Australia Tightens Safety Regulations for Offshore Oil Workers

Australia’s Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Madeleine King, has introduced new legislation aimed at strengthening safety laws for workers on offshore oil and gas projects. The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Legislation Amendment (Safety and Other Measures) Bill 2024 follows a recent review of the offshore safety regime by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources. The bill includes changes such as expanding the roles and training of Health and Safety representatives, improving worker protection against discrimination and coercion, and clarifying the definition of health to include physical and psychological health.

Minister King emphasized that offshore safety rules and regulations are not static, and the government will continue to review and update legislation to ensure the health and safety of workers in offshore industries. The new safety legislation has been welcomed by labor groups, including the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA), which has long advocated for improved health and safety rights and protections for offshore workers. However, MUA’s National Assistant Secretary, Adrian Evans, expressed the need for further reform and restoration of maritime standards, especially on floating petroleum facilities.

The new legislation aims to address longstanding issues and improve the safety and protection of workers in the offshore industry. It is a step towards ensuring that offshore workers have the same rights and protections as other workers in Australia, and labor groups are hopeful for further reforms to enhance maritime standards.

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