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Department of Justice and Community Safety

GENERAL INFORMATION

ORS WorkCover Unit is the government agency responsible for the administration of the Work Safety Act 2008, Dangerous Substances Act 2004, Scaffolding and Lifts Act 1912, and Machinery Act 1949.

Under the Work Safety Act 2008 (the Act) employers, persons in control of a workplace, business or undertaking, workers, employees, self-employed, manufacturers, suppliers, and repairers and installers have duties and responsibilities which minimise the risk of injuries at or near workplaces. The Dangerous Substances Act 2004 aims to ensure public safety in relation to matters involving dangerous goods including fireworks and explosives, as well as other hazardous substances.

The ACT also has Industrial Manslaughter legislation as part of the Crimes Act 1900. For further information and frequently asked questions click here.

 

Who does the Work Safety Act 2008 apply to?

The Act applies to all workplaces in the Australian Capital Territory other than those in Commonwealth employment. It therefore covers all those conducting or in control of a business or undertaking and workers in the private sector and in the ACT Public Service. It also covers self-employed persons, third parties, manufacturers and suppliers of plant and substances.

 

Employer Obligations

Information about employer obligations under the Act is outlined in

Inspectors

Inspectors are appointed under the Act to ensure compliance with the legislation. They provide a wide range of advice and support to workplaces and the general public regarding information and resources for managing risk and improving work safety. If you have a work safety inquiry, hazard or issue to manage, you are welcome to contact the ORS WorkCover Unit.

Inspectors also investigate worker complaints, undertake investigations in relation to serious events (which include injuries and dangerous occurrences) as well as prosecutions.

Compliance tools include:

  • Compliance Agreement
  • Improvement Notices
  • Prohibition Notices
  • Infringement Notices (See Information Bulletin 02.11)
  • Enforceable Undertakings
  • Injunctions
  • Prosecution