The following description was taken from Commission for Occupational Safety and Health: Code of Practice – Working Hours
This code of practice is issued by the Commission for Occupational Safety and Health and its Mining Industry Advisory Committee under the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 (the OSH Act) and the Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994 (the MSI Act). The introduction of the OSH Act enabled the establishment of the tripartite Commission for Occupational Safety and Health. The Commission, which comprises representatives of employers, unions and government, as well as experts, has the function of developing the occupational safety and health legislation and supporting guidance material, and making recommendations to the Minister for Employment Protection for their implementation. To fulfil its functions, the Commission is empowered to establish advisory committees, hold public inquiries, and publish and disseminate information. The Commission’s objective is to promote comprehensive and practical preventive strategies that improve the working environment of Western Australians. This code of practice has been developed through a tripartite consultative process and the views of employers and unions, along with those of government and experts, have been considered.
This code of practice applies to all workplaces in Western Australia covered by either the OSH Act or the MSI Act. It provides guidance for employers and workers on the management of safety and health hazards and risks commonly associated with working hours arrangements and some of the legislative requirements in the OSH Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 (the OSH Regulations), the MSI Act and the Mines Safety and Inspection Regulations 1995 (the MSI Regulations).