WHS compliance requirements for builders in WA
What actually applies to builders and subcontractors working in Western Australia, including a relatively recent shift to the national WHS framework.
This page is general information only, based on publicly available sources as at the date this page was last reviewed (see the sources listed further down this page for that date). It is not legal, compliance, or insurance advice, is not exhaustive, and may not reflect the most current requirements -- regulations, licensing rules, and insurance thresholds change, and requirements can vary by project, site, and contract. Always verify current requirements directly with the relevant state or territory regulator, your insurer, or a qualified advisor before relying on anything here.
Who regulates WHS in Western Australia?
WA now runs under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020, which commenced in 2022 and replaced the state's older Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 — WA adopted the national model framework later than most other jurisdictions, enforced by WorkSafe WA. A general construction induction (White) card is required before carrying out construction work unsupervised, and is recognised the same way as in every other state and territory.
Who licenses builders and trades in Western Australia?
Building and Energy registers building contractors and licenses building-related trades — including electrical and plumbing — under one consolidated regulator, a more unified structure than states that split electrical licensing out to its own separate body. A licence held elsewhere doesn't automatically cover work in WA; check Building and Energy directly if you're licensed interstate. See our national overview of subcontractor licensing for how this compares to other states.
What insurance is required in Western Australia?
WA's statutory scheme is Home Indemnity Insurance, required under the Home Building Contracts Act 1991 for residential building work above a contract-value threshold, protecting homeowners if the builder dies, disappears, or becomes insolvent partway through the job. That's separate from public liability insurance, which is commonly required as a licensing condition or by the head contractor regardless of which scheme applies. Thresholds and cover limits are set by the Act and change over time — check Building and Energy directly.
What site inductions and high-risk work licences apply in WA?
Beyond the White Card, most WA sites run their own site-specific induction, and specific high-risk activities — crane operation, forklift driving, scaffolding, rigging — need an individual high-risk work licence issued by WorkSafe WA, each with its own validity period separate from the White Card's own rules (covered in full in our White Card expiry explainer).
Official Western Australian sources
- WorkSafe WA
WHS regulator
- Building and Energy
Builder, electrical, and plumbing licensing; Home Indemnity Insurance
This page was last reviewed against those sources on 1 October 2026. See the full sources list for every state and territory.
Frequently asked questions
Does WA follow the national model WHS law?
Yes, since the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA) commenced in 2022, replacing the previous Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984. WA was one of the last jurisdictions to adopt the model law, so some older information online may still refer to the old Act.
Who licenses builders and trades in Western Australia?
Building and Energy, within the WA state government, registers building contractors and licenses building-related trades including electrical and plumbing -- a more consolidated structure than states that split electrical licensing out to a separate regulator.
What is Home Indemnity Insurance?
Western Australia's statutory scheme under the Home Building Contracts Act 1991, protecting homeowners if a registered building contractor dies, disappears, or becomes insolvent partway through residential work above a contract-value threshold. Check Building and Energy directly for the current threshold and cover limits.
Does a WA trade licence expire or need renewal?
Yes, generally -- Building and Energy sets a renewal period for each licence class it administers, and a licence lapses if it isn't renewed on time. Check Building and Energy directly for the renewal cycle that applies to a specific licence.
Can someone start work in WA while their licence application is being processed?
Generally, no -- licensed work requires holding the licence itself, not just having an application in progress. Check with Building and Energy before assuming work can start.
What happens if someone works without a required licence in WA?
It can expose both the worker and the business engaging them to regulatory, insurance, and contractual risk -- see our explainer on what happens if a licence lapses for the detail.