Lander & Rogers has hired an OH&S expert in a bid to be fully prepared for the national harmonisation of OH&S laws from next year.

Lander & Rogers announced that OH&S specialist, Leveasque Peterson, has joined the firm's national workplace relations and safety team as a partner in its Melbourne office. She will lead the firm's OH&S and coronial inquests practice.

Peterson joins the firm from Russell Kennedy. Prior to this, she practised at Mallesons Stephen Jaques.

Lander & Rogers head of workplace relations and safety, Derek Humphery-Smith said the new recruit is a dedicated OH&S specialist who the firm has worked closely with over many years in defending OH&S prosecutions.

"Her arrival further reinforces our capability nationally in readiness for the harmonisation of OH&S laws across the country from 1 January 2012" he said.

Peterson has experience in workplace health and safety at both state and federal levels, having practised in the jurisdiction for over 15 years.

She has experience in criminal law, as well as workplace safety enforcement experience from working at the Victorian Workcover Authority (VWA).