Working in the Private Sector
Work Safety
The ACTPS Workplace Strategic Plan 2008-2012 can be found on the Publications page under the Work Safety heading.
All workers in the ACT are covered under the Work Safety Act 2008 
from 1 October 2009. This Act has replaced the
former Occupational Health and Safety Act 1989. This Act provides a legislative framework to secure the health, safety
and wellbeing of all workers in the Territory.
A new set of supporting regulations, the Work Safety Regulation 2009 also commenced operation on 1 October 2009.
Work Safety means the health, safety and wellbeing of people in relation to work.
The Office of Industrial Relations in the Chief Minister's Department is responsible for policy aspects of the Work Safety
Act and Work Safety Regulation. The Office of Regulatory Services (ORS) in the Department of Justice and Community
Services is responsible for inspections and other regulatory aspects of the legislation.
Work Safety Act 2008 and Work Safe Regulation 2009
The Work Safety Act 2008 commenced for operation on 1 October 2009, replacing the Occupational Health and Safety
Act 1989. Further information can be found at the Office of Regulatory Services website .
The WorkSafety Regulation 2009 was developed after ongoing consultation with the ACT Work Safety Council, a
tripartite industry body that advises the Minister for Industrial Relations. The Regulation provides additional detail on
specific work issues, such as workplace arrangements, facilities, licensing high risk work and performing manual tasks at
work.
Dangerous Substances
The Dangerous Substances Act 2004 provides the statutory framework for regulating the way that dangerous goods
and hazardous substances are managed in the ACT. Dangerous substances include asbestos, consumer fireworks and
other types of explosives, for example.
Further specific information on asbestos.
The Act complements the legislative schemes that regulate workplace safety, environmental protection, the handling of
infectious and radioactive material, control of firearms and ammunition, drugs and the transportation of dangerous
goods. Together, these laws are intended to ensure that there is a comprehensive system of regulation and control of
materials and situations that could cause significant injury to people or damage to property and the environment if not
properly managed.
The Office of Industrial Relations in the Chief Minister's Department is responsible for policy aspects of the Dangerous
Substances Act. The Office of Regulatory Services (ORS) in the Department of Justice and Community Safety is
responsible for inspections and other regulatory aspects of the legislation.
ACT Work Safety Council
The Work Safety Council replaced the prior Occupational Health and Safety Council on 1 October 2009. Under the Work
Safety Act 2008, the Minister for Industrial Relations appoints Council Members on a part time basis for up to three
years.
The Council is comprised of thirteen members: four members representing employees, four members representing
employers, four other members appointed by the Minister and the ACT Work Safety Commissioner (formerly Occupational
Health and Safety Commissioner).
The Work Safety Council advisee the Minister for Industrial Relations on work safety, workers compensation and
Dangerous substances legislation, approval of Codes of Practice and Protocols, education and training and promotion of
work safety.
A list of Work Safety Council members may be obtained by contacting the Office of Industrial Relations Work Safety
Policy team.
Contact Us
Email: oir@act.gov.au
