Safe Work Australia (SWA) has released their draft model Code of Practice: Managing the risks of biological hazards at work and is seeking feedback from industry stakeholders.
The draft Code provides practical guidance on how to achieve the standards of work health and safety required under the WHS Act and the Work Health and Safety Regulations (the WHS Regulations) and effective ways to identify and manage risks associated with biological hazards.
Biological hazards are substances and agents of biological origin, such as from humans, plants and animals, that pose risks to human health. They include viruses, bacteria, parasites, prions and some types of fungi (including mould). They also include allergens, irritants and toxins, such as organic dust, sap and venom.
Biological hazards can be found in all industries and workplaces – including both indoor and outdoor settings. What employers need to do to keep workers and other people safe at work will depend on what is reasonably practicable in their specific circumstances.
Employers should always aim to eliminate exposure to biological hazards, as this is the best way to manage risks. Where this is not possible, employers must minimise risks so far as is reasonably practicable.
Biological hazards, or the control measures implemented to manage them, can also contribute to psychosocial risks. When making decisions about how to control the risks associated with biological hazards, employers must identify whether control measures might contribute to or exacerbate psychosocial hazards. An example of this is introducing more frequent cleaning tasks on top on usual duties to control a biological hazard may create additional hazards such as fatigue and high workloads.
SWA is seeking submissions from all interested stakeholders, including employers, regulators, government agencies, unions, workers, legal professionals, researchers, employer representatives, members of the public and other parties.
Responses from this consultation will be used to further refine the draft Code to ensure:
- the format and detail included in the draft Code provides an appropriate level of guidance, and
- the draft Code is broadly applicable across all industries.
Feedback submissions are due by 4 September 2025