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The harmonisation of occupational health and safety laws was first raised by the Whitlam Government in 1974. Over the last 25 years there have been ongoing efforts to nationalise OH&sS state based requirements and obligations. The national OH&S scheme is expected to come into operation on 1 January 2012 as a result of each state, …

We are continually advising employers to have thorough and compliant employment contracts in place with their employees. In addition we advise frequently on the need to have policies in place that deal with many aspects of daily working life including bullying, harassment and, one of the more important ones…occupational health and safety. We are often …

Employers have a duty to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees. This requires employers to take reasonable steps to prevent employees from suffering injuries at work. A possible way of fulfilling this duty is to subject employees to drug and alcohol testing and prevent those under the influence of either drugs or …

Directors and managers have onerous obligations and personal liability under occupational health and safety laws. Different provisions apply across the country however, regardless of where the workplace activities are being undertaken, the obligations and duties on directors and managers are particularly onerous. In all jurisdictions except for New South Wales and Queensland, the primary obligation …