Impacts of the WHS Act 2011 on safety management in small and medium construction companies

Abstract

The harmonization of Australia’s work health and safety (WHS) Act poses significant implications for safety management on Australian construction sites. The aim of this study is to identify the potential impacts of the WHS Act 2011 on safety management in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the NSW construction industry. In particular, the objectives of the research are (1) to identify the major changes resulting from the Act; (2) to measure the current level of awareness of these changes among SMEs; (3) to establish the potential of the changes to affect SMEs safety management in the NSW construction industry. Seven key changes were identified. Questionnaire results show a particularly low level of awareness in relation to these seven major changes. This is disconcerting given the strong potential for the changes to positively affect SMEs’ safety management. This study is significant as it shows that SMEs in the NSW construction industry require more exposure and education at times of legislative changes in order for them to ensure legislative compliance is implemented and maintained.