Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00394:body:0:p11
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00394
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 26170–28971

shut off and negotiate the time during which electricity will be unavailable. The carpenter should check with the electrician to make sure it is safe to use the electricity supply.

Example 3:
 A plumber's work on one site is delayed, so he decides to continue work on another job. On the way to the second site, the plumber telephones the builder of the home and leaves a message that the plumber will be attending the site. The builder calls the plumber back to let him know that bricks are being delivered that day. The plumber assures the builder that his workers and vehicle will be away from the site access point and delivery area. The builder also reminds the plumber to lock the gates when he finishes work.

Consulting workers

Section 47: The WHS Act requires the PCBU to consult, so far as is reasonably practicable, with workers who carry out work for them who are (or are likely to be) directly affected by a work health and safety matter.
Section 48: If the workers are represented by a health and safety representative, the consultation must involve that representative.
The broad definition of a 'worker' under the WHS Act means that a PCBU must consult with their employees and anyone else who carries out work for their business or undertaking, including contractors, apprentices, subcontractors and their employees. The builder and sub-contractors, as PCBUs, share this duty.
'Consultation' includes
    * sharing information with workers
    * giving them a reasonable opportunity to express their views and raise issues
    * giving them a reasonable opportunity to contribute to the decision-making process
    * considering the views of the workers
    * advising workers of the outcome of the consultation.
Some of the matters that should be discussed with workers include
    * identifying risks to work safety at the workplace
    * measures to be taken to manage risks, such as permit to work systems, SWMS, WHS management plans
    * adequacy of facilities
    * proposing changes that may directly affect work safety
    * policies and procedures, such as site safety rules and incident notification.
In many cases, decisions about construction work and construction projects are made prior to engaging workers. In that case, it may not be possible to fully consult with workers in these early stages. However, it is important to consult with them as the construction work progresses.

At its most basic level, consultation should involve talking to each other about work health and safety. Consultation can occur by holding discussions with workers face-to-face talks or by phone, fax, email or other networks. Where workers are culturally or linguistically diverse or are inexperienced then face-to-face consultation may be more effective.

 For example, the builder or