Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00408:body:0:p6
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00408
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 13181–16103

survey of your workers can provide valuable information about work-related health issues such as workplace bullying, stress, as well as muscular aches and pains that can signal potential hazards.
Workers and their health and safety representatives may need access to information such as technical guidance about workplace hazards and risks (plant, equipment and substances). Information should not be withheld just because it is technical or may be difficult to understand.
The WHS Act requires that you allow any health and safety representative for a work group to have access to information you have relating to hazards (including associated risks) affecting workers in the work group and also any information about the health and safety of workers in the work group. This does not extend access to any personal or medical information concerning a worker without the worker's consent.

Further guidance on risk management is available in the Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks.

2.2        Deciding on welfare facilities
Facilities are things provided for the welfare of workers, such as toilets, drinking water, washing facilities, dining areas, change rooms, personal storage and first aid.

You must consult your workers when making decisions about what facilities are needed (for example, the number and location of toilets), taking into consideration the number and composition of your workforce, the type of work your workers do and the size and location of your workplace. The consultation should also cover things such as access, cleaning and maintenance of the facilities.
If the facilities are already provided at the workplace, you should consult your workers and their health and safety representatives when there are any changes that may affect the adequacy of the facilities. This will help you determine if you need to change or expand your facilities.
Further guidance is available in the Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities.

2.3        Making changes
You must consult your workers when planning to make changes that may affect their work health and safety, for example when:
    * changing work systems such as shift work rosters, work procedures or the work environment
    * developing a new product or planning a new project
    * purchasing new or used equipment or using new substances
    * restructuring the business.

2.4        Developing procedures
A procedure sets out the steps to be followed for work activities. You must consult with affected workers when developing procedures for:
    * resolving work health and safety issues
    * consulting with workers on work health and safety
    * monitoring workers' health and workplace conditions
    * providing information and training.
Procedures should be in writing to provide clarity and certainty at the workplace and assist in demonstrating compliance. They should clearly set out