The obligation
Employers/operators must identify MOB hazards and implement risk controls including physical barriers, PPE (lifejackets), safe work procedures, and induction/training for crew.
Under the Man Overboard COP, duty-holders (operators and employers on commercial fishing vessels) must conduct hazard identification and risk assessment for all tasks near open water or vessel edges. Required controls include: installing and maintaining guardrails/lifelines; providing and mandating approved lifejackets; establishing safe work procedures for deck operations; and delivering crew training and induction. Failure to meet these obligations may breach the OSH Act 1984.
- What
- Employers/operators must identify MOB hazards and implement risk controls including physical barriers, PPE (lifejackets), safe work procedures, and induction/training for crew.
- Source
- worksafe.wa.gov.au
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Labels
prevention
risk controls
lifejackets
commercial fishing
WA
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
Prevention Duties – Risk Controls for Working Near Water (WA MOB COP) is a WHS requirement set out in Man overboard prevention and response (WA). It is made under Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA). The relevant provision is WA > OSH Act 1984 > Code of Practice: Man Overboard > Prevention.
What does this WHS obligation require?
Prevention Duties – Risk Controls for Working Near Water (WA MOB COP) is a WHS obligation under Man overboard prevention and response (WA). In short, Employers/operators must identify MOB hazards and implement risk controls including physical barriers, PPE (lifejackets), safe work procedures, and induction/training for crew.
What changed recently?
Prevention Duties – Risk Controls for Working Near Water (WA MOB COP) was last updated on 26 August 2026.
