The Commission for Occupational Safety and Health
The Commission is a tripartite body made up of employee, employer and government representatives as well as occupational safety and health experts
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What is it?
The Commission for Occupational Safety and Health consists of representatives of employers, employees, government and people with expertise and knowledge in occupational safety and health matters. The Commission:
- is the most responsible and authoritative forum for information on occupational safety and health in Western Australia;
- is the driving force behind Western Australia’s workplace safety laws, policies and programs; and
- liaises with WorkSafe, a division of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection that administers and enforces safety and health laws in Western Australia.
What is its vision?
The Commission has been at the forefront in developing initiatives and strategies at a local, state and national level with the aim of making workplaces free from death, injury and disease. The vision of the Commission is to be the pre-eminent occupational safety and health body in Australia.
As a tripartite body the Commission will show strong leadership and promote occupational safety and health as a key element of business planning. The Commission will make decisions based on the best available evidence and wherever possible seek the elimination of hazards and control of risks at source.
What does it do?
The Commission:
- advises and cooperates with government departments, public authorities, unions, employer organisations and other interested parties;
- develops and reviews occupational safety and health legislation and associated standards and makes recommendations to the Minister;
- devises, accredits and promotes training and educational courses;
- publishes occupational safety and health information, standards, specifications and guidance material; and
- reviews registration and licensing schemes.
Who is on it?
The Commission comprises:
- an independent chair nominated by the Minister;
- the WorkSafe Commissioner;
- two officers of the Public Service nominated by the Minister(s) responsible for the administration of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 and the Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994;
- two members nominated by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA;
- one member nominated by the Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA;
- three members nominated by UnionsWA, one of whom must have knowledge and experience in the mining industry; and
- three members with expertise and knowledge of occupational safety and health, nominated by the Minister.
What are its objectives?
The Commission’s objectives are to:
- Maintain the focus, visibility and relevance of the Commission through strong leadership. The Commission will ensure its outputs demonstrate strategic focus, visibility and relevance.
- Align with the national strategy/ies The Commission will recognise the goals and objectives of the national occupational safety and health (OSH) strategy/ies and positively contribute to identifying priorities and establishing targets agreed at the national level.
- Engage with the community The Commission will ensure that employers, employees and the broader WA community have access to knowledge and information so that they can exercise their rights and meet their obligations on OSH.
- Ensure a relevant legislative framework The Commission will ensure the legislative framework remains relevant to the changing world of work.
- Be forward looking The Commission will identify and respond to emerging issues that impact on OSH.
Further Information
For more information on the Commission’s Strategic Plan, publications, Codes of Practice and Guidance Notes, visit the WorkSafe website at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au or call (08) 9327 8777.