employers must now actively identify and manage psychosocial risks such as bullying, excessive workloads and workplace violence, not just physical hazards on site.

This shift reflects growing recognition that mental health and physical safety are equally important components of a compliant safety system. Businesses that fail to address psychosocial hazards may face increased scrutiny under the updated legislation.

DMIRS Webinars Supporting the Transition

The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) has been conducting webinars on the new laws throughout January and February 2022, helping employers, safety officers and workers understand their obligations before commencement. These sessions covered practical guidance on managing hazards, reporting incidents and updating internal safety documentation to remain compliant.

Government Commentary on the Reform

Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston said the new laws reflect the social obligations and responsibilities the community expects from companies and their senior management. His comments underscore a broader cultural shift toward stronger accountability for safety outcomes at every level of an organisation.

Read the full release on the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety website.

What This Means for Employers

Businesses operating in Western Australia should review current safety management systems against the new WHS laws without delay. Reviewing documentation, updating incident reporting procedures and training staff on revised duties will help minimise exposure to workplace incidents and regulatory penalties.

For businesses managing construction sites, our WA Construction Site OSHE Management Pack for Principal Contractors provides a practical starting point for aligning site safety practices with updated obligations. Organisations with existing plans should also check whether older documents, such as the archived OSH Manual for Western Australia, have since been superseded.

For background on how these reforms developed, read our earlier coverage of new work health and safety laws coming to Western Australia. Employers wanting national context can also review Safe Work Australia's latest WHS data and our summary of the new Commonwealth Code of Practice now in effect.