Rural exemption phased out
The remaining rural industry exemptions started being removed from 1 September 2008 and will be removed over two years excluding earthmoving and particular crane occupations.
Rural industry exemptions have been removed progressively since 1990 in line with an agreement between rural industry peak bodies and successive governments.
While the majority of responses to the Regulatory Impact Statement (November 2007 - Februrary 2008) supported removal of the exemption, issues regarding the timing of the exemption removal were further discussed and resolved with key rural stakeholders.
The exemptions are being removed over a two year period, as outlined below.
From 1 September 2008
Pt 4: Prescribed activities (demolition)
Pt 17: Lead
From 1 September 2009
Pt 16: Hazardous substances
Pt 20: Construction work (excavation work)
From 1 September 2010
Pt 2: Registrable plant and registrable plant design (elevating work platforms)
Pt 3: High risk work etc (licensing)
Pt 6: Workplace health and safety officers
Pt 18: Confined spaces
Pt 23: Relevant persons who are employers—atmospheric contaminants
Over the next two years, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland will work with rural industry bodies to:
- alleviate concerns regarding the application of confined space regulations to wells
- develop an appropriate rural machinery design standard (including amendments to the Rural Plant Code of Practice)
- develop a fact sheet explaining safe design requirements for elevating work platforms
- make appropriate amendments to the Rural Chemicals Code of Practice.
For further information phone the WHS Infoline on 1300 369 915.
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