Forest Operations > Ocupational Health & Safety Act & Regulations

Occupational Health & Safety Act & Regulations

In Australia guidelines, regulations and legislation are in place to protect all of us at work.

New people entering the timber industry must be aware of the relevant laws relating to their work.

Laws are in place to protect us all

The rules for each State and Territory may differ slightly, depending on the work being done.

“WorkSafe” in your State is the government organisation that makes sure safety laws are followed.

As an employee you need to be aware of the legislation that affects the job you do.

The main law is the Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Act.

This Act lists the following responsibilities (Table 1) for you and your employer:

 

Persons	Responsibility
Your Employer	Make sure each employee remains safe from injury.
	Provide a safe and healthy workplace.
	Ensure the methods and systems used to carry out work are safe.
	Provide safe machines and equipment. Provide safe containers and storage for substances.
	Provide facilities for employees.
	Provide supervision, training and instructions for work tasks and machines.
You	Obey all rules for a safe and healthy workplace for you and your workmates.
	Follow the employer’s workplace policies and procedures.
	Wear and look after your PPE.

Table 1

Some of the duties this relates to are:

• carrying out safe pre-start and shut-down procedures;
• identifying hazards and potential hazards;
• determining what risks are associated with the job, or parts of a job;
• planning the safest way to do your job and still be productive;
• discussing OHS issues with co-workers and supervisors, and;
• reporting all incidents.

In most cases certain legal requirements will already be incorporated into company procedures so you do not need to reference the Acts directly.

Some other laws and regulations you may come across in your job in the harvesting and haulage industry are outlined below in Table 2:

 

Document	Summary
Code of Practice for Timber Production	Details specific operational requirements for work in native forests and plantations in Victoria. Sets guidelines for protection of the environment and operating conditions.
Australian and New Zealand Standards	Outline standards that plant or equipment needs to meet e.g. PPE, machinery specifications.
Road Safety Legislation	Outlines requirements for transport of logs and other forest products.
Load restraint guidelines	Operational guidelines for carting forest and timber products.

Table 2

More information on laws in your State can be found at the following web sites:

• www.austlii.edu.au
• www.workcover.tas.gov.au
• www.worksafe.act.gov.au
• www.workcover.nsw.gov.au
• www.workcover.vic.gov.au
• www.safework.sa.gov.au
• www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/law/harmonisationohslaws/index.htm
• www.commerce.wa.gov.au/WorkSafe/

Self Help Activity 1, OH&S Acts & Regulations

Download the activity by clicking the icon above. When completed please submit via the LMS or directly to your trainer.