The new Workplace Facilities and Working Environment Compliance Code has been approved by the by the Minister and took effect 07 December.
The code replaces the Workplace amenities and work environment compliance code (2008) in providing practical guidance for those with OHS duties to provide adequate facilities for the welfare of employees.
Stakeholders, including VTHC, affiliated Unions, and employer and government representatives, contributed to drafting and reviewing the code. While there are numerous changes, we'll update our webpages soon, outlining the new and altered aspects.
A notable change is the code's renaming, removing 'amenities' due to feedback suggesting it implied convenience rather than necessity. The term 'all-gender' has been introduced, and the toilet ratio table updated to enhance accessibility and safety for transgender, gender diverse individuals, and people with disabilities, without altering ratios for male and female facilities. Check out our interactive tool to see the recommended minimum criteria for different types of workplaces.
The code is presently accessible on the WorkSafe website and will soon be available on our OHS Reps webpages.