OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY
Updated 24/2/2009
In the schools sector, Work Safety Representatives [WSR] and Deputy Work Safety Representatives are elected every two years by the Worker Consultation Unit at every school site. It is the employer's responsibility to provide an environment that is "as safe as reasonably practicable" and the WSR is empowered under the ACT OH&S Act 1989 to actively pursue that safe environment. They represent the interests of ALL members of the work group [including CPSU and LHMU staff and the amalgamated preschool].
They record all hazards in the Hazard Register, oversee the Risk Management Plan and maintain an Accident & Incident Register. If you are involved in an incident or accident at your site you must file an Accident/Incident Report and provide a copy to the WSR. If there are safety issues/concerns you should be requesting the assistance of the WSR.
When an external inspector [eg ACT WorkCover Inspector or Shared Services/Injury Prevention WSR or AEU Organiser/Inspector] is called in to assess your workplace or to discuss a particular safety issues, the WSR/Deputy WSR should accompany the Inspector and then report to the whole work group the outcome of the assessment.
The WSR/Deputy WSR should make sure that s/he is well-known across the work group so that members know where to turn with all their OH&S issues. One way to ensure visibility is to secure a place on every staff meeting agenda for OH&S issues to be presented by the WSR.
For a list of schools sector WSR/Deputy WSR for 2010-2012 click here [updated 27/4/010]
If your Worker Consultation Unit has still not elected anyone to the position of WSR or Deputy WSR that should be done immediately. Employers have a responsibility under the OH&S Act 1989 to facilitate the selection/election of the WSR and Deputy WSR and to provide access to training for those individuals elected.
Complete the PROFORMA to fill your WSR and Deputy WSR vacancies.
For additional information you can access the following links and contact the AEU office at 6272-7900:
www.workcover.act.gov.au/docs/hsr.htm
OHS Legislation: The Old and the New
Updated 24/2/2009
Extreme Temperatures in Schools:
There have been a number of concerns raised about working/teaching under duress in schools during times of Extreme Temperatures. The AEU policy on physical conditions in schools states that the minimum acceptable temperature is 17 degrees and the maximum is 30 degrees. Australian Standards [1837-1976] for offices states that the minimum temperature is 20 degrees and the maximum 26 degrees. For a stepped strategy and instructions on managing extreme temperatures at your school under the new Work Safety Bill 2008 click here.
Psychological Injuries:
Given the significance and increased awareness of Psychological Injuries at the workplace, members may be interested in following this link to the Government's Stress and Psychological Injuries Toolkit. There are components that may assist you through highly stressful periods or provide you with some direction and support to alleviate your personal stress. It is also useful for you to be able to assist your colleagues through difficult situations. Have a look www.psm.act.gov.au/stress.htm
Bullying Prevention Commitment:
The participants at the OH&S Forum in May 2008 contributed to a [still] draft commitment that will be introduced on a trial basis to some schools beginning 2009. The draft has been run passed the participants and some DET reps but needs to be finalised prior to running it through Executive and Council. When ready it will be posted on this website.
Union Journey Cover Insurance:
All financial* AEU members are protected by their Union during travel:
- to and from work;
- to and from authorised meal breaks;
- to and from out-of-hours PD;
- to and from Union meetings.
* Only financial members are protected.
Useful Occupational Health & Safety Sites:
