Safety Reps & Committees can be elected by all workers

Occupational Health & Safety Resource Kit.
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EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES IN NSW CALL CENTRES

Under the OH&S Act a health and safety rep has the powers necessary to carry out a number of very important functions. These functions are outlined in the following table.

FUNCTION	COMMENT
To regularly inspect the workplace areas you were elected to represent at agreed times and frequency.	You can make an inspection with prior notice every 30 days, however wherever possible, you and your employer should agree on the number and type of workplace inspections to be carried out. Types of inspections may include: Regular general inspections; Regular inspections of particular activities, processes or areas; Inspections arising from employees' complaints; Inspections after substantial changes to the workplace; and Inspections after an accident or dangerous incident. After an inspection, you should report to the employer on any safety or health issue identified during the inspection. The report should be in writing, although hazards needing quick action should be verbally reported immediately. As a safety representative, you should also inform employees about any workplace hazards and potential risks identified during the inspection. Checklists maybe useful for safety and health representatives when carrying out workplace inspections. A fixed checklist of items can be limiting, so keep it open-ended and make sure it covers the nature of potential hazards and the level of risk. A list of potential problems with their consequences may reveal a range from minor to serious. Safety and health representatives can discuss the completed checklist with the employer and safety and health committee (if there is one) to help identify solutions to hazards identified.
To immediately investigate the scene and details of any accident, dangerous incident or risk of serious injury or harm to any person.	After an accident or dangerous incident the employer should take immediate steps to prevent the incident happening again. The employer should notify you immediately after an accident or dangerous incident. Depending on the situation, you may choose to investigate on your own or agree to a joint investigation with the employer. Dangerous incidents that you may need to investigate include: An incident that could have caused fatal or serious injuries; A falling object landing close to an employee; Failure of a sling or lifting device; Uncontrolled release of a hazardous chemical or substance; Spillage resulting from failed valves, connections or hoses; Failure of plant or equipment; or Collapse of a building or structure. Safety and health issues identified by any safety representatives should be raised with the employer according to the steps agreed upon.