Significant changes to Queensland's Work Health and Safety legislation have been implemented through the Work Health and Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 (WHSOLA Act). These updates stem from the 2022 Review of Queensland’s Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and the national 2018 Review of model work health and safety laws.

Key Changes:

1. Immediate Changes:
   • Insurance can no longer be used to cover fines for safety breaches. Avoiding work health and safety penalties through insurance is now prohibited.
   • Increased focus on worker consultation.
   • Empowerment of Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs).
   • Clarifying obligations for employers (Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking - PCBU).
2. Effective 29 July, 2024:
   • Strengthening the roles of HSRs and encouraging their training.
   • Emphasising worker-employer consultation.
   • Clarifying rights for Work Health and Safety Entry Permit Holders.
   • Streamlining dispute resolution processes.
   • Reinforcing the prohibition on insurance for safety breach penalties.

Resources Available:

• WHSOLA Act Communications Kit: Detailed information on the legislative changes.
• Subscribe to watch WorkCover Queensland Webinars and Video Series.