Quarterly Safety Legislation Updates
As part of our Safety Helpline Service we provide quarterly legislative updates that share key legislative changes in the past 3 months. Below is a sample of some key take aways our retainer clients have received from July until September this year.
Workplace safety regulators across Australia continue to focus on psychological health, emerging technologies, hazardous exposures and stronger enforcement. Several noteworthy developments occurred during the quarter.
New workplace exposure limits that commence from 1 December 2026, affecting common hazards such as diesel exhaust, welding fumes and airborne contaminants.
Increase in Commonwealth WHS penalties, with the maximum fine for the most serious workplace safety breaches now reaching $17.7 million for corporations.
A major announcement is the Australian Government's commitment to provide free online access to hundreds of Australian Standards referenced in legislation. This will make critical safety standards covering areas such as forklifts, respiratory protection, electrical safety and confined spaces more accessible to businesses and workers.
Psychological health: Queensland has updated multiple Codes of Practice to more clearly address psychosocial hazards, including bullying, sexual harassment, workplace violence and excessive workloads. In Victoria, new industry trials have been launched to help reduce psychological injuries, while New South Wales has introduced a dedicated Psychosocial Advisory Service for employers and workers.
The growing impact of technology is also evident, with Safe Work Australia releasing new guidance on the workplace health and safety implications of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies. This reflects increasing recognition that workplaces need to consider both the opportunities and risks associated with AI-enabled systems.
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