October bears witness to the National Safe Work Month, a period dedicated towards making a pledge for cultivating a risk-free and healthy work setting. SafeWork NSW plans to unveil three impactful videos showcasing the significance of Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) and workplace safety during their free, one-day HSR refresher course on Wednesday 30th October 2024.
These videos shed light on the crucial contribution of HSRs in nurturing a secure work ambience. In a notable portion of these videos, Laura Anderson, an intensive care nurse stationed at Shoalhaven Hospital recounts the frightening instance of witnessing her co-worker yell in terror amidst an avoidable patient assault. Taking immense pride as an HSR, Laura notes, “The sense of fulfilment is palpable. The staff are profoundly grateful.” She accentuates the need of turning safety into action, asserting that safeguarding the well-being of colleagues subsequently ensures patient safety.
Serving as linchpins, HSRs undertake the responsibility of gathering applicable information and addressing health and safety hurdles within their team. Incorporating effective utilisation of Bluesafe SWMS greatly improves this process.
In an endeavour to conduct the day-long event in Surry Hills, SafeWork NSW is collaborating with Unions NSW; an array of initiatives will elucidate the roles and powers vested in HSRs under Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws. This event will integrate the importance of WHS management systems such as Bluesafe WHS Management System. Notably, important subjects like managing psychosocial hazards – including bullying, extensive workload, violence and prevention of sexual harassment will be addressed.
For participating in this significant event, HSRs can register here: [HSR Refresher Training Day: You Make a Difference! | SafeWork NSW]
To obtain additional insights about HSRs, please visit: [Health and safety representative’s toolkit | SafeWork NSW]. You can gain access to three promotional case study videos here: [HSR forum promotional video]
Following the immensely successful Regional Workplace Consultation and HSR forums organised earlier this year which attracted over 600 participants across nine venues, this event stands as another milestone initiative. Participants reaped benefits from 230 evaluations, 320 psychosocial workshops, and 280 high risk harm workshops. You can peruse the detailed report here.
Attributing quotes to Trent Curtin, Head of SafeWork:
“The day-long forum underscores the vital role of health and safety representatives and enables attendees to receive updated information from SafeWork NSW; this moreover fosters networking with fellow HSRs.
“The videos lucidly depict how Health and Safety Representatives champion in detecting and solving workplace hazards on behalf of their team – a methodology which cultivates open and progressive safety cultures. I extend my praise for the HSRs presented in the case studies for their courage, voicing out concerns and advocating for workers. Every employee has the prerogative to safely return home after each workday.”
Original article link: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/news/safework-media-releases/health-and-safety-representatives-you-make-a-difference-this-safe-work-month