Orange forum to host 100 Health and Safety Representatives

The event will run from 9am to 1pm at Waratah Sports Club, 34 Telopea Way, Orange. Open to all industries, it will cover the fundamentals of workplace consultation and ways to address key workplace hazards.

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

The Orange event follows forums in Wollongong, Tamworth, Cooma and Albury. The regional sessions provide opportunities for country workers to network and access the latest information from SafeWork NSW.

Consultation representatives, including 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 also 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 must consult workers who may be directly affected by a health and safety matter under New South Wales Work Health and Safety 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 areas such as Orange made them accessible to regional workforces, allowing participants to network and receive information to help them 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 that may need attention. Take the free WHS self-check