The Western Australian Government has opened public submissions for a statutory review of the Work Health and Safety Act 2020, marking the first major opportunity for industry, workers and the community to provide feedback since the laws came into effect in 2022.
Under the Act, a review must be conducted every five years to assess how effectively the laws are operating. The current review will examine whether the framework is achieving its key objectives, protecting the health, safety and welfare of all workers and where improvements can be made.
Submissions are open until 28 November 2025, and the findings will be tabled in Parliament once complete.
Why the Review Matters
The Work Health and Safety Act 2020 replaced a patchwork of older laws and brought Western Australia into closer alignment with the national model WHS framework already adopted by other states and territories.
For the construction sector, one of the state’s most high-risk industries, the reforms were a major step forward, introducing stronger accountability for company officers, clearer responsibilities for contractors and subcontractors, and more consistent standards for safety management.
But as the Cook Government’s Minister for Industrial Relations, Simone McGurk, points out, laws must evolve with the industry they govern.
“It is important that WA’s work health and safety laws reflect a contemporary, harmonised approach to protecting the health and safety of people at work,” McGurk said.
“As a government, we are committed to the strongest workplace safety standards. Under a Labor Government we have modernised WA’s work health and safety laws and enhanced workplace safety in Western Australia.”
A Chance for Industry to Have Its Say
The review represents more than a compliance exercise, it’s an invitation for employers, workers, and safety professionals to contribute their experience and ideas.
WorkSafe Commissioner Sally North said the consultation process is open to anyone with an interest in worker safety.
“This statutory review provides an opportunity for stakeholders and the community in general to submit comment on the effectiveness of the Work Health and Safety Act since it came into operation in 2022,” North said.
“I encourage anyone with an interest in the safety and health of WA workers to consider the questions posed in the discussion paper and submit their comments.”
Submissions can be made online through SafetyLine WA at safetyline.wa.gov.au/consultations/work-health-and-safety-act-2020-statutory-review.
What the Review Could Mean for Builders and Trades
For builders and trades operating across Western Australia, this review comes at a critical time. The construction industry continues to grapple with high workloads, cost pressures, and skill shortages all of which can place additional strain on workplace safety systems.
Recent incidents and WorkSafe investigations have underscored the importance of maintaining robust safety practices across both large-scale and residential projects. While the current WHS Act already enforces strong obligations, industry groups are expected to push for further clarity on areas such as:
- Principal contractor responsibilities on multi-employer worksites
- Mental health and psychosocial risk management, particularly for apprentices and small business owners
- Licensing and competency standards for emerging technologies and modular construction methods
- Consistency with other states, especially for national firms operating across multiple jurisdictions
For small-to-medium builders, navigating the compliance landscape can be complex but the review provides a valuable chance to highlight where regulatory requirements could be clearer, simpler, or better supported through education and resources.
Balancing Safety and Productivity
While most industry leaders welcome the review, there’s an ongoing debate about how to balance strong regulation with the realities of on-site operations. Many builders argue that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t always account for the practical challenges of small business environments.
However, safety advocates stress that strong laws are essential to preventing fatalities and serious injuries and that cultural change across the industry remains just as important as legal compliance.
In WA alone, construction accounts for nearly 10% of all workplace injuries, with common causes including falls from height, struck-by incidents, and manual handling. WorkSafe data also shows a rise in psychological injury claims, echoing national trends toward recognising mental health as a critical component of workplace safety.
The Cook Government’s ongoing emphasis on a “harmonised” approach aims to ensure WA remains aligned with national standards while addressing the unique risks of its diverse industries from mining to residential construction.
How to Participate
The statutory review discussion paper outlines key questions and areas for feedback, including whether the Act:
- Provides clear roles and responsibilities for duty holders
- Supports consultation and cooperation between businesses and workers
- Enables effective enforcement and compliance
- Keeps pace with emerging risks such as mental health, technology and subcontracting models
Submissions are open until Thursday, 28 November 2025. Feedback can be provided by individuals, companies, or associations through written submissions or by responding directly to the consultation paper online.
For those working in construction, this is an opportunity to help shape how safety is managed and enforced across the industry for years to come.
The Good Builder Perspective
At The Good Builder, we believe strong safety laws and clear communication go hand-in-hand. Builders who prioritise safety not only protect their teams, they protect their reputations, their businesses, and the broader trust in the building industry.
Too often, compliance is viewed as a box-ticking exercise. But as we’ve seen through countless builder stories and case studies, safety culture starts from the top. When owners and site managers lead by example, safety becomes part of everyday practice not an afterthought.
As Western Australia revisits its laws, it’s a timely reminder for every builder to review their own systems, engage their teams in open conversation, and make sure safety is treated as the foundation of quality building.
Because at the end of the day, a good builder doesn’t just deliver great homes they send every worker home safe.
0 Comments