The Commission for Occupational Safety and Health

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The Commission is a tripartite body made up of employee, employer and government representatives as well as occupational safety and health experts.

What is the Commission for Occupational Safety and Health?

The Commission for Occupational Safety and Health consists of employers, employees and  government representatives and people with expertise and knowledge in occupational safety and health matters. The Commission: 

  • is the peak consultative forum on occupational safety and health in Western Australia; 
  • is the driving force behind Western Australia’s workplace safety laws, policies and programs; and 
  • liaises with WorkSafe, a division of the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety that administers and enforces safety and health laws in Western Australia. 

Who is on the Commission?

  • an independent chair nominated by the Minister; 
  • the WorkSafe Western Australia Commissioner; 
  • two officers of the Public Service nominated by the Minister(s) responsible for the administration of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 and the Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994; 
  • two members nominated by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA; 
  • one member nominated by the Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA; 
  • three members nominated by UnionsWA, one of whom must have knowledge and experience in the mining industry; and 
  • three members with expertise and knowledge of occupational safety and health, nominated by the Minister.

Current membership 

  • Dr Patricia Todd (Chair)
  • Mr Darren Kavanagh, WorkSafe Western Australia Commissioner 
  • Mr Andrew Chaplyn (Government member) 
  • Dr Matthew Davies (Expert member)
  • Dr Lin Fritschi (Expert member)
  • Dr Julia Norris (Expert member)
  • Mr Paul Moss (Industry member)
  • Ms Elysha Millard  (Industry member)
  • Ms Jennnifer Low  (Industry member)
  • Ms Erin Gisborne (Union member)
  • Mr Glenn McLaren (Union member)
  • Mr Owen Whittle (Union member)

Minutes

The Commission meets each month except in January.  From 2 February 2012, the minutes of Commission meetings will be publicly available once they are confirmed (generally within six weeks).  Hard copies are available at the WorkSafe library and in electronic format (limited to the previous 12 months).

Annual reports

The Commission for Occupational Safety and Health annual reports present information on its activities in accordance with the requirements of section 16 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984.  

Strategic Plan

Publications

Approved codes of practice

Approved guidance notes

Guidance notes provide practical guidance for employers and workers on the management of risks to safety and health risks that may arise in relation to specific hazards. 

Other documents

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