Western Australia used to have lower penalties for health and safety workplace breaches that its state and territory counterparts. This discrepancy has now been remedied. 

Penalties

The new financial penalties became effective in October 2018. They have been inflation adjusted and are consistent with the national model Work Health and Safety Act (Model Act).  Penalties in the form of terms of imprisonment for individual offenders have also increased.

Cultural values and attitudes

It is incumbent on all firms and employers in Australia to embrace, acknowledge and identify - on an ongoing basis - the challenges their employees face. Firms and employers are required to assist their employees to gain a healthy balance between their work commitments and their personal lives.