Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations

Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004

The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act) is the main workplace health and safety law in Victoria. It sets out key principles, duties and rights about OHS.

Who the OHS Act protects

The OHS Act seeks to protect the health, safety and welfare of employees and other people at work. It also aims to ensure that the health and safety of the public is not put at risk by work activities.

WorkSafe’s role

WorkSafe has many functions under the OHS Act. For example, we:

• monitor and enforce compliance with the OHS Act and regulations
• make recommendations to the Minister about the OHS Act, regulations and compliance codes
• promote public awareness and discussion about occupational health, safety and welfare issues
• publish OHS statistics

WorkSafe publishes practical guidance about duties and obligations under OHS laws.

Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017

The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (OHS Regulations) build on the OHS Act. They set out how to fulfil duties and obligations, and particular processes that support the OHS Act. For example, they include requirements for:

• safe operation of major hazard facilities and mines
• training for high risk work
• managing and removing asbestos
• licences for specific activities

The OHS Regulations came into effect on 18 June 2017 and replaced the (old) OHS Regulations 2007.

Other health and safety laws

There are other Victorian laws and regulations that cover particular areas of health and safety.