U2.05 — Intent and Purpose of the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA)
Overview
Dotpoint 5: intent and purpose of the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA)
The Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA) is WA’s main workplace safety law. It is designed to make workplaces safer by helping prevent injury, illness and harm at work.
This dotpoint is about what the Act is trying to do and the basic safety duties people have at work.
- the intent and purpose of the Act — why the law exists and what it is trying to achieve
- employer responsibilities — providing safe work, training and risk control
- employee responsibilities — acting safely, following instructions and reporting hazards
⚠️ What the Act is trying to do
The Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA) is designed to make workplaces safer in Western Australia by helping prevent injuries, illness and other harm at work.
1) The intent of the Act
The Act exists to improve safety in workplaces across WA. It is meant to reduce risks, prevent harm, and make it clear that people at work have legal health and safety duties.
- it promotes safer workplaces
- it aims to reduce injuries, illness and death at work
- it places legal duties on employers and workers
- it helps businesses identify hazards and manage risks
- it supports consultation about health and safety matters
2) The purpose of the Act
The law is basically saying that work should be carried out in a way that protects people’s health and safety. Employers should manage hazards and provide safe work systems, while employees should also act safely and follow reasonable safety procedures.
The Act is enforced in WA by WorkSafe WA, which can inspect workplaces and act when businesses are not meeting their legal health and safety duties.
🦺 Employer responsibilities
Under WHS law, an employer or business has the main responsibility for making sure work is carried out safely, so far as is reasonably practicable.
1) Provide a safe workplace
- keep the work environment as safe as reasonably possible
- reduce risks of injury or illness
- make sure the workplace is not exposing workers to unnecessary danger
Example: A warehouse keeps walkways clear, stores stock properly and cleans spills quickly so workers are less likely to slip or get injured.
2) Provide safe systems of work
- set up procedures for doing jobs safely
- manage hazards before someone gets hurt
- review how work is done when risks change
Example: A café has a clear procedure for handling hot drinks, cleaning wet floors and lifting boxes safely during busy periods.
3) Training, instruction and supervision
- give workers information and training
- provide instruction on safe ways to work
- supervise workers properly, especially new or young staff
Example: A new fast food worker is shown how to use hot equipment safely and is supervised until they can do the job properly.
4) Equipment, facilities and consultation
- provide safe tools, equipment and protective gear where needed
- maintain safe workplace facilities
- consult workers on health and safety matters that affect them
Example: A building site gives workers helmets, gloves and other PPE, checks equipment regularly and asks staff about safety concerns.
👷 Employee responsibilities
Employees also have WHS responsibilities. They are not just protected by the law — they also have to help keep the workplace safe.
1) Take reasonable care
- take reasonable care for their own health and safety
- take reasonable care that their actions do not affect other people’s safety
Example: A worker checks what they are doing carefully and does not rush in a way that could injure themselves or someone nearby.
2) Follow instructions
- follow reasonable health and safety instructions
- use equipment and protective gear properly
- work in the safe way they have been trained to
Example: A worker follows the correct wiring or equipment procedure instead of guessing or taking shortcuts.
3) Cooperate with safety procedures
- cooperate with workplace safety policies and procedures
- do not ignore rules designed to reduce risk
- help safety systems work properly in practice
Example: A worker follows sign-in procedures, PPE rules and safety steps even when the task seems quick or familiar.
4) Report problems
- report hazards, unsafe behaviour or faulty equipment
- speak up if something seems dangerous
- help prevent a small issue becoming a bigger one
Example: A worker reports a damaged cord, slippery floor or broken tool before someone gets hurt.
💼 Why this matters
For employees
- they are better protected from unsafe work conditions
- they should receive safer systems, training and support
- they have a clearer right to raise safety concerns
For business
- safe workplaces reduce injuries, disruption and risk
- good safety practices help avoid legal and reputational problems
- consultation and training can improve workplace culture
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Biz Fact: WorkSafe WA can enforce the WHS Act in real workplaces — inspectors have formal powers, not just “advice”.