Health and Safety Representative
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Page Contents
Includes: ~ Health and Safety Representative | The role of the HSR | Powers of the HSR within the DWG | Designated work group
Also see:
- Policy Document 3.11: Health and Safety Representative Role
- EHS Policy
- Departmental Safety Committee
- Work Group EH&S Coordinators - page under construction
- Departmental Safety Sub-Committee
- Safety Officers and Representatives
- Issue Resolution Procedures
Health and Safety Representative (HSR)
The Health and Safety Representative (HSR) (also called a Designated Work Group Representative) is an employee elected by members of a Designated Work Group to represent the members of the DWG in Occupational Health and Safety matters. The term of office for HSR positions is three (3) years. Scheduled HSR elections for all DWGs is held every three (3) years commencing 3 July 2006. The HSR for the Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the Microbiological Diagnostic Unit can exercise certain powers under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act 2004.
The Role of the HSR
- Represent the members of the DWG concerning health and safety matters
- Monitor OHS measures taken to comply with the OSH Act 2004
- Enquire into matters that may impose a risk to the health and safety of any members of the DWG
- Attempt to resolve OHS issues concerning members of the DWG
Powers of HSR within the DWG
- To inspect the workplace after giving notice to the management representative or after an incident involving an immediate risk to health or safety.
- May accompany a WorkSafe Inspector during an inspection.
- May be present at an interview regarding health and safety between a member of the DWG and a WorkSafe Inspector or a member of the DWG and a management representative if the member agrees.
- When necessary, seek the assistance of any person with expertise in health and safety in order to perform the role of the HSR.
- A HSR may, after consultation with the managment representative and after invoking the OSH Issue Resolution Procedure, issue a provisional improvement notice (PIN) requiring the University to take specific actions, when the HSR considers the University is in breach of the OHS Act 2004.
- A HSR may, after consultation with the local supervisor, direct work to cease where the nature and degree of the health and safety risk results in an immediate and serious threat to the health and safety of any person.
In the event that the HSR is required to assist an employee in resolving a safety concern with management, an issue resolution procedure has been developed to ensure the matter is dealt with in an organised and cooperative manner.
Designated Work Group (DWG)
A Designated Work Group (DWG) is a group of employees who share similar workplace concerns and who experience similar health and safety conditions. In accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety (OSH) Act , the University of Melbourne has established DWG's in consultation with the University Occupational Health and Safety Committee (OHSC). The DWG's are reviewed and reorganised regularly.
The Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the Microbiological Diagnostic Unit together constitute a Designated Work Group (DWG) of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences.