What is a Work Group?
A “work group” in WHS law are groups of people within the business that are represented by one person and their deputy for the purpose ...
If you have work groups you must have HSRs
Workers must be represented in any decisions that an organisation intends to make on matters of health and safety. (Ref 1) A business cannot simply make changes regarding a work health and safety matter without first getting feedback from the members of the workforce. This information is obtained by consulting each member of the workforce that may be affected by the health and safety matter being addressed. The organisation director and other officers of the business must en
WHS Consultation needs to be able to take place at any time
The Model WHS laws, in force since 2011, describe how a business may organize its workplace into workgroups and then have representatives...
The role of the Regulator (WHS)
The Commonwealth, states and territories are responsible for making their own work health and safety (WHS) laws. Each jurisdiction has a...
Employer representatives of a WHS Committee
Under the NSW WHS Act 2011, a business owner or employer can establish an HSC for the whole workplace or for parts of the workplace. ...
Unpacking WHS Consultation: Toolbox Talk Perspectives
Work Health and Safety (WHS) is vital in every workplace. Every employee deserves to return home safely each day. One essential method to...
Trainer feedback on HSR virtual courses
Here is some feedback from one of our WHS trainers who delivers the SafeWork NSW HSR courses virtually in Zoom and MS Teams. ....
"Any other functions" of a Health and Safety Committee must be consistent with requirements of the WHS Act
For some businesses, government bodies, and other organisations, a health and safety committee (HSC) may be a valuable resource to ...
Good News about SafeWork NSW’s updated HSR courses
In late 2022 SafeWork NSW completed a review of the SafeWork NSW developed Health and Safety Representatives Training Course Material ....
Common Psychosocial Hazards at Work
Weekly WHS Article 9th February 2023 The NSW WHS Regulation (subclause 55A) defines psychosocial hazard as; “A psychosocial hazard is a...
Differences between Model WHS laws and VIC OHS laws
With the exception of the state of Victoria, all other states and territories are on the Model WHS Laws which were enacted ...
HSRs need to be trained on Psychosocial Hazards & Risks
Should HSRs be trained on psychosocial hazards & risks? The answer is yes.
Bullying or Reasonable Management Action?
At some point, an employer may need to manage an underperforming staff member. However, care needs to be taken to avoid bullying a staff...
“We have a health and safety committee” does not mean “We have Consultation covered”
A health and safety committee doesn't replace other consultation systems or procedures. Consultation must be able to occur any day ....