This compliance code provides practical guidance to employers on how to comply with the law in relation to providing adequate facilities for employees. Section 21(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (the OHS Act) equires employers to provide and maintain a working environment that is safe and without risk to employees’ health, so far as is reasonably practicable.

Section 21(2)(d) requires that, in meeting their duty under section 21(1), an employer must provide, so far as is reasonably practicable, adequate facilities for the welfare of employees at any workplace under the employer’s management and control. Employers owe the same duty to independent contractors and their employees who are working at the workplace, but only for matters over which the employer has, or should have, control.

This compliance code provides practical guidance on how to fulfil these duties to the extent that they relate to providing appropriate facilities for the work environment and appropriate workplace amenities for employees.