WHS Management Principles

BUSS 1053
Assessment 1-Weekly Continuous Assessment 2017

Topic question:
Discuss the main features of the “new style” of WHS legislation (as recommended by
Lord Roben).
The Roben’s report, published in 1972, mainly reforms the existing OHS system for two
aspects. Firstly, simplify the administration system and strengthen its efficiency.
Secondly, to establish a more effective governance system which achieves the goal -
based and self- regulatory approach (David 2013, p.3), which have following features.
Firstly, integration of the legislation which makes the law more efficient and simple.
This comprehensive and coordinate model can avoid the contradiction between the
scale of the law, which is conducive to the efficient implementation of legislation.
Secondly, set up the “general business”, pay attention to employers’ or organizations'
self-discipline. The integration of legislation required employers to take appropriate
measures to provide a reasonably practicable environment for employees, including
equipment and other safety and health measures (Archer, p.32). The “general business”
requires effective communication and cooperation between the employer and
employee to achieve the goal with a self-discipline manner.
Thirdly, emphasize the process control and performance. Requiring the obligor need
to comply with necessary steps in dealing with specific hazards or throughout the
whole management.
Fourthly, reduce the dependence on the government. We can see that if government
participation too much business in a company, the organizational unit will not self-
discipline. therefore, in the self-discipline model, the role of government can relieve
from the traditional cumbersome work freed, and focus on the development of norms
and inspection.
Fifth, requiring the employees, the state and committees to take part in the safety and
health corporation management, reduce the pressure of the administrative law
enforcement, and assists with the employers work in the company.

Reference:
1. Archer, RJ, Borthwick, K, Travers, M&Ruschena,L 2015, WHS:a management
guide,4th edn,Cengage Learning Australia, South Melbourne, Victoria.

2. David, W 2013, Workplace Arrangements for OHS in the 21st Century, national
research center for OHS regulation, The Australian National Universty, viewed 19
August 2017,
< http://regnet.anu.edu.au/sites/default/files/publications/attachments/2015-
05/WorkingPaper_10_0.pdf>