Consultation and representation: Our commitments

This page is for: 
Employee / workerEmployerHealth and safety representativeMine operatorMinerPerson Conducting a Business or UndertakingPetroleum operator

Learn how WorkSafe is planning to achieve the aims and goals of The way forward: Priority four Consultation and representation.

Regulatory activities and outputs: Raise awareness and seek compliance

Compliance strategy

  • Adopt an outreach approach, with two dedicated support officers within Safety Education (Senior Safety Education Officer – HSRs) to build, establish and maintain relationships with HSRs, as well as PCBUs, registered training organisations and other stakeholders who are responsible for, or influence, consultation and representation at workplaces.
  • Engage with and support HSRs whenever practicable.
  • Continue to ensure that adequate consultation and hazard identification is performed through existing safety case reviews and inspections of petroleum and geothermal energy operation sites.

Information and education

  • Plan and deliver general and targeted education campaigns to increase PCBU and worker awareness of the importance of representation and consultation in the WHS laws, and build knowledge of WHS rights and responsibilities by promoting the:
    • election and retention of HSRs
    • establishment of health and safety committees
    • development of consultation and WHS issue resolution procedures.
  • Develop and update information and educational resources to help empower HSRs to be actively engaged in safety in the workplace, focussing on:
    • a WHS HSR handbook and alternative delivery mechanisms for content (e.g. videos, animations, podcasts)
    • clarifying the rights of HSRs to allow them to effectively perform their functions under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WHS Act)
    • frequently asked questions
    • more vulnerable worker cohorts such those who are younger or new to the workplace, working alone, from a CaLD background, or working in a more complex contractual chain (e.g. gig workers, labour hire).
  • Develop and update training materials provided to RTOs.
  • Deliver an annual HSR forum during Safe Work Month.
  • Promote the HSR of the year.
  • Produce a consultation and representation kit for PCBUs, especially small businesses and workplaces with CaLD workers.

Stakeholder engagement tools

  • Include information and educational resources (including CaLD) for consultation and representation as appropriate in the SafetyLine Hub.
  • Use SafetyLine Hub to facilitate communication and collaboration with and within HSR community.

Compliance and enforcement tool

Deliver the Compliance and Regulation System Transformation Program (CARS Program).

Regulatory activities and outputs: Workforrce development

Workforce development

Identify professional development requirements and deliver inspector skills sessions, particularly for stakeholder engagement.

Regulatory activities and outputs: Drive compliance and enforce legislation

Inspections

  • Seek out HSRs during workplace visits to support engagement activities.
  • As required, distribute consultation and representation kits to PCBUs during workplace visits.
  • Follow up where PCBUs are not supporting HSRs to effectively perform their functions under the WHS Act.

Investigations and prosecutions

Consider referrals under sections 54, 82, 89 and 100 of the WHS Act, and publicise learnings.

Monitoring, evaluation and reporting 

Actions

  • Monitor engagement activities, with a focus on:
    • number and type of interactions with HSR support officers
    • digital engagement analytics (e.g. SafetyLine Hub, social media)
    • queries and complaints received
    • registered training organisations training data.
  • Provide periodic updates to stakeholders such as the WorkSafe Commissioner, WHS Commission, MAPAC, unions and other relevant bodies.
  • Publish annual snapshots of engagement activities and achievements.

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