Certificate IV in Frontline Management

Significance of an Effective Consultative Mechanism

Occupational Health and Safety topics such as the importance of an effective consultative mechanism are being emphasized in Intellitrain’s Certificate IV in Frontline Management.

 

Occupational Health and Safety Committees are a requirement by law in NSW for companies that employ over 20 staff, where a majority of employees have requested a committee be established.

There are different regulations that apply within each State in Australia and as a manager you need to investigate and be aware of the legislation that applies to you, your company and your industry.

Information on the latest laws can be checked by visiting the NSW legislation website (www.legislation.nsw.gov.au).

The following information has been sourced from www.workcover.nsw.gov.au and is correct at time of publication (January 2011).

You can view the fact sheet at this URL:

http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/formspublications/publications/Documents/ohs_training_manual_insert_factsheet4_2704.pdf

Fact Sheet – How to set up an OHS (Occupational Health and Safety) CommitteeAn OHS Committee is established

when:

◦there are 20 or more employees and the majority of employees request that an OHS Committee be established, or

◦WorkCover NSW directs that an OHS Committee be established, or

◦the employer, in consultation with their employees, establishes an OHS Committee

4 phases to establishing an OHS Committee:

1. Lay the groundwork

2. Determine the OHS Committee membership

3. Form an OHS Committee

4. Evaluation

PHASE 1: LAY THE GROUNDWORK

Become familiar with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 (The Act), Occupational Health and Safety

Regulation 2001 (the Regulation) and the OHS Consultation Code of Practice 2001

Consider whether an OHS Committee is the most appropriate consultation arrangement for health and safety matters in your workplace

Determine the composition of the OHS Committee, ensure that different workgroups are adequately represented

Consult and educate managers and employees to let them know the OHS Committee’s purpose, start date and their role in supporting the Committee

PHASE 2: DETERMINE OHS COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP

Determine, through consultation, the number of employer and employee representatives on the OHS Committee

It is beneficial to consider inviting sub-contractors and their employees to observe Committee meetings, particularly when common OHS issues arise.

Committee members should be allowed to invite a delegate from a trade union or employer association to a Committee meeting. The delegate may address the meeting if the Chairperson agrees.

There are no formal qualifications required of Committee members, however the following characteristics would be beneficial in Committee representatives:

◦ability to effectively represent members of the workgroup

◦ability to see other viewpoints

◦commitment to improving the management of OHS

◦communication skills

Explain to employees what is involved in being on an OHS Committee and what training will be provided if they are elected or appointed

Appoint and notify employer representatives

Decide on an election process for employee representatives and conduct an election

Inform all employees and management of the names of OHS Committee representatives

Provide representatives with a copy of the Code of Practice and any other relevant information (including existing OHS procedures)

PHASE 3: FORM OHS COMMITTEE

All members of the OHS Committee must undertake OHS Consultation training

Convene the first meeting as soon as practicable

◦elect a Chairperson◦establish arrangements for OHS Committee meetings

◦determine frequency of meetings◦discuss the purpose of the Committee◦review the Code of Practice

The initial meeting could also:

◦clarify the roles and responsibilities of Committee members

◦develop an OHS Consultation Statement if not already established and have it supported by management

PHASE 4: EVALUATION

Periodically review the OHS Committee and its consultation arrangements in line with the Code of Practice

When managing health and safety risks, managers need to be aware of and understand the importance of communicating with all staff any applicable processes and procedures that are required, that are going to ensure everyone is safe in the workplace, and that require follow up.

There should be an appointment of Health and Safety Representatives within an organisation that can also monitor and report back any findings and act as the point of liaison between management, staff, OHS Committee members and themselves.

Having support and buy-in from employees helps to maintain the processes and creates an inclusive working environment where staff members and team members feel valued and appreciated.

This in turn creates more loyalty towards keeping everyone safe in the workplace and assists in achievement of organisational goals.

Team members should be given adequate responsibility and opportunity to take ownership for decisions that relate to the health and safety procedures in the workplace.

This can include decisions that relate to:

Training and development of staff members in safety matters

Training in use of new equipment and technologyGeneral working conditions

Reporting procedures

General OHS procedures

Intellitrain offers courses in Certificate IV Frontline Management for Coordinators, Leading Hand, Supervisors and Team Leaders.