The Australian Institute of Health and Safety (AIHS) is urging the government to make key safety standards freely available to businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as part of National Safe Work Month this October 2024.
Currently, businesses are required to pay hundreds of dollars annually to access essential safety standards, many of which are referenced in Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) legislation.
There are 17 Australian Standards cited in the Model WHS Regulations that must be purchased, with potentially dozens more in state-based legislation.
AIHS Chair Cameron Montgomery expressed concern that as businesses grapple with inflation and financial pressures, some may forgo purchasing these standards, potentially compromising workplace safety.
He emphasised that standards referenced in legislation should not be behind a paywall, as they are crucial for maintaining safe and productive workplaces.
The standards in question cover a wide range of critical areas, including:
- Respiratory protective devices
- Asbestos identification
- Electrical installations at construction and demolition sites
- Occupational health and safety management systems
Montgomery noted that a precedent was set last year when several standards were made free of charge, although these did not relate to commercial use.
He suggested that at minimum, costs should be reduced to reflect the shift from physical to digital distribution of standards.
The cost burden extends beyond business owners to health and safety professionals who need to access standards across various industries and jurisdictions to maintain current knowledge.
The AIHS is actively involved in standards development, with representatives on 30 Standard Communities.
The organisation has long advocated for free access to standards to alleviate costs for small businesses and improve overall workplace safety.
As National Safe Work Month continues, the AIHS’s call for free access to safety standards highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing regulatory compliance with the financial pressures faced by Australian businesses, particularly SMEs.
