Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (model)
Short title: Model WHS Act
In plain English
This Act sets out the framework for work health and safety duties in Australia, aiming to protect workers.
The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 applies to all Australian workplaces. It outlines duties for people who design, manufacture, import, supply, or install workplace items. It also covers those who manage workplaces. Key obligations include ensuring health and safety, so far as reasonably practicable. The Act came into force in 2012.
Why it matters
This Act helps businesses create safe working environments. Compliance reduces risks and protects workers. It's a legal responsibility for business owners, directors, and managers.
AI-assisted summary, grounded in the source link below. Generated 2026-05-23 via gemma3:12b.
Summary
Model federal WHS Act adopted (with variations) in NSW, Qld, SA, Tas, ACT, NT, Commonwealth (Comcare). Victoria operates under its own OHS Act 2004. WA adopted similar regime via WHS Act 2020. Primary duty (s 19) on PCBUs. Officer due diligence duty (s 27). Industrial manslaughter offences across most jurisdictions.
Topics
Administered by
Source: https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2011A00137/latest. Rules Mate summarises and links; we don't republish full statutory text. Always verify against the live source before acting.