Do Occupational Health and Safety standards apply to Strata?
Yes they do. If a Strata Scheme has employees, or has a commercial element, there are certain OH&S legal requirements. A few years ago, the Occupational Health & Safety Act 2000 (“The Act”) and the Occupational Health & Safety Regulation 2001 (“The Regulation”) were passed. These document guidelines and requirements designed to identify, assess, control and minimise health and safety risks. These regulations apply as Owners have work done on common property. Under the terms of the regulations, the Owners Corporation is deemed as an “Employer” and the building deemed a “place of work”. The Act itself requires the identification of hazards and the adoption of risk control measures. Additionally, The Regulation describes the way those in charge of premises must manage associated risks. Owners Corporations and Executive Committees controlling premises where work is to be performed have specific obligations and duties relating to the identification of hazards either to the public where work
