Building and Energy
Western Australian building services, electrical, gasfitting and plumbing industries.
- Overview
  Find out about the functions and jurisdiction of Building and Energy.
- Licensing and registration and owner-builder approval
  Application and renewal for builders, building surveyors, electricians, gas fitters, painters and plumbers.
- Building approvals
  The process for getting building work approved.
- Building and energy consumer information
  Building or renovating your home and consumer safety.
- Industry information
  Codes, standards and reports for building services providers, electricians, plumbers and gas fitters.
- Dispute resolution
  Plumbing, building service, and home building work contract complaints.
- eNotice
  How to register and lodge electrical, gasfitting, plumbing and contractor payment dispute (Security of Payment Act) eNotices.
- Stay informed
  Bulletins, newsletters, subscriptions, events and seminars, videos, and public consultations.
- Contractor Payment Disputes (Construction Contracts Act)
  If your construction contract was entered into BEFORE 1 August 2022.
- Contractor Payment Disputes (Security of Payment Act)
  If your construction contract was entered into ON or AFTER 1 August 2022.
- Swimming pools, dividing fences, RCDs and smoke alarms
  Information on private swimming pool safety barriers, dividing fences, RCDs and smoke alarms for existing residential buildings.
- Report an accident
  How to report an accident or incident to Building and Energy.
Consumer Protection
Develops, enforces and promotes legislation that protects consumers.
- About Consumer Protection
  What Consumer Protection does, contacts and events.
- Housing and accommodation
  Information on renting, buying or selling a home, including accommodation for seniors.
- Consumer rights
  Information and advice for consumers including people with a disability, Aboriginal consumers, and multilingual consumers.
- Consumer concerns
  Advice on handling issues including a complaint checklist, sample letters and how to lodge a formal complaint.
- Business
  Information for businesses about their rights and responsibilities under consumer laws in Western Australia.
- Licences and registrations
  Information on applications, requirements, training and registrations for regulated industries.
- Charities and associations
  Information for charities and associations operating in Western Australia.
- Consultations, compliance and reports
  Compliance actions, public consultations and reports.
Labour Relations
State system employment laws and public sector labour relations.
- Private sector employers and employees
  Wageline information on WA awards, minimum pay rates, long service leave, annual and personal leave, underpayment issues, and how to contact Wageline and stay informed.
- Public holidays
  Public holiday dates for Western Australia.
- Western Australia's industrial relations system
  Information about the WA industrial relations system and its coverage, including inquiries and reviews undertaken.
- Government sector labour relations
  Information and resources for agencies on government sector employment and labour relations.
- Supplier wage audit
  Information on proactive audits undertaken by Private Sector Labour Relations on suppliers to State Government.
- Building and Construction Consultative Committee
  Information on the Western Australian Building and Construction Consultative Committee.
WorkSafe
Regulation and promotion of workplace health and safety including in general industry and the mining and petroleum industries.
- Report an incident
  Notify the regulator of a death, serious injury/illness or dangerous incident.
- Notify, submit or contact us
  Notify or submit items to WorkSafe.
- Apply for a licence or register plant
  Apply for licence, register an item of plant or learn about construction induction training.
- Mining statutory positions and certificates
  Information about statutory position appointments at mining operations.
- Work health and safety legislation
  Information about WA's work health and safety (WHS) laws.
- Health and safety representatives
  Information about HSRs.
- Health and safety topics
  How do I make my workplace safer?
- Petroleum and geothermal energy operations
  Information for operators of petroleum operations.
- Publications, resources and events
  Events, WorkSafe plan, statistics and education resources.
- Consulting with our stakeholders
  Information about consulting with stakeholders.
- Agricultural health and safety
  Provide work health and safety information about the agricultural sector including guidance, checklists, and latest news.
- What does WorkSafe do?
  Find out about the functions and jurisdiction of WorkSafe.
- Small business safety
  Your guide to safety and health in small business.
- Historical safety and health law
  Safety and health legislation prior to 2022.
Corporate
Freedom of information guidelines, reports, policies, plans, and contact information.
- About the department
  Our legislation, contacting us and freedom of information.
- About the website
  Information about our website and how to use it.
- Policies and plans
  Policies and strategic plans from the department.

Employee / worker

Topics

Penalties for workplace safety offences

In 2018, the Western Australian Government passed legislation to increase workplace safety and health offence penalties, under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 (OSH Act) and the Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994 (MSI Act). Level 4 penalties increase from $500,000 to a maximum $2.7...

Legislation, codes and guidance materials

19 Feb 2019

Report of the Inquiry into Wage Theft in Western Australia

The WA Government announced the Inquiry into Wage Theft in Western Australia in January 2019. The Inquiry was undertaken by Mr Tony Beech, former Chief Commissioner of the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission. The WA Government released the Report of the Inquiry into Wage Theft in...

Inquiry into Wage Theft

01 Feb 2019

Proactive compliance campaigns

Private Sector Labour Relations undertakes proactive compliance campaigns to improve compliance by employers with state employment laws. Our current campaigns and recently completed campaigns are detailed below. Current campaigns Café and restaurant businesses in the state industrial relations...

Proactive compliance campaigns

01 Nov 2018

Guide to calculating personal leave

Personal leave accrues on a weekly basis and can be calculated based on how many weeks an employee has worked: a full time employee accrues 1.461 hours of personal leave for each completed week of work (based on the standard 38 hour week) a part time employee will accrue the relevant proportion of...

Personal leave

29 Oct 2018

Guide to calculating annual leave

The Guide to calculating a nnual leave outlines the steps in calculating an annual leave entitlement based on the provisions in the state Minimum Conditions of Employment Act 1993. Annual leave accrues on a weekly basis. A full time employee accrues 2.923 hours of annual leave for each completed...

Annual leave

29 Oct 2018

2018 Work Safety Awards Finalists

WATCH

WorkSafe would like to congratulate the winners and finalists of the 2018 Work Safety Awards Western Australia. These awards recognise outstanding OSH management, solutions and innovation in Western Australian workplaces. This year our finalist and winners have not only demonstrated their strong...

Work Safety Awards

24 Oct 2018

Outcomes of legal actions and related activities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act and Regulations

READ

Legal actions and related activities summarises enforcement actions undertaken by WorkSafe under the occupational safety and health legislation. Traditionally this information has been published as part of the department’s Annual Report . Background The Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 (OSH...

Enforcement outcomes

14 Sep 2018

Employment of children laws in WA - horse riding schools and equestrian centres

The Children and Community Services Act 2004 (CCS Act) prohibits children under 15 working in horse riding schools and equestrian centres. These child employment laws apply to all Western Australian employers. If you run or manage a business that is a horse riding or equestrian centre you need to...

When children can work

20 Aug 2018

Over $400,000 in unpaid worker entitlements recovered in 2017/18

Industrial Inspectors in the Private Sector Labour Relations Division assisted Western Australian workers recover a total of $458,290 in unpaid wages and entitlements in the last financial year. This amount included nearly $300,000 in unpaid long service leave and $137,000 in wages and other...

Labour Relations

16 Aug 2018

Submissions to the Interim Report of the Ministerial Review of the State Industrial Relations System

Public submissions in response to the Interim Report of the Ministerial Review of the State Industrial Relations System are published below. Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union WA Branch Australian Mines and Metals Association Australian Services Union - WA Branch Chamber of Commerce and...

Inquiries and reviews

01 May 2018

Publications

Safe work method statements for high risk construction work

READ

This information sheet provides advice for persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) on the function, content and application of safe work method statements (SWMS). The Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022 and Work Health and Safety (Mines) Regulations 2022 (WHS Regulations), require a SWMS to be prepared for proposed high risk construction work before commencing any activity.

WorkSafe

Bulletin

04 Jul 2023

Private Sector Labour Relations Division Compliance and Enforcement Policy

READ

The Private Sector Labour Relations Division (Labour Relations) of the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (the Department) has a number of functions, including the provision...

Labour Relations

Policies

04 Dec 2023

Annual Report 2017- 2018

The department's annual report for 2017-2018 presents information on its statutory compliance, financial, non-financial and operational performance, in accordance with the requirements of the...

Corporate

Reports

08 Nov 2019

A guide to setting up your workstation

READ

The following checklist is a step-by-step approach designed to be used when employees are located at a new workstation or whenever their tasks change. When setting up the position of this furniture...

WorkSafe

Guide / handbook

13 Dec 2018

Home based care - Information and checklist

READ

People who work in the field of home and community health care face unique challenges in managing work health and safety. An increased demand for services that allow people to stay in their own homes...

WorkSafe

Checklist

13 Dec 2018

Safety alert 13/2018 Asbestos in Bunsen burner gauze mats

READ WATCH

Tremolite asbestos has been identified in the ceramic centre of some Bunsen burner gauze mats in New Zealand and the UK, and preliminary testing has indicated that this may be an issue in gauze mats...

WorkSafe

Alert

08 Jan 2024

Laws prohibit children under 15 working in horse riding schools and equestrian centres

READ

Laws prohibit children under 15 working in horse riding schools and equestrian centres If you run or manage a business that is a horse riding or equestrian centre you need to know: 15 years old is...

Labour Relations

Flyers

12 Nov 2018

Safety alert 12/2018 - High pressure water cleaning of asbestos cement prohibited

READ

WorkSafe reminds painting professionals and other contractors that high pressure water cleaning of asbestos cement material is prohibited. WorkSafe is investigating an incident where a registered...

WorkSafe

Alert

09 Nov 2018

Safety alert 11/2018 - Stone benchtop workers at risk of silicosis

READ WATCH

There are serious health risks caused by exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) for workers in the stone benchtop manufacturing, finishing and installation industries. Cumulative exposure to...

WorkSafe

Alert

04 Dec 2023

Fuel retailing checklist

READ

This checklist has been developed to highlight safety issues in fuel retailing and provides information on how to best manage those risks to minimise workplace injuries and comply with occupational...

WorkSafe

Checklist

06 Nov 2018

Announcements

State Wage Case decision – State minimum wage and WA award pay rates to increase by 2.5% from 1 July 2021

The Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission has today increased the state minimum wage and all pay rates in WA awards effective from the first pay period on or after 1 July 2021. The state minimum wage for adult employees (21 and over) will increase by 2.5% ($19 per week) to $779.00 per week. WA award rates of pay will also increase by 2.5%. Junior rates and rates for apprentices and...

Labour Relations

Department News

24 Jun 2021

WorkSafe lays charges over injury at Forrestfield Airport Link Project

WorkSafe has commenced prosecution action against a subcontractor over serious injuries suffered by a worker on the Forrestfield Airport Link Project in July 2018. Salini Australia Pty Ltd has been charged with failing to provide and maintain a safe working environment and, by that failure, causing serious harm to an employee. On the afternoon of July 7, 2018, three Salini employees were engaged...

WorkSafe

Media release

24 Jun 2021

Security of Payment Bill passes Parliament – Commerce Minister media statement

The Building and Construction Industry (Security of Payment) Bill 2021 has today passed through Parliament The Bill will improve security of payment across the WA building and construction industry An additional $6.9 million allocated for implementation, training and compliance The McGowan Government's Building and Construction Industry (Security of Payment) Bill 2021 has today passed State...

Building and Energy

Media release

22 Jun 2021

Location allowance increases for regional employees

Many WA awards require employees to be paid a location allowance when employed in certain regional towns. Location allowances have just been increased by the 2021 Location Allowance General Order, and new rates take effect from the first pay period on or after 1 July 2021. The new rates for each town and a list of the relevant WA awards are available on the Location Allowance for employees in...

Labour Relations

Department News

22 Jun 2021

There are two systems of employment law in WA

There are two systems of employment law that operate in WA – the state industrial relations system and the national fair work system. These systems have different employment obligations, so getting the right information is critical. Employers and employees cannot choose which system they operate under. The state system includes businesses and organisations (and their employees) that operate as...

Labour Relations

Department News

08 Jun 2021

First birthday for Wageline’s long service leave calculator

Wageline is marking one year since the launch of the WA long service leave calculator. Over the past year the long service leave calculator has proven to be a valuable tool for both employers and employees, with it being accessed over 74,000 times. The WA long service leave calculator provides an estimate of an employee’s long service leave entitlement when employment ends, for those covered by...

Labour Relations

Department News

03 Jun 2021

Hairdressing chain ordered to pay $90,000 to workers

The owner of a hairdressing chain has been ordered to pay $90,000 in unpaid employment entitlements and interest to two employees. Wei Zhu - trading as Shining Quick Cuts – was ordered by the Industrial Magistrates Court to pay the employees their outstanding entitlements after enforcement action was taken by Private Sector Labour Relations. The order followed an investigation by industrial...

Labour Relations

Media release

01 Jun 2021

Public comment sought - Code of practice on workplace behaviour

WA’s Commission for Occupational Safety and Health is seeking public comment on the code of practice for workplace behaviour . At the May meeting the Commission endorsed the draft workplace behaviour code of practice and agreed to a three-month public consultation period ending 30 August 2021. The guidance in this draft code of practice should be considered in conjunction with the general duties...

WorkSafe

Department News

31 May 2021

First imprisonment under WA’s workplace safety and health laws

The director of a shed building company has become the first person to be sentenced to a term of imprisonment under WA’s workplace safety and health laws. Director of MT Sheds (WA) Pty Ltd - Mark Thomas Withers - was yesterday sentenced in the Esperance Magistrates Court to two years and two months’ imprisonment following the 2020 death of a young worker and the serious injury of another. He is...

WorkSafe

Media release

25 May 2021

Court case leads to reminder to owner-builders on workplace safety

WorkSafe has reminded owner-builders of their responsibility for workplace safety after an owner-builder was fined $25,000 and granted a spent conviction over an incident in which a worker fell from a roof. The South-West owner-builder (who cannot be identified due to the spent conviction) pleaded guilty to failing to take practicable measures to ensure that persons at the workplace were not...

WorkSafe

Media release

21 May 2021

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