Why do employers need to consult with employees on workplace safety?
It is a legal requirement for all businesses in NSW to consult with employees on workplace health and safety which may affect them in the workplace. This requirement is contained in section 13 of the OHS Act 2000 as a ‘Duty to Consult’. The best outcomes in OHS come when employees are involved in the process. Consulting with employees and having a formal mechanism to do this is an effective way of involving employees in workplace safety. What does this new requirement mean for your business? This means that your business must discuss with your employees the requirement to consult on workplace safety and to decide and agree on which form of consultation arrangement you will have. During discussions with your employees, you can choose between an OHS Committee/s, OHS Representative/s or some other ‘agreed arrangement’ to use to conduct the consultation. Section 17 (4) of the OHS Act 2000 states that an employer may make arrangements for the establishment of an OHS Committee or the electio
