Welcome to the FAQ page. This is where you will find the answers to our most frequently asked questions. This page is under construction and will continue to be as long as questions are asked.
- What are the current maximum penalties for a breach of the OH&S laws?
- Am I protected against OH&S laws if I employ sub-contractors?
- What is a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and should I have them?
- Will a Safety Plan generate more opportunities for work?
- I am an Owner Operator with no employees and I don't use sub contractors. Do I need an OH&S system.
What are the current maximum penalties for a breach of the OH&S laws?
ACT Company $1,000,000 ACT Individual $200,000 + 20 years prison NSW Company $500,000 NSW Individual $250,000 + 2 years prison QLD Company $750,000 QLD Individual $150,000 + 3 years prison SA Company $500,000 SA Individual $250,000 + 2 years prison VIC Company $922,500 VIC Individual $184,500 + 2 years prison WA Company $500,000 WA Individual $250,000 + 2 years prison Am I protected against OH&S laws if I employ sub-contractors?
No person or business is able to sign away their OH&S responsibilities. In effect the employer or principal contractor has the most responsibility at law due to their management and control over the work site.
What is a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and should I have them?
Every business is required by law to have a current MSDS for every Hazardous Substance and Dangerous Good used in that business.
Each MSDS must be within 5 years of its issue date to remain lawful.
A MSDS provides information about the "make-up", safety characteristics and best methods of handling the product it relates to.Will a Safety Plan generate more opportunities for work?
A Safety Plan in it's own right will not generate extra work however it certainly will show that your business would be a preferable business to deal with and as a result potentially open up more opportunities. These days more and more principal contractors, councils and other government bodies will not discuss work unless it can be shown that a business has a safety system and as a part of that system an effective safety plan.
I am an Owner Operator with no employees and I don't use sub contractors. Do I need an OH&S system.
Owner Operators are liable at law like any one else should they be deemed responsible for an accident and resultant injury or worse to any other person. To comply with the law they need to have a documented safety policy, safe work procedures, safe equipment and various activities in place to maximise safety on the work site.
