Vapes and e-cigarettes are now officially banned inside all enclosed workplaces across Western Australia, following new changes to state health and safety laws.
The updated Work Health and Safety Regulations now treat vaping the same way as tobacco smoking in WA workplaces. The reason is to give workers clearer protection from exposure to potentially harmful vapours while on the job.
Until now, employers were required to minimise exposure to hazardous chemicals, but the law did not specifically mention the risks of e-cigarettes. The revised rules now close the gap and apply to both general workplaces and mining operations.
The definition of e-cigarettes has also been expanded to include “heated tobacco” products, which have recently entered the market.
Employers are expected to manage vaping in the same way they manage smoking, including having a clear policy in place and setting up designated outdoor arears. They are also encouraged to consider specific workplaces risks, such as children being present.
Industrial Relations Minister Simone McGurk said the new regulation reflects increasing concerns around the dangers of vaping.
“There is robust evidence to show vapes are full of dangerous substances and may include chemicals that can cause life-threatening illnesses and cancer,” she said.
“This change to our workplace regulations reflects this growing evidence of health risks associated with the use of e-cigarettes and second-hand vapour exposure.
“The Cook Government takes the safety and health of WA workers very seriously, and this addition to the laws is a further example of our commitment to their protection.”
