Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00408:body:0:p20
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00408
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 49546–53627

Consultation in a workplace with no health and safety representatives
Overview                                                               A small crane hire business employs 7 workers, 5 of whom are crane operators. When the operators return to the yard after a job, they report any defects or problems with the crane. This has been an informal process and many times there have been failures to report mainly small problems. The owner has decided to introduce a checklist to be filled out by the operator when returning the crane.

WHEN to consult                                                        Consultation with workers was required for:
                                                                             *         the identification and assessment of hazards and risks
                                                                             *         making decisions about control measures
                                                                             *         proposing changes to the workplace.
                                                                       Before introducing the checklist, the owner wanted to discuss its merits with the crane operators.

WHO to consult                                                         As there are no health and safety representatives in the workplace, the company consulted with all workers directly.

HOW to consult                                                         The agreed consultation procedure for the workplace is the regular weekly meeting with workers where work health and safety is always an item on the agenda.
                                                                       The owner circulated the checklist to the workers a week before the meeting. In discussions at the meeting, there was support for using the checklist with a few more items added to it. It was agreed that workers would trial the new checklist for three months as some operators were concerned that it would be a waste of time if no action was taken on any problems recorded on the checklist.
                                                                       The business kept records of significant work health and safety issues
                                                                       that were discussed, actions to be taken and timelines for taking action. The records were displayed on the noticeboard in the workplace and were sent via email to workers as well.

Overview                                                               This company operates around the clock and has 200 workers. Work groups have been established covering all workers working across three shifts, each of which is represented by a health and safety representative. A health and safety committee has been established and is made up of all health and safety representatives and some management representatives who hold senior positions in the organisation.
                                                                       When the company identified the need to move to new premises, it recognised this had the potential to affect all workers. The committee played a major role in obtaining worker and health and safety representative input about warehouse layout, ergonomics, selection
                                                                       of new equipment and machinery, traffic management, access/egress
                                                                       and emergency procedures. Regular site visits were arranged to view progress and provide advice.

Example 2:

Consultation in a transport company with health and safety representatives

WHEN to consult                                                             Consultation with workers was required for:
                                                                                  *         the identification and assessment of hazards and risks
                                                                                  *         making decisions about control