Largest review in decades announced for workplace safety codes of practices

The largest review in decades is set to begin for legacy workplace health and safety codes of practice, with Minister for Workplace Health Sophie Cotsis announcing public consultation has opened for the first five codes of practice.

Employers and workers across the State will be invited to share their feedback on the first five of twenty work health and safety (WHS) codes of practice that pre-date modern workplace health and safety legislation.

Some of the codes have not been updated in 30 years and include working with overhead protective structures or the safe handling of timber.

Codes of practice are practical guides to achieving the standards of health and safety required under WHS legislation – they provide detailed safety and standards information on specific work tasks.

The review acknowledges the evolving nature of industries and emerging technologies, and it is crucial the codes reflect changing work arrangements.

While codes of practice are not laws, each is intended to help employers and workers understand the importance of a safe and healthy workplace. Codes must remain clear, coherent, and current to be effective.

Workers, employers, and industry experts are encouraged to take part in community consultation of the review to help develop policy which has a meaningful impact on everyone.

Feedback is now invited for five of the codes including Work near overhead power lines, Tunnels under construction, Collection of domestic waste, Safety in forest harvesting operations, and Moving plant on construction sites.

Code of Practice for the Collection of Domestic Waste

Code of Practice for Moving Plant on Construction Sites

Code of Practice for Safety in Forest Harvesting Operations

Code of Practice for Tunnels Under Construction

Code of Practice for Work Near Overhead Power Lines

Have Your Say by completing a survey or writing a submission by Monday 19 June 2023. 

Additional consultations for the remaining codes are planned throughout 2023 and next year. Interested parties can register for updates online.

All industry codes of practice can be viewed on the SafeWork NSW website.