OSH Representatives @ Murdoch University

The Functions of Safety and Health Representatives (SHRs)

Safety and health representatives (SHRs) are employees that have been elected by fellow workers under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (1984).

The primary function of safety and health representatives is to represent the employees in the workplace on all issues relating to occupational safety and health.

The SHR is a key component of the 'resolution of issues' procedure that enables management and employees to work together to improve workplace health and safety. SHRs therefore deal regularly with co-workers, workplace supervisors and senior management. A safety and health representative has a legal right and duty under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (1984) to:

• Consult, co-operate and communicate with employers and employees on safety and health matters;
• Participate in the resolution of issues process;
• Contribute to the University consultative processes including participation in occupational safety and health working groups and committees;
• Inspect the workplace for hazards at times as agreed with the employer;
• Investigate hazards when they are identified and incidents when they occur;
• Report to the employer any situation at the workplace that could be a hazard; and
• Keep informed on relevant safety and health information.

More specifically, a safety and health representative at the University has the responsibility to:

1. Report all hazards to the supervisor of the area;
2. Keep informed and review all incident/hazard reports and injuries that occur in the areas that person represents;
3. In consultation with supervisors, investigate any reported incident or hazard;
4. Follow the agreed policy and procedures for the 'Resolution of Occupational Safety and Health Issues';
5. Provide information and advice on safety and health issues to co-workers and management;
6. Keep informed about current safety and health issues, policies and procedures in the organisation and safety and health matters in general;
7. Promote safe working procedures and safety and health to co-workers;
8. Participate in, and contribute to, safety and health training programs and initiatives;
9. Participate directly or indirectly, in the local and/or University Safety and Health Committee structure, and inform co-workers about matters discussed by the committees; and
10. Attend relevant and approved training courses on occupational safety and health.

Your elected Occupational Safety & Health Representatives are: