Building and Energy
Western Australian building services, electrical, gasfitting and plumbing industries.
- Overview
  Find out about the functions and jurisdiction of Building and Energy.
- Licensing and registration and owner-builder approval
  Application and renewal for builders, building surveyors, electricians, gas fitters, painters and plumbers.
- Building approvals
  The process for getting building work approved.
- Building and energy consumer information
  Building or renovating your home and consumer safety.
- Industry information
  Codes, standards and reports for building services providers, electricians, plumbers and gas fitters.
- Dispute resolution
  Plumbing, building service, and home building work contract complaints.
- eNotice
  How to register and lodge electrical, gasfitting, plumbing and contractor payment dispute (Security of Payment Act) eNotices.
- Stay informed
  Bulletins, newsletters, subscriptions, events and seminars, videos, and public consultations.
- Contractor Payment Disputes (Construction Contracts Act)
  If your construction contract was entered into BEFORE 1 August 2022.
- Contractor Payment Disputes (Security of Payment Act)
  If your construction contract was entered into ON or AFTER 1 August 2022.
- Swimming pools, dividing fences, RCDs and smoke alarms
  Information on private swimming pool safety barriers, dividing fences, RCDs and smoke alarms for existing residential buildings.
- Report an accident
  How to report an accident or incident to Building and Energy.
Consumer Protection
Develops, enforces and promotes legislation that protects consumers.
- About Consumer Protection
  What Consumer Protection does, contacts and events.
- Housing and accommodation
  Information on renting, buying or selling a home, including accommodation for seniors.
- Consumer rights
  Information and advice for consumers including people with a disability, Aboriginal consumers, and multilingual consumers.
- Consumer concerns
  Advice on handling issues including a complaint checklist, sample letters and how to lodge a formal complaint.
- Business
  Information for businesses about their rights and responsibilities under consumer laws in Western Australia.
- Licences and registrations
  Information on applications, requirements, training and registrations for regulated industries.
- Charities and associations
  Information for charities and associations operating in Western Australia.
- Consultations, compliance and reports
  Compliance actions, public consultations and reports.
Labour Relations
State system employment laws and public sector labour relations.
- Private sector employers and employees
  Wageline information on WA awards, minimum pay rates, long service leave, annual and personal leave, underpayment issues, and how to contact Wageline and stay informed.
- Public holidays
  Public holiday dates for Western Australia.
- Western Australia's industrial relations system
  Information about the WA industrial relations system and its coverage, including inquiries and reviews undertaken.
- Government sector labour relations
  Information and resources for agencies on government sector employment and labour relations.
- Supplier wage audit
  Information on proactive audits undertaken by Private Sector Labour Relations on suppliers to State Government.
- Building and Construction Consultative Committee
  Information on the Western Australian Building and Construction Consultative Committee.
WorkSafe
Regulation and promotion of workplace health and safety including in general industry and the mining and petroleum industries.
- Report an incident
  Notify the regulator of a death, serious injury/illness or dangerous incident.
- Notify, submit or contact us
  Notify or submit items to WorkSafe.
- Apply for a licence or register plant
  Apply for licence, register an item of plant or learn about construction induction training.
- Mining statutory positions and certificates
  Information about statutory position appointments at mining operations.
- Work health and safety legislation
  Information about WA's work health and safety (WHS) laws.
- Health and safety representatives
  Information about HSRs.
- Health and safety topics
  How do I make my workplace safer?
- Petroleum and geothermal energy operations
  Information for operators of petroleum operations.
- Publications, resources and events
  Events, WorkSafe plan, statistics and education resources.
- Consulting with our stakeholders
  Information about consulting with stakeholders.
- Agricultural health and safety
  Provide work health and safety information about the agricultural sector including guidance, checklists, and latest news.
- What does WorkSafe do?
  Find out about the functions and jurisdiction of WorkSafe.
- Small business safety
  Your guide to safety and health in small business.
- Historical safety and health law
  Safety and health legislation prior to 2022.
Corporate
Freedom of information guidelines, reports, policies, plans, and contact information.
- About the department
  Our legislation, contacting us and freedom of information.
- About the website
  Information about our website and how to use it.
- Policies and plans
  Policies and strategic plans from the department.

Product safety

Topics

ThinkSafe magazine

ThinkSafe is WorkSafe’s flagship online publication for workplace health and safety in Western Australia. Below is the list of all the editions of the magazine. ThinkSafe magazine : May 2024 ThinkSafe magazine : May 2023 ThinkSafe magazine : July 2022 ThinkSafe magazine : September 2021 ThinkSafe...

ThinkSafe magazine

14 May 2024

Human factors: Information sheets

These information sheets provide information on how human factors can contribute to a sequence of events that lead to a major incident and how the inclusion of human factors can assist major hazard facility operations. Human factors in the HAZOP process This information sheet provides information...

Human factors

02 Feb 2023

Work health and safety guides

These guides describe practical measure that can be taken to prevent or minimise the risk of harm and contribute to the overall state of knowledge regarding hazards, risks and controls. Overviews of the WHS laws Western Australia's Work Health and Safety Act 2020 Overview of Western Australia's...

Guides

20 Dec 2022

WHS publications

These publications are designed to help WA organisations and their associated workforces (including volunteers) understand the new Work Health and Safety laws. WorkSafe policies These policies support the Statement of Regulatory Intent and provide a framework for how decisions by the regulator and...

Work health and safety laws

01 Dec 2022

Person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU)

The WHS Act and accompanying regulations came into effect on 31 March 2022. Download the Act Download the regulations This information is designed to help WA organisations and their associated workforces (including volunteers) understand the new Work Health and Safety laws. Short video animations...

Main responsibilities and duties under WHS

01 Dec 2022

Volunteers and volunteer organisations at the workplace

This information is designed to help WA organisations and their associated workforces (including volunteers) understand the Work Health and Safety laws. How does the WHS Act describe volunteers and volunteer organisations? The WHS Act describes a volunteer as a person who acts on a voluntary basis...

Main responsibilities and duties under WHS

01 Dec 2022

Class exemptions

The regulator can grant a group of people an exemption from complying with a regulation of the Work Health and Safety Regulations. These are referred to as a class exemptions. It is important to read class exemptions closely to see if they apply to you, and if you cannot meet all of the conditions...

Class exemptions

30 Nov 2022

Complaints about bullying, sexual assault or harassment

WorkSafe takes a systems based approach to the prevention of inappropriate workplace behaviours, such as bullying, harassment (including sexual harassment ) and workplace violence/aggression (including sexual assault ). WorkSafe inquiries focus on the systems in place at a workplace to prevent and...

Ask a question or make a complaint

22 Mar 2022

Consumer Protection Awards FAQ

Nominating for a Consumer Protection Award The frequently asked questions below provide some helpful information about the Consumer Protection Awards such as the essential entry requirements, how to apply for an award and the judging process. When do nominations open and close? Nominations open and...

Consumer Protection Awards

15 Jul 2020

Silica

From 1 September 2024, new requirements have been added in relation to the processing of crystalline silica substances (CSS), which are materials that contain at least 1 per cent crystalline silica. The specific duties for PCBUs to manage the risks associated with the generation of respirable...

Silica

15 May 2019

Publications

Halloween Safety Tips

As much fun and spooky as Halloween can be, let’s make sure it doesn’t take a frightful turn for the worse! Follow our spook-tacular safety plan. Beware of button batteries – they're the hidden...

Consumer Protection

Information

09 Oct 2024

Consumer Protection Year in review 2022-23

READ WATCH

Consumer Protection's Year in Review 2022-23 outlines the major achievements from the financial year. [scald=11175:image_medium {"link":"https:\/\/ www.commerce.wa.gov.au \/sites\/default\/files\/...

Consumer Protection

Reports

26 Feb 2024

Portable gas cooking appliances in restaurants

READ

Building and Energy has noticed an increase in the use of unapproved portable gas cooking appliances operating on butane canisters. The commercial use of these appliances, particularly used as table-top gas cooking appliances in indoor restaurant environments, has resulted in gas explosions injuring consumers. This fact sheet is intended to raise awareness by highlighting the 2016 WA prohibition order and the potential effects on restaurant design and patron safety.

Building and Energy

Fact sheet

06 Sep 2023

Health and Safety Bulletin No. 7 Water slide health and safety requirements

READ

Water slides are devices that use water to enable people to slide rapidly along a static structure, mainly under gravity. They are widely found in amusement parks and entertainment centres in Western...

WorkSafe

Bulletin

04 Dec 2023

Health and Safety Bulletin No. 6 Requirements for flying foxes (zip lines) under the Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022

READ

It has come to the attention of WorkSafe that there are potentially several hundred flying foxes in operation across Western Australia. A flying fox is an amusement device consisting of an elevated...

WorkSafe

Bulletin

28 Sep 2022

Cybersecurity risk warning - Real estate industry bulletin 256

16 September 2022 Cybersecurity risk warning Consumer Protection WA has warned that a move to enable businesses and organisations to shorten Australian website addresses could be an opportunity for...

Consumer Protection

Bulletin

16 Sep 2022

Information sheet - Inflatable amusement devices

READ

This information sheet provides advice for small businesses and workers on hazards and risk controls for inflatable amusement devices in accordance with Work Health and Safety legislation. An...

WorkSafe

Information

04 Dec 2023

Information sheet - Managing the risk of falls at workplaces

READ

This information sheet provides general guidance for workers and persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) on how to manage the risk of falls at work under the new work health and safety...

WorkSafe

Information

18 Jul 2022

A death in the workplace: Information for families - guide

READ

This guide is designed to provide information and practical suggestions that may be helpful to you and others at a time when you are grieving and having to navigate legal and other processes...

WorkSafe

Guide / handbook

29 Aug 2024

2024 Work Health and Safety Excellence Awards: Nomination submission information

READ

This document provides essential information to assist you with your Work Health and Safety Excellence Awards submission. Further information 2024 Work Health and Safety Excellence Awards: Terms and...

WorkSafe

Information

28 Feb 2024

Announcements

Commerce Minister statement – Reforms to support homeowners impacted by leaking pipes introduced to Parliament

Media statement from Commerce Minister Sue Ellery Building dispute timeframe to be extended to 15 years for Typlex 1050 pipe failures Building complaint remedies to align with recently announced Industry Response The Cook Government is progressing legislative changes to resolve the problem of Typlex 1050 plumbing pipe leaks, ensuring all affected homeowners can access a consistent remedy...

Building and Energy

Media release

19 Sep 2024

Commerce Minister media statement – Outcome reached for homeowners impacted by leaking pipes issue

Media statement from Commerce Minister Sue Ellery Outcome reached on industry response between the pipe manufacturer and builders Decision provides way forward for impacted homeowners Cook Government to provide $30 million as part of agreement Legislative changes to be introduced to protect WA homeowners An in-principle agreement has been secured between the Cook Government, Iplex Australia and...

Building and Energy / Consumer Protection

Media release

30 Aug 2024

Safety first to prevent toppling tragedies

Buying new furniture can be exciting, but it’s important to install your new item, securely, to prevent it from toppling over and causing serious injury or even death. Furniture, such as chests of drawers, wardrobes, bookcases, cabinets, TV or entertainment units or other tall items, can pose serious risks and potentially tragic outcomes. Young children, especially, can try to climb on, or pull...

Consumer Protection

Media release

19 Jul 2024

Commissioner's Blog: From glam to grim - When beauty becomes pain

Nerve damage, scarring, pain, burns, infections and psychological trauma. No, this isn’t about medical negligence, it’s about injuries received from beauty and cosmetic treatments. How would you feel if a simple trip to get your eyelashes looking lush for an event ends with red, infected eyes and a course of antibiotics, or your first session of laser hair or tattoo removal results in painful...

Consumer Protection

Media release

01 Jul 2024

Stone ban prompts advice for consumers

As a national ban on engineered stone approaches, Consumer Protection is urging affected homeowners to be aware of their rights and avoid signing new contracts to have the product installed. From 1 July 2024, the supply or installation of engineered stone – commonly used to make kitchen and bathroom benchtops – will be banned in all states across Australia to protect workers from the risks of silicosis, an irreversible lung disease.

Consumer Protection

Media release

27 Jun 2024

Commissioner's Blog: There are no shortcuts to the top – ladder safety explained

On average, more than 30 Australians die each year, and over 6,000 are hospitalised with injuries, from ladder falls. The injuries can be serious and life altering with people suffering fractured limbs, spinal cord damage and severe brain injuries. Sadly, the majority of people killed or injured were men aged over 45 years. Consumer Protection’s Product Safety team are urging people to make...

Consumer Protection

Media release

20 Jun 2024

Safety warning and infringements for power packs and chargers

WA’s energy safety regulator is warning about the dangers of unapproved electrical appliances after issuing $10,000 in infringements to sellers of illegal and potentially hazardous power suppl ies and chargers used for e-bikes , e- scooters, and e-skateboards. Building and Energy electrical inspectors found the appliances were not approved for use in Australia . Two retailers received...

Building and Energy

Media release

07 May 2024

Commerce Minister media statement – Experienced mediator to oversee leaking pipes discussions

Media statement from Commerce Minister Sue Ellery Main industry participants enter into mediation over leaking pipes in WA homes The Hon John Chaney SC appointed by the parties to mediate an industry-led solution Former Supreme Court Justice and President of the State Administrative Tribunal, the Hon John Chaney SC, has been appointed to oversee the mediation between builders and the manufacturer...

Building and Energy / Consumer Protection

Media release

07 Mar 2024

Plumbing pipe investigation update

WA’s building and plumbing regulator has announced preliminary findings from its investigation into water leaks in Perth homes from a particular brand of polybutylene pipe. Building and Energy’s investigation focused on identifying the cause of failure of Pro-fit polybutylene pipes made by Iplex Australia. Most water leaks occurred in pipes manufactured between mid-2017 and mid-2022. As part of...

Building and Energy

Media release

16 Aug 2023

Say bon voyage to unsafe travel adaptors

Electric shock risk if power adaptors do not meet Australian safety standards Check for compliance symbol, insulated pins and no exposed metal when in use Buy from reputable retailers and be cautious about overseas or online sales A rise in electric shock reports has prompted a warning from WA’s energy safety regulator about dangerous travel adaptors that are not approved for use in Australia...

Building and Energy

Media release

13 Jul 2023

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