Health and safety representatives: role and responsibilities
Health and safety representatives and their deputies represent staff within a designated work group. The Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 gives them a range of rights when the health and safety of staff in their area may be affected.
They have the right to be consulted on:
- Proposed changes in the workplace or to materials, equipment or procedures
- Risk assessment of materials, equipment or procedures
- Development of OHS policy and procedures
- Investigation of OHS hazards and incidents
- Training, instruction and information on OHS
They also have the right to:
- Direct work to stop when there is an immediate threat to health and safety
- Inspect any part of the workplace after giving reasonable notice to the head of the unit or controlled entity
- Attend workplace audits and inspections
- Access information on workplace hazards and health and safety of staff in their area, except for medically confidential information
- Use facilities and resources needed to perform their role
- Take paid leave for health and safety training
Health and safety representatives:
- Must use OHS issue resolution procedures
- Should arrange for someone (the safety officer or another health and safety representative) to cover his or her area when they are away
Election of health and safety representatives
Staff within a designated work group elects a representative for a 3 year term. Any staff member can stand for election. If there is more than one nomination, the University prepares an electoral roll and sends out ballot papers. Nominees can include a statement to support their nomination.
