Safety Matters - Rail, Tram and Bus Union of NSW
Safety Matters - Rail, Tram and Bus Union of NSW
Safety Matters - Rail, Tram and Bus Union of NSW
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• clearly state the criteria <strong>and</strong> timeframes for approvals, licences,<br />
permits, etc<br />
• minimise the number <strong>of</strong> government agencies involved<br />
• take a whole government approach <strong>and</strong> integrate requirements across<br />
different agencies <strong>and</strong> regulatory systems<br />
• maximise benefits <strong>and</strong> minimise costs<br />
• not restrict competition<br />
• use commercial incentives where possible instead <strong>of</strong> comm<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
control rules<br />
• be developed in consultation with people affected by them.<br />
SECTION ONE<br />
<strong>Safety</strong> <strong>Matters</strong> A Guide for Workplace OHS Representatives<br />
OHS Regulation 2001<br />
The <strong>NSW</strong> OHS Act 2000 <strong>and</strong> the OHS Regulation 2001 were implemented<br />
simultaneously in 2001. The Regulation is a single document <strong>and</strong> replaces<br />
all 36 regulations made under the OHS Act (1983), the Factories, Shops <strong>and</strong><br />
Industries Act (1962) <strong>and</strong> the Construction <strong>Safety</strong> Act (1912). It also replaces the<br />
Construction <strong>Safety</strong> Act <strong>and</strong> part 3 <strong>of</strong> the Factories, Shops <strong>and</strong> Industries Act.<br />
The Regulation sets out requirements for implementation <strong>of</strong> a systematic risk<br />
management approach to workplace hazards. It continues existing requirements<br />
for manual h<strong>and</strong>ling, hazardous substances, noise control, certificates <strong>of</strong><br />
competency, business licensing <strong>and</strong> injury reporting. It introduces revised<br />
requirements for the working environment, plant safety, inorganic lead <strong>and</strong><br />
carcinogenic substances.<br />
The new Regulation rationalises administrative arrangements such as those<br />
required for exemptions <strong>and</strong> appeals.<br />
The Regulation also sets out requirements for workplace consultation. These<br />
requirements exp<strong>and</strong> upon the provisions <strong>of</strong> the Act <strong>and</strong> establish important<br />
processes to enhance consultation between employers <strong>and</strong> employees. The<br />
Regulation provides detail on how employers should consult with their<br />
employees to enable them to contribute to OHS decision-making through the<br />
OHS committee, OHS representative or other agreed arrangements.<br />
The Regulation has numerous chapters <strong>and</strong> parts, which are subdivided into<br />
divisions.<br />
The Regulation is not prescriptive. It sets out requirements for the implementation<br />
Workplace Health <strong>and</strong> <strong>Safety</strong><br />
18<br />
RAIL<br />
TRAM AND BUS<br />
U N<br />
I O N