Compliance codes

What are compliance codes?

A compliance code is a practical guide for duty holders, on how they can comply with the OHS Act or regulations. A person who complies with a compliance code is taken to have complied with their duty under the OHS Act or regulations to the extent that the code covers that duty. However, not complying with a compliance code does not necessarily mean that a duty holder has not complied with the OHS Act or regulations.

If a duty holder complies with the OHS Act or regulations in a way that is different to examples or guidance in a compliance code, they are not in breach of the OHS Act or regulations just because it is not done in the way set out in the compliance code.

The Minister may approve compliance codes. The Minister must ensure that compliance codes are free of charge to access and read at the WorkSafe office during business hours.