Unions play a crucial role in securing safer, healthier workplaces. Research shows that unionised workplaces in Australia are three times more likely to have an OHS Committee; and are twice as likely to have done an OHS Audit. International studies also show that there is better compliance with OHS laws and reduced injuries where there are unionised HSRs. This is because unions train, resource and protect HSRs, enabling them to organise their workplace and deal with OHS issues.
The Health and Safety Representative Support Officer is a post funded by WorkSafe to work on developing support to Health and Safety Representatives in workplaces. It is shared by Janet Marshall and Bob Maguire - email them or phone (03) 9417 2822. There is a specific section of the website for Health and Safety Representatives below.
Any of these services can be accessed by calling 9417 2822 or 1800 013 379 during office hours Monday to Friday.
For information on specific subjects such as Occupational Violence, Bullying, Stress etc., enter the subject into the website search space. This will automatically reference you to all AEU policies, news items and information listed throughout our website.
News
Don't risk 2nd rate safety
Plans to harmonise Australia's nine different OHS laws will dilute vital worker protections.
Safety Matters
Safety Matters is the regular column in the AEU News magazine, reporting back on current issues and developments in occupational health and safety.
Principals OHS Survey
A survey of principals found widespread support for half day network meetings of health and safety representatives.
Campaigns
Don't risk second-rate safety - national review of OHS legislation
The AEU supports the Trades Hall and ACTU campaigns to demand the highest standards for all workers in the national review of model OHS legislation.
Zero Occupational Cancer Campaign
The AEU Victorian Branch is joining with other national and international unions in the Occupational Cancer / Zero Cancer Campaign.
OHS Policy
Union Charter of Workplace Rights
This ACTU policy sets out the rights and responsibilities in the provision of decent and fair health, safety, compensation and rehabilitation systems and practices in Australian workplaces.
Occupational Health, Safety, Compensation and Rehabilitation Resolution.
AEU Branch Conference on 11 April 2007 showed its commitment to OHS in the workplace by passing this policy.
OHS Legislation
Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004
The OH&S Act was first passed in 1985 and underwent a major revision during 2004. Read more about it here.
Designated work groups
The provisions relating to Designated Work Groups are contained in Part 7 Divisions 1-3 of the 2004 Act.
Election of health and safety representatives
Members of a workgroup can by law elect a health and safety representative (HSR), who is entitled to consult on health and safety issues on their behalf and represent their interests.
Health and Safety Consultative Process
Every workplace should have a mechanism for discussing and resolving issues concerning Health and Safety.
Health and Safety Representatives
Health and Safety Representatives Support program
This area has information about support to the role of Health and Safety Representatives
HSR e-Newsletters
A regular AEU e-newsletter is produced for Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs).
Role of the Health and Safety Representative
This section contains a description of the role of health and safety reps.
Reporting Workplace Assaults or Harassment - TAFE, Disability and Early Childhood only
Any incident that occurs in a workplace, no matter how minor, should be recorded. You can find a reporting form here.
AEU advice sheets
The AEU has produced some advice sheets on OHS.
VTHC OHS Reps FAQs
Health and Safety Representatives might find the frequently asked questions useful from the VTHC website.
Events and Professional Development
OHS Conference 2009
The first AEU Occupational Health and Safety Conference was run on 14 August. The conference theme was occupational violence and bullying and brought together members across all sectors to explore preventative systems.
International Workers' Memorial Day
International Workers" Memorial Day is 28 April every year - a global union campaign day to remember the dead and to fight for safer, healthier, better work.
Networks
Here you will find information on networks, forums and other events.
OHS Training
It is vital that Health and Safety Representatives receive proper training. Here are details of courses.
Resources
Making it Public
This is a new electronic newsletter aimed at helping employers, managers and workers in the public sector with information on workplace health and safety issues.
OHS Publications
This section has resources that may be of use to OHS representatives.
SafetyNet Journal
SafetyNet is the fortnightly journal produced by the OHS Unit of the VTHC.
Website Links
This section has links to some useful websites on OHS.
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