New work health and safety (WHS) laws replaced the occupational health and safety (OHS) laws in NSW on 1 January 2012.

As a result of this new legislation, any reference in the HSC Requirements and Advice or HSC Content to:

• ‘occupational health and safety’ is replaced by ‘work health and safety’
• ‘OHS’ is replaced by ‘WHS’
• Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 (NSW) is replaced by Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) (as amended)
• Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2001 (NSW) is replaced by Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (NSW) (as amended).

The HSC Requirements and Advice or HSC Content should be amended in the following VET Industry Curriculum Framework syllabuses:

• Automotive
• Business Services
• Construction
• Electrotechnology
• Entertainment Industry
• Financial Services
• Hospitality
• Human Services
• Information Technology
• Metal and Engineering
• Primary Industries
• Retail Services
• Tourism and Events.

These changes are effective immediately, including for 2012 HSC examinations and beyond.

In the 2012 HSC examinations, questions related to work health and safety legislation and requirements will be phrased in such a way that students who are unaware of the changes will not be disadvantaged.

Details regarding the new legislation, including key changes for NSW, are available on the WorkCover NSW website under ‘Work health and safety’ at www.workcover.nsw.gov.au.

While these changes currently only apply to the HSC Requirements and Advice or HSC Content, it is likely that the Training Package units of competency will be updated to reflect these changes to WHS laws.

Advice on the impact of changes to WHS laws on assessment for AQF VET qualifications can be obtained from the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) delivering HSC VET Framework courses.

For further information:
VET team
(02) 9367 8310
vet@bos.nsw.edu.au