{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Housing industry insights Economics Insights Data & forecasts Tailored research and analysis Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News and inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
For your business Contracts Online Safety systems & solutions HIA Tradepass Advertise jobs Member perks Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Ampol fuel savings See all Industry insurance HIA Insurance Services Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Apprentices Why host a HIA apprentice? Hire an apprentice Support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes Australian standards Getting it right on site See all Building materials & products Concrete, bricks & walls Getting products approved Use the right products for the job See all Managing your business Dealing with contracts Handling disputes Managing your employees See all Managing your safety Safety rules Working with silica See all Building your business Growing your business Maintaining your business See all Other subjects Getting approval to build Sustainable homes See all
Careers & learning
Careers & learning $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
A rewarding career Become an apprentice Apprenticeships on offer How do I apply? Frequently asked questions Study with us Find a course to suit you Qualification courses Learning on demand Professional development courses A job in the industry Get your builder's licence Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Further your career Find jobs
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Join HIA Sign me up How do I become a member? What's in it for me? Mates rates Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Partner with us Our initiatives HIA Building Women GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom and design hub Get to know us Our members Our people Our partners Support for you Charitable Foundation Mental health program
Awards & events
Awards & events $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Awards program People & Business Awards GreenSmart Australian Housing Awards Awards winners Regional Award winners Australian Housing Award winners 2024 Australian Home of the Year Enter online Industry events Events in the next month Economic outlook National Conference Events calendar
HIA shop
HIA shop $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Most popular products National Construction Code Vol 1 & 2 Waterproofing wet areas AS 3740:2021 HIA Guide to Waterproofing HIA Guide to NCC Livable Housing Provisions Top categories Building codes & standards Contracts & documents Guides & manuals Safety products Signage For your business Contracts Online Digital Australian Standards Digital Resource Library Forecasts & data
About Contact Newsroom
$vuetify.icons.faTimes
$vuetify.icons.faMapMarker Set my location Use the field below to update your location
Address
Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location

$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

OH&S Improvement Notices in Victoria

WorkSafe can enforce occupational health and safety (OH&S) laws by issuing Improvement Notices, Prohibition Notices, Non-disturbance Notices and directions. In serious cases, WorkSafe may pursue further legal action. This information offers an overview of Improvement Notices under Victorian OH&S laws.

When are Improvement Notices given?

An Improvement Notice is a written notice that instructs you to fix an OH&S issue within a specified timeframe.

If an inspector believes you have breached an OH&S law they can issue you with an Improvement Notice. For example, if you have a site that has rubbish everywhere that could cause a trip or fall you may be issued with an Improvement Notice if the inspector believes that the poor housekeeping practices could lead to an injury.

Before the inspector issues you with an Improvement Notice he or she should talk to you about the suspected breach and seek immediate voluntary compliance that will fix the problem, such as tidying the site and providing waste bins.

An Improvement Notice must contain:

  • the basis for the inspector’s belief that an OH&S law has, or is likely to have, been breached
  • the actual OH&S law that has or is likely to have been breached
  • the date by which you have to fix the problem
  • the penalty for contravening the Notice
  • how the Notice may be appealed. 

What should you do if given an Improvement Notice?

  • Bring the Notice to the attention of each person whose work is affected by the Notice
  • Give a copy of the Notice to the relevant health and safety representatives (if any)
  • Display a copy of the Notice in a prominent place at or near the part of the workplace where the work that is affected by the Notice is being performed
  • Fix the problem within the date specified in the Notice.

If you are not sure what you should do to fix the problem you can ask the inspector or contact HIA for assistance. After fixing the problem you should inform the inspector that you have rectified the issue. The inspector may want to come and check what you have done.

Are you able to challenge the Improvement Notice?

If you do not agree with the Improvement Notice, you can seek a review of the inspector’s decision to issue the Notice. The first avenue of appeal is to the WorkSafe Internal Review Unit (IRU) and that appeal must be made within 14 days of the Improvement Notice coming to your attention. You can also apply for a stay or suspension of the Notice pending the outcome of internal review. A request for a stay should be lodged with the application for internal review.

The review may decide to affirm, vary or set aside the inspector’s decision. If you are not satisfied with the decision of the IRU your only other option is to seek a review of that decision by the Victorian Administrative Appeals Tribunal (VCAT).

What happens if I don’t comply with the Improvement Notice?

If you do not comply with the Improvement Notice you may be taken to court and face heavy fines. You can either comply with the Notice or seek a review with a stay within the set time periods.

To find out more, contact HIA's Building Services team.

Email us

Share with your network:
More articles on:
{{ tag.label }} {{ tag.label }} $vuetify.icons.faTimes
Find the latest expert advice, guides and much more!

Managing your safety topics


 

Can’t find what you need, check out other resources that might be closer to the mark.

VIC Site Safety Sign

VIC Site Safety Sign enables the entry of builder and site-specific information and includes common emergency procedures and protective equipment requirement.

VIC Site Sign - Health and Safety Coordination Plan

Health and Safety Coordination Plan sign (600x900mm) outlines health and safety responsibilities on-site and summarises emergency and incident management procedures. This sign is for construction projects valued at $350,000 or mor...

Victoria Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017

The Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 provide the regulatory requirements for health and safety matters in the workplace.

VIC Notice of Extension of Time (Pad of 20)

Builders wanting an extension of time for completing work will need this Victorian Notice of Extension of Time (pad of 20). This product complies with Victorian legislation as the builder must advise the client in writing of their...

VIC Cost Plus Contract (Pack of 2)

This contract is used for residential constructions works on a cost plus basis, not a lump sum ‘fixed price’. Costs are totalled and a percentage or fixed sum added for administration, supervision and profit. It allows for project...