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OH&S Resolution procedures Purpose The purpose of this procedure is to provide guidance on communication, consultation and resolution of health and safety issues.
Scope The procedure outlines the requirements for the communication of OHS information and workplace issue resolution responsibilities. The scope is applicable to BRC Recruitment Pty Ltd management, employees and clients.
Responsibilities The Director is responsible for: • Ensuring processes are in place to communicate OHS issues affecting their permanent and on-hired employees and contractors; • Addressing and assisting in the resolution of ‘immediate risk’ issues reported by permanent and on-hired employees and contractors; and • Liaising with key representatives to ensure issue is resolved and actions are implemented to prevent reoccurrence.
Recruitment Consultants BRC Recruitment Pty Ltd consultants are responsible for: • Providing information to on-hired employees on issues relating to their health and safety at work; • Addressing workplace OHS issues that may be reported; • Escalating issues reported that may be identified as an ‘immediate risk’ to management; • Ensuring that issues are resolved and actions implemented to prevent reoccurrence. Employees (Operational & On-hired) Employees are responsible for: • Reporting workplace issues; • Participating in consultation processes and communicating any relevant OHS information; and • Assisting (where possible) in the resolution process.
Definitions
Issue Resolution An “issue” exists where there is a difference of opinion between the employer and one or more employee(s) relating to safety and health in the workplace. It does not mean that there has to be an actual “dispute”. Rather, the issue resolution procedures aim to ensure the matter is resolved before it becomes the subject of disputation.
OHS Consultation Consultation is the process by which employers communicate and consult with their employees on health and safety matters by sharing information and giving employees a reasonable opportunity to express their views. These views should be taken into account with the final decision being made by the employer.
Immediate Risk Where there is a high degree of danger which is likely to cause injury or disease before the risk can be eliminated or adequately controlled.
Procedure When to Consult with Employees It is a requirement under State OHS legislation that employers regularly communicate and consult with their employees on issues relating to their health and safety at work. Consultation enables OHS matters to be dealt with efficiently and co-operatively. BRC Recruitment Pty Ltd may consult when: • Identifying or assessing hazards/risks on work areas; • Making decisions about control measures; • Making other decisions that may affect the health and well being of internal and on-hired employees and contractors; • Making changes to a work environment; • Making changes to work processes; and • Making changes to some company policies and procedures.
Who to consult The consultation process will involve all key stakeholders that may be affected by OHS decisions, including both internal and external parties. For BRC Recruitment Pty Ltd this involves: • Permanent employees such as administrative and recruitment personnel; • On-hired employees; and • Client representatives.
How to Consult For successful consultation in the workplace the following three steps must be involved: 1. Sharing of information with key stakeholders; 2. Giving key stakeholders a reasonable opportunity to express their views; and 3. Taking those views into account during the decision making process. Consultation may occur through: • Induction programs for internal and on-hired employees; • Off-site meetings/site visits; • Staff meeting with OHS as an agenda item; • Notice boards; • Electronic communication via phone calls, emails, web site postings and SMS’s; and • Notes and letters documented in the company database system.
How to Resolve Workplace Issues It is expected that BRC Recruitment Pty Ltd will consider the following in the event an OHS issue is reported by a permanent and/or on-hired employee or contractor, or a client: 1. Determine whether the issue is an immediate risk to the health and well being of key stakeholders; 2. If it is determine that the issue is a threat to permanent or on-hired employees then work activity should cease; 3. In the event an issue is reported at a client workplace, local procedures should be followed; 4. If the issue remains unresolved, this should be reported to BRC Recruitment Pty Ltd 5. BRC Recruitment Pty Ltd should determine appropriate action to take place and if required, refer to a third party specialist for advice; 6. Suitable actions are to be implemented in consultation with relevant key stakeholders; 7. If the issue remains unresolved or is hindered, the matter may be referred to the relevant State Regulatory Body. For further guidance refer to Issue Resolution Flowchart. Documentation of Consultation & Issue Resolution Consultation arrangements and the resolution of OHS issues are to be thoroughly documented by BRC Recruitment Pty Ltd This may include diary notes, actions listed in the database system, emails, letters to relevant parties, meeting minutes etc.
Copyright © 2006, BRC Recruitment PTY Ltd. |
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