Health and Safety Representatives
A Health and Safety Representatives (HSR) plays an important part in the legislative framework for OHS in the Australian maritime industry.
Division 2 of the Occupational Health and Safety (Maritime Industry) Act 1993 (OHS(MI) Act) outlines the process for the selection of HSRs, their role and their responsibilities. It also outlines the powers of a HSR, which include:
- investigating complaints;
- obtaining access to information; and
- issuing a Provisional Improvement Notice (PIN).
These powers may only be exercised for the purpose of promoting and ensuring health and safety at work for the employees in their designated work group (DWG).
The form for a PIN can be found (as form 1) in the Schedule to the Occupational Health and Safety (Maritime Industry) Regulations 1995. The notes to this form provide some guidance on its use.
HSR Handbook
At their meeting on 28 August 2008, the Seacare Authority approved guidance for HSRs in the Australian maritime industry. The HSR Handbook was launched at the Seacare HSR Forum 2008 in Melbourne on 25 September 2008.
The HSR Handbook (Full version, A4, 92 pages) [pdf 1002.7Kb] provides information and guidance to HSRs aimed at assisting them understand their role and responsibilities. The publication is appropriate for use by HSRs, key operator / employer OHS / HR personnel and union representatives. The HSR Handbook (Short version, A5, 28 pages) [pdf 511.3Kb] would be appropriate for general distribution (such as to onboard employees).
Copies are available from the Seacare Management Section of Comcare, phone 02 6275 0070 or email seacare@comcare.gov.au.
HSR Training
The Occupational Health and Safety (Maritime Industry) Act 1993 requires a HSR to undertake a course of training related to OHS that is accredited by the Seacare Authority. The operator is required to provide time off, with out loss of remuneration or other entitlements, to enable a HSR to ujdertake such training. List of current Seacare Authority accredited HSR training courses.
