CEPU Logo Occupational Health & Safety Resource Kit.
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Safety Reps & Committees can be elected by all workers
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Safety Reps & Committees can be elected by all workers
  • the composition of relevant work groups
  • the relationship between OH&S representatives and committees, for example how they would work together
  • the number of employer and employee representatives on OH&S committees including casual vacancies, absences and removal of members
  • the arrangements for meetings, the frequency and calling of special meetings: committees should meet every two months
  • the procedures for any such meetings, including the circulation of minutes etc electronically
  • the arrangements for the elected representatives and how they will communicate with the workgroups, including the procedures for addressing issues raised by the workgroups
  • the training arrangements for OH&S committee members and representatives
  • the relationship between workgroups where there are different employers.

Consultation with employees and OH&S reps lies at the heart of the health and safety processes in the workplace. Employers need to consult:
  • when assessing risks in the workplace - all employers must assess workplace risks and while they are still in the assessment stage they have to consult the employees.
  • when making decisions about controlling or eliminating risks - before an employer decides to put control measures in place they have to discuss this with the employees.
  • changes to premises, for example if an employer wants to introduces a new security system, they have to discuss it with the employees first and take on board any suggestions, concerns etc.
  • changes to systems or methods of work, for example if the employer changes rosters or shifts they must consult the effected employees and take on board any concerns for example fatigue (section 15).

Under the legislation an OHS Representative:
  • can investigate any matter that may be a risk to health and safety in the workplace
OHS Consultation
  • must receive appropriate training, paid for by the employer, as they have a clearly defined role to consult the employees they represent
  • must make sure that they represent all the workers in their work group
  • must be elected by employees in their workgroup (for a 2 year term)
  • can be re-elected
  • may request unions to assist them in the election process
  • can request to accompany an inspector as an observer on an inspection or during a formal report by an inspector to an employer in connection with OH&S matters
  • can accompany an employee of the OH&S rep's workgroup, by request of the employee during an interview by the employer on an OH&S matter
  • can be an observer during a formal in-house investigation of an accident or other occurrence at the relevant place of work that is required to be notified by WorkCover under Division 4 of Part 5 of the OH&S Act
  • can assist in the development of workplace policies to promote improved workplace health and safety
  • can make recommendations on training of members of OHS committees, OH&S Representatives and employees in relation to OH&S.