At any time, in consultation with Designated Work Group members, the HSR can request that a Health and Safety Committee be set up.

This is a formal structure for discussing and resolving health and safety issues. It consists of representatives of employees and management and must be established within 3 months if the Health and Safety Representative requests it.

In every workplace there should be a mechanism for discussing and resolving issues concerning Health and Safety but this can take a variety of forms depending on the nature of the workplace.

The introduction of the school based consultative arrangements arising from the Victorian Government Schools Agreement 2004 may provide a useful mechanism in schools. This model would only be appropriate where there are good relationships and there can be a guarantee that Health and Safety will be a standing agenda item. Alternatively schools may prefer to establish a Health and Safety Committee in accordance with the provisions of the OH&S Act.

For more information please contact:

• Your organiser
• MSU on 9417 2822
• Janet Marshall and Bob Maguire, Health and safety representative support officer, on 9417 2822 or email Janet Marshall or Bob Maguire