02:51 pm, Monday 11 June, 2012

Business SA has expressed its support over the State Government’s plan to change occupational health and safety laws.

Adelaide Now reports that the proposed laws will put more responsibility on every member of an organisation to ensure workplace safety.

According to Business SA chief executive Peter Vaughan, the initial legislation “created enormous uncertainty” as to who will be responsible for workplace safety outcomes. But after a few talks with Industrial Relations Minister Russell Wortley, Mr Vaughan said changes were made and Business SA could therefore support the Bill.

“We are pleased that the Government has agreed to address the concerns of business regarding control (over workplace safety), while also retaining the current South Australian provisions of the right to silence (for people involved in an accident),” said Mr Vaughan.

The Housing Industry Association said the new laws will increase the cost of building a single-storey house by $20,000 because of greater compliance costs. But Mr Wortley said the increase would most likely cost no more than $2000.

He also said the changes agreed to with business provided “further clarity for employers to fully understand the extent of their responsibilities to protect workers from injuries, illness and fatalities.”

 

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