If you’re part of a strata community in WA, as a resident, owner, or Council member, you may not realise just how serious your building’s legal responsibilities are when it comes to health and safety.
Under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act 2020, every Strata Company now has a legal duty to keep residents, visitors, and contractors safe. And this isn’t just about common sense, it’s about legal compliance. The penalties for getting it wrong can be severe.
So What Does Strata Safety Actually Involve?
Here are five key areas where your strata must take action:
✅ 1. Risk Management
Hazards need to be identified before they cause harm. That includes slip risks, structural damage, lighting, gates, common areas...anything that could put someone at risk.
✅ 2. Maintenance
All common property must be kept in safe, working order. That means regular safety inspections and prompt repair of any issues, not just reactive fixes when something breaks.
✅ 3. Budgeting for Safety
At your AGM, funds should be allocated to cover essential maintenance and repairs related to safety. If it’s not in the budget, it’s unlikely to get done. And that’s where risk increases.
✅ 4. Contractor Management
Only licensed, insured, and safety-compliant contractors should be engaged. Your strata company has a duty to verify this, cutting corners here can lead to legal exposure.
✅ 5. Compliance & Documentation
You need to be able to prove your building is meeting its safety obligations. That means keeping clear records, inspection reports, contractor details, and any actions taken in response to identified risks.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
Failure to meet WHS obligations can lead to:
- Costly fines
- Loss of insurance coverage
- In extreme cases, criminal liability for individuals involved in governance
This isn’t about scaring people, it’s about ensuring your building is protected, and your community is safe.
Need Help Reviewing Your Building’s Safety & Compliance?
We work with Councils of Owners across WA to:
- Conduct WHS reviews
- Manage risk proactively
- Document everything properly
- Ensure full compliance without the stress
📞 Contact Gary for a confidential chat:
📩 strata.manager@contessi.com.au | 📱 0477 520 269
Bonus: Want to stay in the loop and connect with others managing or living in strata? Join our free Facebook community: Strata Living in WA
It’s a no-pressure space to ask questions, share tips, and learn from other WA strata residents and Council members.
