As you know the laws regarding occupational health and safety are undergoing significant review. National harmonisation of health and safety legislation into the Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations is due to begin on the 1st January 2012 in South Australia and most states of Australia. At that time, the new Act will come into force. Regulations supporting the Act will also come into force. There may be some transitional arrangements but most changes from the current laws will be in force as of that date.

It is fair to say for most members of NECA that if they have a good work health & safety system now then they will be largely compliant with the new Act and Regulations. The proposed Regulations however, are quite specific about electrical safety. The section of the Regulations regarding electrical safety is entitled “Part 4.7 Electrical Safety and Energised Electrical Work”. It is worth having a careful read of the Regulation as it now stands. NECA has made substantial comment to SafeWork Australia about these Regulations and the effects they may have on electrical contractors and how they may or may not achieve the desired outcome of improving electrical safety for all Australians.

The Regulations are supported by a Code of Practice issued by SafeWork Australia. This Code “Managing Electrical risks at the Workplace” is also in Draft form. NECA have also made extensive comment on the code.

To find out more about the new WHS Regulations and Codes of Practice members can login or contact the NECA SA office. If you are not a NECA SA member and would like to find out more about NECA and the benefits of membership please call (08) 8272 2966 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).