Safety Matters - Rail, Tram and Bus Union of NSW

Legal Requirements
NSW OHS Act 2000
The NSW OHS Act 2000 is currently the overriding legislation that covers all
NSW workplaces. It describes the general requirements necessary to ensure a
safe and healthy workplace and is designed to reduce the number of injuries
and illness in the workplace by imposing duty of care responsibilities on a
range of individuals.
SECTION ONE
Safety Matters A Guide for Workplace OHS Representatives
Employers, self-employed people, people in control of work premises, plant
and substance, designers, manufacturers, suppliers and employees all have
obligations with regard to workplace health, safety and welfare.
The Act stipulates a duty for employers to consult with employees through a
variety of consultation options, including workplace OHS committees, OHS
representatives and other agreed arrangements. It also provides more detailed
guidance through the use of regulations and codes of practice.
WorkCover NSW administers the Act across industry through a range of
services. The Department of Mineral Resources administers the Act as it applies
to mines.
Objectives of the NSW OHS Act 2000
The eight objectives of the NSW OHS Act are:
• to secure and promote the health, safety and welfare of people at work
• to protect people at a place of work against risks to health and safety arising
out of activities of persons at work
• to promote a safe and healthy work environment for people at work that
protects them from injury and illness and that is adapted to their physiological
and psychological needs
• to provide for consultation and cooperation between employers and
employees in achieving the objects of this Act
• to ensure that risks to health and safety at a place of work are identified,
assessed and eliminated or controlled
• to develop and promote community awareness of occupational health and
safety issues
TRAM AND BUS
Workplace Health and Safety
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