The new Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022 (WHS Regulations) were announced on 11 March 2022 and commenced on 31 March 2022, bringing the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 into full force and effect.

The WHS Regulations make important changes to licences and accreditations (which are known as Authorisations under the WHS Act). As such, there will be important changes to the administration of high-risk work licences (HRWL).

Licence applications received before 31 March 2022 will be assessed under Occupational and Safety (OSH) Regulations, and if granted will transition to their equivalent licence under WHS. However, a new HRWL card will not be issued to reflect this change, unless you are renewing your licence.

New application forms:

Due to the implementation of the WHS laws, application forms have been updated, and are located at commerce.wa.gov.au.

All modification applications assessed and made under the OSH Regulations must be received by WorkSafe Licensing, by close of business, 30 March 2022.

Applications made under the OSH Regulations cannot be accepted after 30 March 2022 and will be returned to applicants without action.

Renewing your license:

It is important to keep your details up to date as you will no longer have 24 months to renew your licence, as the grace period has changed to 12 months. Therefore, you must ensure your renewal is submitted before it has expired, or up to 12 months after expiry.

If your licence expires, you cannot carry out high-risk work (HRW) of any kind, until you lodge a complete renewal application using the online renewal portal.

For further information regarding this initiative please visit Government of Australia – Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety

Additionally, check out how to renew your high-risk work license here