You may be an officer and have an important duty under WHS laws.

Safe Work Australia has released guidance material to help small business owners or operators understand their role as officers and their responsibilities under WHS laws.

“If you make or influence the significant financial or operational decisions for a business then you may be an ‘officer’ under WHS laws”, said Safe Work Australia’s CEO Michelle Baxter.

“As an officer, you have a duty under WHS laws to look for ways to lead on WHS matters.”

“Our new guidance material includes videos of real officers explaining how they fulfil this important role within their business” said Ms Baxter.

Safe Work Australia produced the guidance material after investigations found that small businesses needed more practical guidance about their WHS obligations.

The guidance material, including short videos, is available on a dedicated web page for officers.

A broader guide for officers of businesses of all sizes is also available.

Source: Safe Work Australia, 29 January 2019