WANTED HEALTH AND SAFETY REPS IN EVERY WORKPLACE

Having an elected H & S Rep means that staff in your workplace are much more likely to be heard by your employer when it comes to health and safety issues.

Having an elected H & S Rep also means that if your employer doesn't take account of your concerns, something can be done.

Having an H & S Rep makes it easier for staff to exchange ideas and concerns about health and safety with their Principal.

Health and Safety Reps are a key plank in the consultative framework outlined in the Workplace Health and Safety Act.
Anticipating, removing and preventing hazards from injuring people is what health and safety is about. This is more likely to occur when the voice of the staff is heard and this is more likely to occur when staff choose to elect and support a Health and Safety Rep.

While the number of schools with elected Health and Safety Reps has increased in recent times there remain a high number that have yet to take this important step. The role of the H & S Rep is to represent staff on day to day OH&S issues. Who that person is and the manner in which they are elected is determined by the staff. Once elected, the H & S Rep has the power to inspect, represent, consult, receive information, seek assistance and take further steps to improve OH&S issues.

If there is no H & S Rep at your school talk to your TCEEA organiser about the reasons why you should elect one. Your TCEEA Organiser can speak at a staff meeting about this issue.

H&S Reps will be given support in their role from the TCEEA Office. Also during 2006 the TCEEA will set up a H&S Reps network.

The network will be a means of providing information, support and skill development as well as meeting other H & S Reps from schools in the area. In this way common hazards and problems can be identified and effective solutions shared. If there is no currently elected H&S Rep at your school and you are interested in the role, please contact the TCEEA Office for more information.

Contact Details
Tasmanian Catholic Education Employees Association
Ph:  (03) 6234 9970
Fax: (03) 6234 9505
Email: angbriant@tassie.net.au

© 2005 Tasmanian Catholic Education Employees' Association
379 Elizabeth Street, North Hobart
Tel. (03) 6234 9970 Fax: (03) 6234 9505
Last Modified: Tuesday, 11-Jul-2006 09:34:49 EST
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