Health and safety reps attend WHS consultation in Orange

SafeWork NSW hosted 100 health and safety representatives (HSRs) in Orange on 17 July at its free forum to learn more about consultation at the workplace. The event offered practical tips on how to undertake effective consultation at work, raise and resolve issues and manage workplace hazards such as falls, forklifts, electrical issues, bullying and violence.

The forum was open to all industries, with a program focusing on the fundamental requirements of workplace consultation and addressing key harms. The program has already been delivered in Wollongong, Tamworth, Cooma and Albury, giving country workers the opportunity to participate, network and receive the latest information from SafeWork NSW.

Consultation representatives, including HSRs, are elected to represent workers on health and safety matters and have responsibilities under WHS legislation. They play a key role in gathering information about what the health and safety issues are for their work group. These sessions explore how a business can support the role of the HSR by having an ongoing dialogue about health and safety issues and give them access to information relating to the hazards and risks of the working group.

Trent Curtin, Head of SafeWork NSW, said these forums are being delivered in regional areas like Orange so they are accessible to regional workforces to participate, network and receive the latest information from SafeWork NSW to help them meet their obligations.

“It is a requirement of the New South Wales work health and safety legislation that persons conducting a business or undertaking must consult with their workers who may be directly affected by a health and safety matter. Health and safety representatives play a critical role in identifying and raising workplace risks on behalf of their work group, a process which creates an open and positive safety culture,” Curtin said.

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