This page includes resources for workplaces in the Health Care industry on work health and safety, workers’ compensation and COVID-19.
We also have information for the Aged Care industry.
The Health Care industry provides services and facilities to people of all ages, including:
- hospitals including emergency, inpatient and outpatient care
- general practice and specialist medical services
- pathology and diagnostic imaging services
- dental services
- optometry and optical dispensing
- physiotherapy services
- chiropractic and osteopathic services
- other allied health services, and
- ambulance services.
Workplaces may include public and private hospitals, doctor and dental surgeries, clinics, pathology centres, and ambulance stations. Some Health care services are provided in private homes or through telemedicine online.
To ensure this information is as accessible and easy to understand as possible, we refer to ‘employers’ and their responsibilities.
However, under the model WHS laws, duties apply to any person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) which includes employers, but also others who engage workers. For more information about who is a PCBU see our Interpretive Guideline – model Work Health and Safety Act – the meaning of ‘person conducting a business or undertaking'.
The model WHS laws have been implemented in all jurisdictions except Victoria.
Safe Work Australia does not regulate or enforce WHS laws or the recently introduced COVID-19 restrictions on business operations. If you want to know how WHS laws apply to you or need help with what to do at your workplace, contact the WHS regulator in your jurisdiction. If you want to know what restrictions on business operations apply to you or your workplace, go to your relevant state and territory government website for information.