22/03/2026
New WHS: Managing Biological Hazards at Work
Safe Work Australia has released the model Code of Practice: Managing the risks of biological hazards at work, providing practical steps to help employers protect workers and others from exposure to biological risks in the workplace.
Biological hazards such as viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi (including mould) can be present across all industries. Workers may be exposed through contact with other people, animals, contaminated materials or environments where disease-carrying vectors such as mosquitoes or ticks are present.
Under work health and safety laws, employers must take reasonably practicable steps to identify and manage these risks. The model Code outlines practical control measures that can assist organisations to meet their obligations, including maintaining clean workplaces with good air quality, providing hygiene training and supporting vaccination for preventable diseases.
For more information see Safe Work Australia: https://zurl.co/UicBl
The guidance is broad in scope and relevant to any workplace where exposure to biological hazards may occur.
CROSS APAC encourages businesses to review the Code and confirm how it applies within their relevant state or territory WHS framework, and to consider how biological risk management is addressed within their existing safety systems.