The IEU’s Health and Safety Superheroes
Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of staff in all workplaces, including schools.
HSRs are elected by their peers to represent them on health and safety issues and are empowered by legislation to act on behalf of their colleagues.
The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act) in Victoria and the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (Tas) mandate that employers must allow for the election of at least one HSR in a workplace, yet too many IEU members work at schools without an elected HSR and therefore without a powerful advocate working to keep them safe.
HSRs have several legislated powers that enable them to effectively advocate for a safe work environment. One of the key roles of HSRs is to assist workers to report hazards to their employer, who has a duty under law to take steps to eliminate or reduce the risk of harm to workers through exposure to that hazard. This proactive approach helps to prevent incidents and injuries before they occur, creating a safer environment for all.
Additionally, HSRs have the right to be consulted on health and safety matters, including the development of policies and procedures. This ensures that the concerns and perspectives of staff are considered when decisions are being made that may impact their safety. By representing workers in these discussions, HSRs help to ensure that the needs and well-being of staff are prioritised.
If a hazard arises, HSRs also have the power to issue a Provisional Improvement Notice (PIN) if they believe there is a risk to health and safety. This notice requires the employer to take action to address the issue within a specified period. If the employer fails to comply, the HSR can escalate the matter to WorkSafe, the workplace health and safety regulator.
The kinds of hazards which HSRs could assist workers report include:
a schedule of work commitments which does not allow for sufficient rest and recovery from fatigue
harassment and verbal abuse by students or parents
violence or threatened violence by students
workspaces with inadequate heating or cooling or mould issues
walkways with water pooling in areas when it rains
poorly lit carparks used at after-hours events
no plan for days with interruptions to water supply
areas of a school where emergency alarms are not audible.
Employers must allow and pay for HSRs to attend training including the important initial five-day course. The IEU is approved by WorkSafe to deliver this training in Victoria. In Tasmania, the initial training course for HSRs is delivered by Unions Tasmania. This training course covers the relevant safety legislation, HSR powers, employer obligations, risk assessment and control and how HSRs can support the workers they represent.
If you are an HSR who has not yet been to training, book in for the IEU-run 5-day course in July or October!