Safety Matters - Rail, Tram and Bus Union of NSW

• decisions are made about the adequacy of facilities
• changes are proposed to premises where people work, systems or methods of
work, plant or substances used for work
• hazards have been identified as a risk to OHS
• decisions are made about procedures for consultation
• in any other case prescribed by the Regulation.
Consultation must also occur:
SECTION TWO
Safety Matters A Guide for Workplace OHS Representatives
• before purchasing items used for work that have implications for the health
and safety of employees
• before employees are trained in OHS
• when setting up emergency procedures.
To ensure that consultation is timely, effective and meaningful, it is essential
that the employer adopt a systematic approach to health and safety in the
workplace. A systematic approach to the management of OHS will increase the
likelihood of preventing workplace injury and disease. Involving employees in
the consultation and planning process will assist in the identification of hazards
and in the assessment and control of the risk involved.
Related Obligations of Employer with Respect to Duty to Consult
Clause 27(1)(h) of the Regulation states that an employer must
‘facilitate the OHS consultation arrangements of another employer
where employees of that other employer are working at the employer’s
place of work.’
This means that when contractors or labour hire employees are on site it is
essential that effective communication and consultation take place about OHS
issues that include everyone on site.
The principal contractor, whether as an employer or person in control of a
workplace, should have a system of communication and consultation about
risks and proposed risk control measures as part of their management system.
The contractor should advise the principal contractor about how consultation
will take place with the contractor’s employees before commencing work.
Monitoring OHS Programs and Procedures
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RAIL
TRAM AND BUS
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