Advice Sheets

OHS: Reporting incidents to WorkSafe

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Summary: A principal or manager of a workplace must ensure that certain incidents that occur at a workplace are reported to WorkSafe The prescribed incidents include: The death of a person. A person requiring medical treatment within 48 hours of exposure to a substance. A person requiring immediate treatment as an in-patient in a hospital. A person requiring immediate medical treatment for: the amputation of any part of his or her body a serious head injury a serious eye injury the separation of his or her skin from an underlying tissue (such as de-…

OHS: Duties of employees

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Summary: While at work, an employee must: Take reasonable care for his or her own health and safety Take reasonable care for the health and safety of persons who may be affected by the employee’s acts or omissions at a workplace Co-operate with his or her employer with respect to any action taken by the employer to comply with a requirement imposed by or under the OH&S Act 2004 or the regulations Not intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided at the workplace in the interests of health, safety or welfare. NB: in determining whether an…

OHS: HSR powers — S58 of the OH&S Act 2004

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Summary: A health and safety representative (HSR) for a designated work group (DWG) may do any of the following: Inspect any part of a workplace (at any time after giving reasonable notice or immediately where there is an immediate risk). Accompany an inspector during an inspection. Require the establishment of a health and safety committee. Be present at an interview concerning OH&S between a member and an inspector/employer representative, if the DWG member consents. Whenever necessary, seek the assistance of any person.  However, a HSR may do any of the…

Step-by-step guide for new HSRs

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Summary: Five-step guide for the newly-elected health and safety rep Notify your principal / manager that you have been elected. Refer to the “What’s the difference between a HSR and HSO” advice sheet. Check the availability of an accredited 5-day training course with the Victorian Trades Hall Council (see www.ohsrep.org.au or tel 9662 3511) or contact the AEU. Arrange a time with your principal / manager or, where management responsibility has been delegated, with the management OH&S person to: Talk about your role, including time to undertake the role…