4.4.3 Consultation- Communication and Reporting

Purpose

It is the policy of [enter-your-company-name-here] to ensure that employees:

• are involved in the development, implementation and review of policies and procedures to identify hazards and assess and control risks;
• are consulted where there are any changes that affect workplace OH&S;
• select those who will represent them on OH&S matters; and
• are informed as to who is, or are their employee OH&S representative(s) and specified management representative(s).

[enter-your-company-name-here] has developed documented procedures, agreed to by employees, for employee involvement and consultation in OH&S issues. Information regarding the arrangements is made available to all interested parties.

OH&S representatives, representing the employees and employer, receive appropriate training to effectively carry out their duties with respect to the development, implementation and review of OH&S arrangements.

Procedure

Employee involvement

All employees are encouraged to participate in the development, implementation and review of policies and procedures. The OH&S manager and committee representatives, conduct regular meetings with employees to discuss the operation of the OH&SMS and to receive feedback, comments and suggestions for improvement. At these meetings, a review of hazards and risks is conducted and all employees are encouraged to identify any that may not have been previously considered. At any time, suggestions for the control of risks are sought from all employees and careful consideration is given to every proposal.

Change management

When a change to the workplace is proposed, the OH&S committee will assess the effect on OH&S to determine any changes necessary to the OH&SMS.  If the workplace change effects the OH&S, then the effected employees will be consulted and agreement reached before the change is implemented. The OH&S manager will ensure that all documentation is changed to reflect the new conditions and any additional protective clothing or equipment is available for immediate use.  The OH&S manager will ensure that additional training is provided prior to the implementation of the change and that all skills and training records are updated.

OH&S Representatives

Employees are represented on the OH&S committee by one or more representative of their choice. The OH&S manager will ensure that the selection of the representatives is open and fair and is representative of the workforce. All OH&S committee meetings are scheduled during normal business hours; any out of hours activities will be compensated by additional payment or time in lieu.

The OH&S manager will maintain a listing of employer and employee representatives serving on the OH&S committee. The list will be circulated as appropriate and placed on notice boards.

OH&S Representative training

[enter-your-company-name-here] provides appropriate training for all OH&S representatives. The company will arrange for update training and specific skills training for roles such as auditing, in-house training and working with special processes or materials.