3.F Consultation and Communication Arrangement

Leo Perkins -

Open communication between workers and managers is important to ensuring a safe workplace. Therefore, workers are encouraged to:

  • ask questions relating to WHS
  • bring up safety concerns
  • make recommendations regarding WHS
  • give regular feedback
  • become involved in evaluation of safety issues participate in any WHS related problem solving process.

It is important that workers help shape decisions about WHS particularly when:

  • identifying hazards and assessing risks
  • making decisions about ways to eliminate or minimise those hazards or risks
  • proposing business changes that may affect the health and safety of workers
  • purchasing of new equipment or substances
  • developing or changing job tasks or safety procedures.

All workers belong to a work group and are encouraged to raise any work health and safety concerns they may have with their manager and/or Health and Safety Representative. If the issue identified remains unresolved, it should be raised directly with their Manager, or the Principle.

Health and Safety Representatives (HSR)

HSRs are elected by members of a work group in order to represent the interests of that work group in matters relating to work health and safety. HSRs must undertake approved training to exercise their powers, and may:

  • consult with workers on a regular basis
  • inspect a work area as required
  • participate in workplace accident and incident investigations as required
  • participate in any change management discussions that may affect the health and safety of workers
  • provide advice to managers on the welfare of workers in their work group.

HSRs cannot exercise their powers under the Act unless they are trained. HSRs are not liable for acts or omissions that are undertaken in good faith. HSRs are not entitled to personal or medical information about a worker without their consent unless that information is of a general form that does not identify workers specifically.

Health and Safety Committee

Health and Safety Committees provide the forum for the constructive discussion of measures to assure health and safety in the workplace. At Biotao the Health and Safety Committee will meet regularly and as required and:

  • facilitate co-operation between the PCBU and workers in the instigation, development and implementation of WHS policies and procedures
  • assist in developing standards, rules and procedures relating to health and safety
  • consult with workers regarding their WHS concerns
  • consult with management regarding worker WHS concerns including change that may influence WHS more broadly
  • ensure the conduct of regular workplace inspections.

Minutes of the latest Health and Safety Committee meeting will be made available for all workers to review.