Why Every Business Needs a Fit-for-Purpose Legal Register
When it comes to workplace health and safety, most businesses think they’re doing the right thing. Policies are in place, audits are done now and then, and there's probably a folder somewhere titled “OH&S.”
But in our experience, when we dig deeper, we often find that the foundations are either out of date, too generic, or simply not embedded into day-to-day operations.
One of the biggest gaps? Legal registers.
What is a legal register, and why does it matter?
A legal register is a living document that outlines all the health, safety, and environmental legislation and guidance that applies to your business. That includes obligations under local, state, and federal laws, as well as any relevant codes of practice or industry-specific requirements.
It’s not just a formality. A good legal register:
- Helps you demonstrate due diligence under Work Health and Safety and Environmental Protection laws;
- Forms the backbone of your compliance system;
- Clarifies who is responsible for what and why;
- Supports audits, inspections, and internal reviews; and
- Helps you respond quickly when regulatory expectations shift, or when things go wrong.
The hidden risks of a weak register
We regularly come across legal registers that haven’t been reviewed in years, were copied from another site, or cover only the basics. That might seem fine, until a serious incident occurs, a WorkSafe/SafeWork inspection happens, or you're asked to demonstrate compliance with a specific provision.
Some of the common issues we see:
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Legislation referenced that’s no longer in force;
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No record of how obligations are being met operationally;
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Gaps between what's in the register and what’s happening on the ground;
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No process for keeping the register updated or reviewed; and
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Staff unaware of the register, or unsure how it applies to them.
These aren’t just paperwork issues, they’re real business risks. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, reputational damage, or worse: harm to your people.
Legal registers are only as good as the systems behind them
Compliance isn’t a “set and forget” exercise. Even the best legal register is only useful if it’s understood, applied, and reviewed regularly.
At Peter J Ramsay & Associates, we take a structured approach:
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We develop a tailored legal register for your operations - no templates, no guesswork.
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We train your team so everyone understands their obligations and how to meet them.
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We audit against that register on an ongoing basis to make sure your controls are still effective and aligned with current legislation.
This system gives businesses confidence that they’re not only meeting their legal obligations, but doing it in a way that’s integrated, practical, and scalable.
Compliance is a competitive advantage
There’s a tendency to think of compliance as a cost, but in many ways, it’s a competitive advantage. Strong systems protect your people, reduce the risk of business disruption, and show clients, partners, and regulators that you take your responsibilities seriously.
And in sectors like tech, where rapid growth, high staff turnover, and evolving work environments are common, having a clear, up-to-date compliance framework isn’t optional. It’s essential.
Final thought
Ask yourself
So, ask yourself:
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Is your legal register accurate, actionable, and up to date?
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Is it embedded into your operations, or sitting forgotten in a folder?
If you’re unsure, you’re not alone, and we’re here to help.
At Peter J Ramsay & Associates, we specialise in building, training, and auditing legal compliance frameworks that actually work, not just look good on paper.
Get in touch to find out how we can support your business and give you confidence in your compliance.