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Occupational health and safety laws in Victoria
In Victoria, work health and safety in the workplace (referred to as occupational health and safety) is regulated by the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic) (the OHS Act) and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (Vic) (collectively, Victoria's OHS laws).
There are different laws in other states and territories so your organisation will need to check these if it operates outside Victoria or if employees perform work in other states or territories.
Victoria's OHS laws set out the duties that organisations and individuals must comply with in the workplace and are regulated and enforced by Victorian WorkSafe Authority (WorkSafe), a Victorian statutory authority.
Victoria’s OHS laws are supported by Compliance Codes and other guidance which is available on WorkSafe’s website.
WorkSafe may prosecute organisations that breach (do not comply with) Victoria's OHS laws.
Note
Because a lot of information and advertisements about Victoria’s OHS laws mention or show businesses, some people think the laws only apply to for-profit, business organisations. This is not correct.
Community organisations with employees have obligations to protect the health and safety of both employees and volunteers under Victoria’s OHS laws. Self-employed persons and people with management or control of a workplace also have obligations to control health and safety risks.
Our guide covers:
- the circumstances in which Victoria's OHS laws may apply to not-for-profit community organisations
- specific duties under Victoria's OHS laws
- who may be legally responsible under Victoria's OHS laws and what liability can flow from breaches of those laws
- guidance on complying with Victoria's OHS laws and other employee safety obligations, including links to practical resources
- guidance on the management of psychosocial hazards in the workplace
- what to do if there is a workplace incident - initial response and notification requirements, and
- WorkSafe's powers
The content on this webpage was last updated in October 2025 and is not legal advice. See full disclaimer and copyright notice.
