Department-wide
The Health and Safety Representative's (HSR) role is separate to that of the Workplace Health and Safety Officer (WHSO), however the roles can function collaboratively to achieve improved health and safety at the workplace. The Health and Safety Representative (HSR) is also an additional resource for officer in charge of a workplace to facilitate health and safety improvement. The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld) also states that a qualified HSR can issue a Provisional Improvement Notice (PIN). A PIN is a written direction that requires health and safety issues to be remedied. A PIN can only be issued after other consultative measures that the HSR and the potential recipient of the PIN have failed to resolve. Processes to issue and action these notices are provided in this procedure. A qualified HSR can also implement cease work processes according to regulatory requirements.
The election of Health and Safety Representatives forms part of the consultative framework at departmental workplaces by providing a formal communication channel for the discussion of workplace health and safety issues between staff and the officer in charge of the workplace. The Health and Safety Representative role and entitlements are legislated in the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld).
Please refer to: Provisional Improvement Notice (PIN) Flowchart – Overview.
Term
Definition
DETE HSW Committee
The corporate committee for the strategic management of health, safety and wellbeing issues and strategies for the department. For complete information please refer to Health, Safety and Wellbeing communication and consultation.
Officers in Charge of a Workplace
Health and Safety Committees
A health and safety committee is the forum in which to discuss and raise health, safety and wellbeing issues. This may be a dedicated committee or it may be a standing agenda item within a broader meeting format. All workplaces need to establish a forum to discuss health, safety and wellbeing issues as required by Health, Safety and Wellbeing communication and consultation.
Health and Safety Representative (HSR)
Workplace Health and Safety Training
DETE is currently awaiting advice from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland regarding the approved training course for the Health and Safety Representative (HSR). The course will be 5 days in duration.
It is not mandatory for a HSR to attend training to fulfil the role of a HSR. It is recommended however to increase skills and knowledge. If a HSR requests training their manager must support their attendance at training.
It is important to note that it is a legislative requirement for a HSR to attend training to become qualified to issue a Provisional Improvement Notice (PIN) or to direct workers to Cease Work. Only elected and qualified HSRs are entitled to issue PINs.
A HSR will be able to exercise all their powers under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld) (including issuing of PINS and the power to direct workers to cease work) for 12 months from the commencement of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld).
After this time, if the HSR has not undertaken the requisite training, they will not be able to continue to direct workers to cease work. All currently qualified HSRs who have completed PINS training will not be required to undertake training on this matter.
Previous seven years shown. Minor version updates not included.
Nil
For further information, please contact: Regional and TAFE Health and Safety Consultants DETE employees, please contact: HSW@qed.qld.gov.au Phone: (07) 3234 1583
Uncontrolled copy. Refer to the Department of Education Policy and Procedure Register to ensure you have the most current version of this document.
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