Acts Regulations and Codes of Practice part 2

PowerPoint Presentation: 

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY ACT – PART 2 MSL40109 – Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques MSL943002A / MSL944001A – Participate in and Maintain laboratory/field workplace safety

Hazard Identification: 

Hazard Identification Regular inspections of the workplace allow discussion with employees on health and safety issues to take place. Consultation between management and employees can only enhance health and safety performance.

What are workplace inspections?: 

What are workplace inspections? Workplace inspections are planned, systematic appraisals of the workplace which help identify hazards and control risks, ensure a safe and healthy working environment and assist complying with OHS legislation. Inspections are generally carried out by management representatives or members of the OHS committee . Employees can also be involved.

Workplace Consultation: 

Workplace Consultation Change for the better – a healthier work environment and improved productivity – can be achieved more easily when employers and employees work together, consult on hazards, discuss and find solutions to problems cooperatively.

Consultation – new Act: 

Consultation – new Act New requirement to consult with employees on OHS matters Encourages open communication and sharing of ideas Extends consultation beyond health and safety representatives (HSRs) Maintains their importance Encourages workplace specific practical solutions Effective 1 January 2006

Designated Work Groups: 

Designated Work Groups Factors that should be considered when establishing DWGs include: The number of employees Any shift arrangements The grouping of employees who perform the same task or work type The physical location of the employees The type of work performed The nature of the hazards.

Designated Work Groups: 

Designated Work Groups Each DWG may elect a H&S representative Establishment of DWGs in any workplace is not mandatory unless requested by an employee. If a request for a DWG is made the employer must do everything reasonably possible to ensure negotiations on the composition of the DWGs begins within 14 days. Employers must negotiate or a representative of the employer during these negotiations.

Health and Safety Representatives: 

Health and Safety Representatives A H&S representative is the elected voice of a DWG. H&S reps are encouraged to join with their employer to monitor health and safety issues in the workplace, and to work with their employer to improve health and safety standards. H&S reps are elected by the employees in the DWG. Anyone can be the H&S rep for their DWG. Each DWG has only one H&S rep.

The new Act (2004)-: 

The new Act (2004)- Greater flexibility in representation Employees can elect more than 1 HSR Elect deputy HSRs Designated work groups (DWGs) may cover multiple workplace of the same employer DWGs can cover workers of different employers Other arrangements can be agreed to Allows for alternative arrangements WorkSafe can facilitate

Functions of H&S reps: 

Functions of H&S reps Inspecting the workplace Accompanying an inspector Being present at any interview between an employee and an inspector Requesting the establishment of a health and safety committee Issuing Provisional Improvement Notices Bringing outside assistance into the workplace

Penalties: 

Penalties Penalties tailored to the offence Maximum fine has increased From $255,625 to $920,250 for corporations From $51,125 to $184,050 for individuals Others have decreased Failing to publish a list of HSRs New penalty for reckless endangerment Conscious & deliberate disregard for safety Maximum jail sentence of 5 years