Sherm Login

Tag: Work Health and Safety

Work Health and Safety Requirements in Australia for 2026

Posted on by Marnie Cruickshank

As Australia enters 2026, employers and safety officers must stay vigilant in implementing and adapting to updated Work Health and Safety (WHS) obligations. WHS laws across Australia are governed by the model WHS Act and supported by WHS Regulations and Codes of Practice, which are adopted by each state and territory. The national policy is shaped by Safe Work Australia, while individual regulators enforce the rules on the ground.

Ongoing Duty to Provide a Safe Workplace

At the foundation of WHS laws is the primary duty of care for Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs). This duty requires PCBUs to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers and others affected by their work. This includes:

  • Identifying hazards and assessing risks in all work activities.
  • Implementing control measures, using the hierarchy of controls.
  • Maintaining and reviewing controls to ensure ongoing effectiveness.
  • Consulting with workers about WHS issues and risk management.

Failure to meet these duties can result in significant penalties and enforcement action by WHS regulators.

Regulatory Updates Taking Effect in 2026

Psychosocial Hazards and Mental Health

Mental health and psychosocial hazards — such as bullying, excessive job demands, fatigue, poor organisational change management, and harassment — are now explicitly part of WHS risk management in many jurisdictions. New codes of practice and updated guidance seek to help duty holders identify and control these risks, with practical steps to prevent both psychological and physical harm.

Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment Code of Practice

From March 2025, a national Code of Practice on Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment came into effect. Employers must take proactive steps to prevent harassment (in person or online) and to establish appropriate controls, handling, and reporting processes.

Indexation of Penalties

Under recent changes, penalties under the WHS Act are indexed annually to reflect economic conditions. This means fines for breaches increase regularly, making compliance even more critical for PCBUs and officers.

Industry and Hazard-Specific Requirements

Workplace Exposure Standards

Australia is transitioning from Workplace Exposure Standards (WES) to Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL) for airborne contaminants. While WEL won’t apply until 1 December 2026, employers must still comply with current WES limits and prepare for the transition to the new limits, which may be stricter and align more closely with international benchmarks.

State and Territory Regulation Changes

Several jurisdictions have updated or remade their WHS Regulations to clarify duties and operations:

  • New WHS Regulations commenced in NSW in August 2025 with updated procedural requirements and risk management duties, including strengthened psychosocial risk provisions.
  • The ACT has revised multiple WHS Codes of Practice effective from late 2025 to reflect national model updates, covering noise, confined spaces, construction work, and risk controls.

Practical Steps for WHS Compliance in 2026

To meet WHS requirements in the new year, PCBUs and safety officers should focus on the following:

Conduct comprehensive risk assessments

Evaluate physical, chemical, biological, and psychosocial hazards. Document risks and apply the hierarchy of controls to eliminate or minimise them.

Review and update WHS documentation

Ensure policies, procedures, and codes of practice references are current and aligned with 2026 Regulations. Update safety management systems accordingly.

Train and consult with workers

Engage workers on WHS issues, ensure they understand hazards and controls, and involve them in risk management and continuous improvement efforts.

Prepare for WEL transition

Review your chemical exposure assessments and adjust controls in anticipation of WEL adoption from December 2026.

Plan for emergency and first aid readiness

Establish emergency plans, maintain first-aid resources, and conduct regular drills consistent with business.gov.au guidance.

Enforcement and Culture

Regulators in each state and territory will continue to enforce WHS laws through inspections, notices, and potential prosecutions for non-compliance. Promoting a proactive safety culture, where workers feel empowered to raise concerns without fear of reprisal, is one of the most effective ways to meet legal obligations and reduce workplace harm.

Conclusion

The WHS framework in Australia for 2026 builds on existing laws that require PCBUs to protect workers and others from harm. Key areas of focus this year include managing psychosocial hazards, complying with updated codes of practice, preparing for changes to exposure limits, and maintaining dynamic risk management practices. Employers and safety officers should prioritise these updates to ensure legal compliance and foster safer, healthier workplaces.

Sherm Software is here to help with all of these requirements, from managing the health and safety of your workers, subcontractors and visitors to site, to ensuring you are complying with updated codes of practice by having them available at your fingertips anytime in your Legal Register.

Get in touch with us today and see how amazing Sherm is.

End-of-Year WHS: What Every Workplace Should Prioritise

Posted on by Marnie Cruickshank

As the end of the year approaches, many workplaces experience increased pressure, changing schedules, and shifting priorities. While it can be a rewarding time, it also brings a unique set of Work Health and Safety (WHS) risks. The combination of fatigue, staff shortages, festive events, and operational deadlines means safety systems can easily become strained.

To ensure a safe and compliant close to the year—and a strong start to the next—businesses should take a proactive, structured approach to WHS. Here are the key concerns and obligations employers should address during the final months of the year.

Managing Fatigue and Workload Pressures

Why it matters

End-of-year deadlines, increased customer demand, and leave-related staffing gaps often result in longer hours or compressed workloads. Fatigue reduces concentration, slows reaction time, and significantly increases the risk of incidents.

Employer obligations

  • Monitor hours worked and ensure employees take adequate rest breaks
  • Review rosters to avoid excessive overtime or back-to-back shifts
  • Encourage reporting of fatigue-related concerns without stigma
  • Ensure management leads by example in maintaining sustainable workloads

Recommended actions

  • Implement fatigue checks for high-risk roles
  • Communicate clear expectations around workload management
  • Consider temporary staffing to avoid overburdening teams

Seasonal Stress and Mental Health Risks

Why it matters

End-of-year stressors—both professional and personal—can heighten psychological risks. High workloads, performance reviews, financial pressures, and holiday-related stress can impact wellbeing.

Employer obligations

  • Identify and manage psychosocial hazards as part of WHS duties
  • Provide access to mental health support services (e.g., EAP)
  • Foster a culture where psychological safety is prioritised

Recommended actions

  • Check in with staff about workplace pressures
  • Promote wellbeing initiatives and remind staff of support resources
  • Train supervisors to identify signs of stress or burnout

Safety Risks During End-of-Year Shutdowns or Ramp-Ups

Many businesses either slow down significantly or push into high-activity periods depending on the industry. Both come with WHS considerations.

If your workplace shuts down

  • Conduct shutdown inspections: electrical, plant, security, and hazardous substances
  • Develop procedures for safe isolation of equipment
  • Communicate clear shutdown responsibilities and timelines

If operations intensify

  • Reconfirm competency of all staff operating plant or equipment
  • Ensure temporary or seasonal workers receive full WHS inductions
  • Increase supervision in high-risk or high-traffic areas

Safe Celebrations and End-of-Year Events

Why it matters

Work functions—whether onsite or offsite—can introduce WHS risks related to alcohol, travel, behaviour, and environment.

Employer obligations

  • Provide a safe environment and manage foreseeable risks
  • Set clear standards of behaviour aligned with workplace policies
  • Have transport options or safe-travel guidance for attendees

Recommended actions

  • Communicate conduct expectations before events
  • Limit alcohol service and provide food and non-alcoholic options
  • Ensure managers understand their responsibilities during events

Reviewing Incidents, Hazards and Risk Controls

The end of the year is a strategic time to reflect on safety performance and prepare for the year ahead.

Employer obligations

  • Document and investigate all incidents and near misses
  • Review risk assessments for relevance and accuracy
  • Consult workers on what’s working and what needs improvement

Recommended actions

  • Analyse WHS data for trends
  • Update safety procedures and training plans
  • Schedule early-year WHS training refreshers

Ensuring Compliance With Legal and Reporting Requirements

End-of-year periods can distract from mandatory compliance obligations. Businesses should ensure no WHS requirements are overlooked.

Key obligations may include (depending on jurisdiction):

  • Maintaining up-to-date safety documentation and registers
  • Meeting reporting requirements for notifiable incidents
  • Ensuring licenses, permits, and certifications are current
  • Keeping training records complete and accurate

Recommended actions

  • Conduct an internal WHS audit or compliance check
  • Assign responsibility to a dedicated WHS coordinator or manager
  • Set up automated reminders for time-sensitive obligations

Preparing for the New Year

A strong start to the upcoming year depends on planning before the current year ends.

Recommended actions

  • Schedule safety meetings and training for the start of the new year
  • Update WHS objectives and targets
  • Plan maintenance or upgrades during shutdown periods
  • Communicate early about key safety initiatives for the coming year

Conclusion

End-of-year WHS management is not just about compliance—it’s about protecting people during a period known for higher risk. By focusing on fatigue, mental health, safe celebrations, operational changes, and compliance obligations, employers can safeguard their teams and set the stage for a productive and safe new year.

New Workplace Exposure Limits: What’s Changing and Why It Matters

Posted on by Marnie Cruickshank

What are Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL)?

Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL) are the maximum concentrations of airborne contaminants (dust, fumes, vapours, gases, mists) that a person can be exposed to in the workplace without suffering serious or long-term harm.

Starting 1 December 2026, WEL will officially replace the current Workplace Exposure Standards (WES) in Australia. While the old WES already served as protective benchmarks, the shift to WEL is more than just a name change — it reinforces that these are limits that must not be exceeded, not simply best-practice standards.

Why the Change?

  1. Better Health Protection – The WES were reviewed against more up-to-date health evidence. Based on this, many exposure limits have been revised. Some have been lowered to reflect newer research, while others have been raised, and a number of previously unlisted substances are now included.
  2. International Alignment – Renaming “standards” to “limits” brings Australian WHS terminology more in line with international practice.
  3. Regulatory Clarity – Calling them limits underscores a stricter compliance requirement: they aren’t aspirational targets but enforceable boundaries.

What Exactly Is Changing?

Safe Work Australia has published a detailed list of WELs showing how each airborne contaminant will be affected. Here are the key types of changes to expect:

  • Adjustments to Existing Limits: Some substances will have lower or higher exposure thresholds.
  • New Substances Added: Certain airborne contaminants not previously subject to a limit will now be regulated.
  • Merged or Split Groups: For example, some chemical groups are being combined, others split to reflect different health impacts or particle behaviours.
  • Removal of Some Limits: There are airborne contaminants known as Non-Threshold Genotoxic Carcinogens (NTGCs). These are substances for which no “safe” exposure level can be reliably established. For those, no WEL will be assigned — so PCBUs must eliminate, substitute, or reduce exposure “as much as reasonably practicable.”
  • Types of Limits: There are three kinds of exposure limits in the WEL:
    • TWA (8-hour time-weighted average) — average exposure over a standard shift.
    • STEL (Short-Term Exposure Limit) — average for a short period, typically 15 minutes.
    • Peak Limitation — the maximum instantaneous exposure allowed, even for very short moments.

What Does This Mean for Employers (PCBUs) and Workers?

For Employers / PCBUs:

  • Risk Assessment – Begin reviewing which airborne contaminants you generate or use. Compare your current exposure data (or planned data) against the new WEL values.
  • Control Measures – Use the hierarchy of controls: try to eliminate or substitute harmful substances first, then use engineering controls (ventilation, isolation), administrative controls, and only then PPE / respiratory protection.
  • Monitoring – Air monitoring may need to be reviewed or redone under the new limits. Consider engaging an occupational hygienist to help design monitoring programs.
  • Training and Consultation – Inform and consult with workers about the coming changes. Review Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and talk through exposure risks and controls.
  • Health Surveillance – Depending on the substances, you may need to introduce or upgrade health monitoring for workers.
  • Regulatory Compliance – Ensure you understand how WEL will be implemented under your jurisdiction’s WHS laws.

For Workers:

  • Know Your Rights – You are entitled to understand the risks in your environment, what airborne contaminants you’re exposed to, and what the new limits will mean for you.
  • Use PPE Properly – If respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is required, make sure you know how to fit and use it correctly.
  • Ask Questions – If you’re unsure about exposure, speak to your safety rep or management. Ask if air monitoring has been done or is planned.
  • Stop Work If Necessary – If you believe exposure levels are unsafe, you can raise this concern.

Challenges and Considerations

  • Non-Threshold Carcinogens: For NTGCs (chemicals where there’s no safe threshold), compliance isn’t about meeting a numerical limit — it’s about eliminating or reducing risk as much as reasonably practicable.
  • Multiple Contaminant Exposure: In practice, workers may be exposed to more than one airborne contaminant. The combined (or interactive) effects may be more harmful than each on its own, so a holistic risk assessment is necessary.
  • Resource Constraints: Especially for small businesses, implementing more rigorous monitoring, bringing in occupational hygienists, or upgrading engineering controls can be a cost and resource challenge.
  • Transition Period Awareness: Until 30 November 2026, the old WES still apply. But businesses should not delay preparation.

Next Steps — How to Prepare

  1. Audit Your Current Exposure
    • List all airborne contaminants in use or generated in your workplace
    • Check current exposure levels (or plan monitoring)
    • Compare with the upcoming WEL values (once published)
  2. Engage Experts
    • Consider hiring an occupational hygienist or WHS consultant
    • Use their expertise to design control measures and exposure monitoring
  3. Update Risk Management Plans
    • Review your WHS risk register and update it for WEL risks
    • Revise safe work method statements (SWMS) or SOPs if needed
  4. Train Your Team
    • Run training on the new limits, on appropriate PPE, and on hazard recognition
    • Encourage consultation with workers — especially those working directly with the contaminants
  5. Health Monitoring
    • Where relevant, implement medical surveillance / health-check programs for workers exposed to airborne contaminants.
  6. Stay Informed
    • Subscribe to Safe Work Australia’s “Exposure Standards” mailing list for updates.
    • Check your regulator’s website for local guidance, as implementation details may vary by state / territory

Conclusion

The move to Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL) marks a major step forward for occupational health in Australia. By tightening and updating exposure thresholds, introducing new substances, and changing the language to reinforce these as non-negotiable limits, the transition strengthens protection for workers against airborne hazards.

But it’s not just a regulatory change — it’s a call to action. Employers need to assess, plan, control, monitor, and train. Workers need to stay informed, engage in safety discussions, and make sure protections are in place.

As we all know, time flies. 1 December 2026 seems far away, but there’s a lot to do prior to the implementation date, so the time to prepare is now.

Sherm Software can be a lifesaving tool for your workers and workplace. Sherm’s Registers module includes the Chemical Register which documents all chemicals used within the business, monitors SDS expiry with notification sent when renewal is required, and retains completed Risk Assessments uploaded as an attachment or Sherm gives you the ability to complete an Electronic Risk Assessment. Workers can access SDS on Sherm’s Mobile App.

Your SWMS’s and SOP’s are maintained in Sherm’s Documentation module making them available to workers at any time using the Mobile App.

Training on new limits, appropriate PPE, and on hazard recognition can be scheduled using Sherm’s Training and Competency module ensuring workers are informed and safe, and your obligations have been met.

Sherm’s People module ensures all Health Information is retained with the workers details where medical surveillance / health-check programs have been implemented, with notification sent when retesting is due.

Get in touch with us today and let Sherm help you.

The Importance of a Traffic Management Plan

Posted on by Caroline Kingston

Worksites of all kinds often involve the constant movement of people, vehicles, and machinery. Where there’s movement, there’s risk. That’s why a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) is essential in maintaining a safe, efficient, and legally compliant work environment.

What Is a Traffic Management Plan?

A Traffic Management Plan is a formal document that outlines how traffic—whether pedestrian, vehicular, or mechanical—will be managed safely within a workplace. This includes organising routes for forklifts, delivery trucks, on-site vehicles, and foot traffic to prevent accidents, congestion, and confusion. The plan also details signage, speed limits, right-of-way rules, and designated zones for different activities.

Why a TMP Is Crucial in Any Work Environment

Protecting People

The top priority for any employer is to ensure the health and safety of workers and visitors. In dynamic workplaces like warehouses or manufacturing plants, collisions between vehicles and pedestrians are a major risk. A TMP reduces these risks by defining clear pathways, visual cues, and separation of pedestrian and vehicle zones, helping everyone stay alert and safe.

Legal and Regulatory Requirements

Occupational health and safety regulations often mandate that employers identify and control workplace hazards—including traffic hazards. Without a TMP, organisations may fail to meet compliance obligations, leading to fines, legal action, or shutdowns. A documented plan shows proactive risk management and satisfies audit or inspection requirements.

Operational Efficiency

A well-organised worksite is a more productive one. Efficient traffic flow minimises delays, bottlenecks, and miscommunications. When routes are clearly marked and procedures are known, goods and materials move faster and more smoothly. A TMP helps avoid costly disruptions caused by accidents or logistical errors.

Safeguarding Equipment and Property

Collisions don’t just injure people—they also damage vehicles, inventory, and infrastructure. This leads to expensive repairs, downtime, and potential insurance claims. A TMP includes measures like visibility aids, speed restrictions, and designated parking and loading areas to prevent damage and keep assets protected.

Supporting Emergency Response

In any emergency—be it a fire, medical incident, or hazardous material spill—clear and unobstructed traffic routes are essential. A TMP should include emergency access and evacuation paths to ensure a quick, organised response. This can save lives and minimise harm in critical situations.

How to Develop a Traffic Management Plan

Developing an effective Traffic Management Plan requires a systematic approach that involves several key steps. The first step is to conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify the specific hazards associated with vehicle movements on the worksite. This involves analysing the site layout, the types of vehicles and machinery in use, and the nature of the work being performed. Once the risks have been identified, the next step is to develop traffic control measures to manage the flow of traffic and minimise the risk of accidents.

The development of a TMP should involve regular monitoring and review to ensure that the plan remains effective and relevant. This includes conducting audits and inspections to verify that the plan is being implemented correctly and identifying any areas for improvement. It also involves staying up to date with changes in regulations and standards to ensure that the TMP remains compliant.

Training and Communication for Traffic Management

Training and communication are critical components of an effective traffic management strategy. Ensuring that all workers and visitors are aware of the TMP and understand their role in maintaining safety is essential for preventing accidents and injuries. This involves providing comprehensive training on traffic management procedures and fostering a culture of open communication and continuous improvement.

In addition to initial training, ongoing education and refresher courses are essential for maintaining a high level of safety awareness. Regular safety briefings and toolbox talks can help to reinforce key messages and provide updates on any changes to the TMP. These sessions also provide an opportunity for workers to ask questions, share concerns, and contribute to the continuous improvement of the TMP.

Key Elements of an Effective TMP

  • Assessment of on-site traffic risks
  • Designated pedestrian walkways and crossings
  • Vehicle routes, one-way systems, and signage
  • Speed limits and visibility improvements
  • Entry/exit protocols for vehicles
  • Loading/unloading zones
  • Parking and restricted access areas
  • Emergency vehicle access routes

Conclusion

Traffic management is not just for roads or construction sites—it’s vital in any work environment where movement occurs. A strong Traffic Management Plan creates a safer, more efficient, and more compliant workplace by reducing risks, improving workflow, and preparing for emergencies. Whether you run a distribution centre, a mining operation, or a factory floor, implementing a TMP shows your commitment to safety and operational excellence.

By planning the way people and vehicles move through your site, you make sure that productivity doesn’t come at the cost of safety.

At Sherm Software, we can develop your Traffic Management Plan for you, taking away all that unnecessary stress. Get in touch with us today and let us help you.

Work Health and Safety Data Reporting

Posted on by Caroline Kingston

Work health and safety (WHS) data reporting is essential for tracking workplace safety, monitoring risks, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. It involves gathering, analysing, and sharing information related to the safety and well-being of employees, as well as any incidents or hazards in the workplace.

Here are some key components typically included in WHS data reporting:

Incident and Accident Reports

  • Types of incidents: Work-related injuries, illnesses, near misses, property damage, environmental impact.
  • Details captured: Date, time, location, description of the incident, those involved, severity, and corrective actions taken.

Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

  • Types of hazards: Physical (e.g., machinery), chemical (e.g., exposure to toxic substances), biological (e.g., viruses), ergonomic (e.g., repetitive strain), and psychosocial hazards (e.g., stress, harassment).
  • Risk rating: Likelihood and severity assessments, to prioritise corrective actions.

Safety Inspections and Audits

  • Regular inspections of workspaces, equipment, and safety procedures.
  • Documentation of findings, corrective actions taken, and dates for follow-up inspections.

Training and Education

  • Tracking employee participation in safety training programs, such as hazard awareness, first aid, and emergency response.
  • Monitoring compliance with mandatory training requirements.

Workplace Health Monitoring

  • Tracking employee health reports related to workplace exposure (e.g., hearing tests, vision exams, respiratory health for workers in hazardous environments).
  • Reporting on wellness programs, mental health support, and stress management initiatives.

Compliance and Legal Reporting

  • Reporting on adherence to local, national, and international health and safety regulations.
  • Reporting of injuries or fatalities to regulatory bodies within required timeframes.

Workplace Injury/Illness Claims

  • Documentation of workers’ compensation claims, including details about the incident, treatment, and any compensation awarded.
  • Tracking patterns or trends that might indicate ongoing safety issues in particular areas or processes.

Safety Performance Indicators

  • Leading indicators: Safety training completion, hazard reports, safety audits.
  • Lagging indicators: Incident rates, lost-time injuries, workers’ compensation costs.

Corrective Actions

  • Reports detailing corrective actions taken after incidents or safety audits.
  • Data on the effectiveness of actions taken to prevent future incidents.

Employee Engagement and Feedback

  • Employee surveys, safety committee meeting minutes, or suggestions for improving safety.
  • Reporting on worker satisfaction with the safety culture.

Common Reporting Tools

  • Incident Management Systems (IMS): Software tools for capturing and tracking incidents in real-time.
  • Safety Management Software: Comprehensive platforms like Sherm Software for managing WHS data.
  • Dashboards and Visual Reports: To present WHS data in an easily understandable format for management and workers.

Key Objectives of WHS Data Reporting

  • Compliance: Ensuring adherence to occupational health and safety regulations and standards.
  • Risk Mitigation: Identifying hazards early to prevent injuries or damage.
  • Continuous Improvement: Using data to improve safety protocols, training, and hazard controls.
  • Transparency: Keeping employees and stakeholders informed about workplace safety.

Sherm Software specialises in Work Health and Safety (WHS) management, helping businesses streamline the reporting and tracking of safety data. Get in touch with us today and discover how easy Work Health and Safety Data Reporting can be.

App Login