Protecting lone workers in Western Australia is a vital responsibility for employers, governed by specific legislative requirements. SafeTCard offers advanced safety solutions to help businesses comply with these laws and ensure the safety of their employees.
Western Australian Work Health and Safety Legislation
The Work Health and Safety Act 2020 and WHS Regulations 2022 provide the legal framework for workplace safety in Western Australia. These laws mandate that employers must provide a safe working environment for all employees, including those working alone. Key components include:
- Duty of care: Employers are required to ensure the health and safety of their employees, implementing necessary measures to protect lone workers.
- Risk management: Employers must conduct regular and thorough risk assessments to identify potential hazards that lone workers may face and take appropriate steps to mitigate these risks.
- Monitoring and communication: Effective systems must be in place to monitor lone workers and maintain communication, ensuring their safety and quick response in emergencies.
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Occupational Safety and Health Amendment Act 2018
*Division 2 — General workplace duties
19. Duties of employers
(1) An employer shall, so far as is practicable, provide and maintain a working environment in which the employees of the employer the employees) are not exposed to hazards and in particular, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, an employer shall —
(a) provide and maintain workplaces, plant, and systems of work such that, so far as is practicable, the employees are not exposed to hazards; and
(b) provide such information, instruction, and training to, and supervision of, the employees as is necessary to enable them to perform their work in such a manner that they are not exposed to hazards; and
(c) consult and cooperate with safety and health representatives, if any, and other employees at the workplace, regarding occupational safety and health at the workplace; and
(d) where it is not practicable to avoid the presence of hazards at the workplace, provide the employees with, or otherwise provide for the employees to have, such adequate personal protective clothing and equipment as is practicable to protect them against those hazards, without any cost to the employees; and
(e) make arrangements for ensuring, so far as is practicable, that — (i) the use, cleaning, maintenance, transportation and disposal of plant; and (ii) the use, handling, processing, storage, transportation and disposal of substances, at the workplace is carried out in a manner such that the employees are not exposed to hazards.
* This section is from the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 as a full version of the updated 2018 Act could not be found.)
Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022
Chapter 3 – General Risk and workplace management
Part 3.1 – Managing risks to health and safety
Duty to identify hazards
A duty holder, in managing risks to health and safety, must identify reasonably foreseeable hazards that could give rise to risks to health and safety.
Managing risks to health and safety
A duty holder, in managing risks to health and safety, must —
(a) eliminate risks to health and safety so far as is reasonably practicable; and
(b) if it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate risks to health and safety — minimise those risks so far as is reasonably practicable.
(See sections 36. – 41. for regulations regarding Managing risks to health and safety and General workplace management)
Division 6 – Remote or isolated work
Regulation 48
(1A) In this regulation —assistance includes rescue, medical assistance and the
attendance of emergency service workers; remote or isolated work, in relation to a worker, means work that is isolated from the assistance of other persons because of location, time or the nature of the work.
(1) A person conducting a business or undertaking must manage risks to the health and safety of a worker associated with remote or isolated work, in accordance with Part 3.1.
Note for this subregulation: WHS Act — section 19 (see regulation 9).
(2) In minimising risks to the health and safety of a worker associated with remote or isolated work, a person conducting a business or undertaking must provide a system of work that includes effective communication with the worker.
Penalty for this subregulation:
(a) for an individual, a fine of $7 000;
(b) for a body corporate, a fine of $35 000.
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WHSOLA Act 2024: Enhancing lone worker safety
In March 2024, significant updates were made to the Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations, specifically targeting the safety of lone workers. The Work Health and Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 (WHSOLA Act) introduces several key changes including:
- Prohibition on insurance for WHS penalties: Ensures that businesses cannot use insurance to cover fines related to work health and safety penalties, enhancing the deterrent effect of monetary penalties.
- Enhanced worker representation: Strengthens the role of Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) and clarifies the rights and responsibilities of WHS entry permit holders.
- Updated compliance requirements: Introduces stricter guidelines for risk management and incident reporting. Employers must maintain comprehensive records of safety measures and incidents, implement effective risk management strategies, and regularly review and update their safety protocols.
Western Australia have made the Workers Compensation and Injury Management Regulations 2024, to support implementation of the new Act which has been confirmed to commence on 1 July 2024.
Specific requirements for lone workers
Employers in Western Australia must take proactive steps to manage the risks associated with lone working:
- Identify hazards: Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify specific risks lone workers might encounter, such as isolation, lack of immediate assistance, or exposure to hazardous conditions.
- Implement control measures: Establish and enforce procedures and safety measures to control identified risks, including the use of personal safety devices and regular check-ins.
- Provide training: Ensure lone workers are adequately trained to handle emergency situations and use safety equipment effectively. See The Importance of Training for Effective Lone Worker Safety – SafeTCard
How SafeTCard solutions align with Western Australian legislation
SafeTCard provides advanced safety solutions designed to meet and exceed the legislative requirements in Western Australia, ensuring your business remains compliant while offering robust protection for your lone workers.
- Detailed risk rssessments: SafeTCard’s devices and systems facilitate thorough risk assessments, helping you identify and address potential hazards.
- Real-time monitoring upon activation: Our GPS-enabled devices ensure that the location of lone workers is always known, allowing for quick responses in emergencies.
- Emergency alerts: SafeTCard’s solutions include emergency alert systems that enable lone workers to call for help instantly, ensuring timely assistance.
Read more: Lone worker safety with NSW Business Rebate Scheme
Benefits of using SafeTCard
- Compliance: SafeTCard’s solutions help businesses comply with Western Australia’s WHS laws, avoiding potential fines and legal issues.
- Enhanced safety: With real-time monitoring and immediate alert capabilities, SafeTCard significantly improves the safety of lone workers.
- Peace of mind: Employers and employees alike can have peace of mind knowing that SafeTCard provides robust protection and support.
Taking the next step
To ensure your business complies with Western Australia’s lone worker safety legislation and effectively protects your employees, consider integrating SafeTCard’s comprehensive safety solutions. Our team of experts is ready to help you choose the right safety solution to meet your needs.
For more information and to explore our range of safety solutions, contact us today. Together, we can create a safer working environment for all lone workers.
