Volunteer Assistance Package for Work Health & Safety Laws
3 February 2012 at 4:21 pm
Joint Federal and State workers compensation organisation, Safe Work Australia, has launched a new volunteer assistance package aimed at assisting volunteers and volunteer organisations affected by the new work health and safety (WHS) laws.
Developed in partnership with Volunteering Australia, the package includes a Volunteer Assistance Line, email and web page designed to provide guidance and support to volunteers and volunteer organisations.
Launching the package today, Safe Work Australia chair, Tom Phillips, said: “The new laws make sure volunteers receive the same level of protection as any other worker, are not exposed to risks or forgotten or excluded from workplace safety standards.”
“This greater protection will ensure volunteers are able to continue their great work in the community and return home safely,” he said.
A Volunteer Assistance Line has been activated where people can call and talk to an expert for advice on how the new laws affect volunteers and their activities.
Volunteering Australia chief executive, Cary Pedicini, said Safe Work Australia’s new resources will help volunteers better understand the benefits of the new laws.
“Volunteering Australia will continue to work with Safe Work Australia to ensure volunteers are well protected in the workplace and information is readily available in a variety of formats to help them understand the benefits of harmonisation,” Pedicini said.
The volunteer assistance package includes fact sheets, frequently asked questions and useful contacts and is available at www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au
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