Ballina forum to host 100 health and safety representatives

The event will run from 9am to 1pm at Ballina RSL Club, 1 Grant Street. Open to all industries, it will cover the fundamentals of workplace consultation and ways to address key workplace harms.

Participants will receive practical tips on consulting effectively, raising and resolving issues, and managing hazards including falls, forklifts, electrical issues, bullying and violence.

Forums have already been held in Wollongong, Tamworth, Cooma and Albury. The regional events give workers opportunities to take part, network and receive current information from SafeWork NSW.

HSRs are elected to represent workers on health and safety matters and have responsibilities under WHS legislation. Their role includes gathering information about health and safety issues affecting their work group.

The sessions will examine how businesses can support HSRs through continuing discussions about health and safety and access to information about their work group's hazards and risks.

Head of SafeWork NSW Trent Curtin said businesses and undertakings must consult workers who may be directly affected by a health and safety matter under NSW WHS legislation.

“Health and Safety Representatives play a critical role in identifying and raising workplace risks on behalf of their work group, a process which creates an open and positive safety culture.”

Mr Curtin said holding the forums in regional locations such as Ballina made them accessible to regional workers, allowing them to participate, network and access the latest information to help meet their obligations.

How Blue Safe can help: Our free WHS self-check can help you review your approach to workplace consultation and identify areas for closer attention. Take the free WHS self-check