Volunteers and volunteer organisations at the workplace

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BuilderBuilding practitionerBuilding surveyorBusiness / companyCaravan / residential park operatorCommercial tenancyCooperativeDebt collectorDeveloperElectrical contractor / workerEmployee / workerEmployerEmployment agentGas workerGovernment sector employersHealth and safety representativeLandlord / lessorLicence holdersLimited partnershipsMine operatorMinerMotor industryMulticultural / multilingualNot for profitPainterPermit authorityPerson Conducting a Business or UndertakingPetroleum operatorPlumberProduct safetyProperty industryRetirement village owner / operatorSeniorSmall business and farmerTradespersonTravel agent

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 regardless of whether they receive out of pocket expenses. Under the WHS Act, a volunteer association is a group of volunteers working together for one or more community purposes—whether registered or not—that does not employ anyone to carry out work for the association.

Duties of volunteers 

Volunteers that owe duties under the WHS laws cannot be prosecuted except in relation to their worker’s duty.

Guidance available

Where can I get more information? 

Safe Work Australia has more information for volunteer organisations and volunteers.

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