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We know Australian teachers experience a high level of work-related mental stress. This is illustrated in the early-career teacher attrition rate, numerous studies like the Organisation for Economic Co- operation and Development’s Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) 2018, or simply by eavesdropping most staffroom conversations on a Wednesday at lunchtime.

The WA economy has always relied on some of the most hazardous industries in Australia – such as agriculture, construction, transport and resources. However, despite working people in WA being most at risk, up until late March, we’ve shamefully had the weakest workplace safety laws in the country.

With the recent implementation of the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WHS Act) in WA, what key points of change may affect school and TAFE environments, compared with the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 (OSH Act)?

In early 2022 the new WA Work Health and Safety Act will come into effect for workplaces within Western Australia. This will lead to changes in the functions of safety representatives and terminology on the legislation will change. It is important to be aware that at present the OSH Act is still operating. Language will change with the change in legislation and this article will reflect the new terminology.

The following are key questions (and the SSTUWA’s position), that need to be addressed to make any change happen to learning and physical safety in classrooms: