WHS Consultation and Committees
UWS acknowledges that effective WHS consultation is not only a legislative requirement but also an essential component of an effective WHS management system.
WHS consultation is a process of sharing information and views about WHS issues that affect workers. The aim is to foster open and effective communication about WHS matters between the University and workers.
Consultation is required when:
- Identifying and assessing hazards and risks and deciding on actions to eliminate or minimise these risks.
- Determining adequate facilities for workers.
- Changes affecting the WHS of workers are proposed.
- Deciding about procedures related to WHS.
WHS consultation arrangements need to cover all workers including UWS staff, contractors, sub-contractors, students and all those who work or learn on UWS workplaces.
WHS Consultation Structure
At UWS, WHS Consultation Structures (PDF, 113.75 KB) (opens in a new window) have been agreed with unions (NTEU and CPSU) covering several levels of the organisation.
The main method of WHS consultation is Health and Safety Committees (HSCs) established at a campus level. Each campus-based HSC will comprise up to six elected Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) as well as other general committee members from Schools or Business units operating at that campus. The campus-based HSCs will include management representatives as well as personnel from UWS Security and Capital Works & Facilities to assist in resolving identified matters. Other groups, such as tenants and student representatives, can be invited to attend the campus-based HSCs to provide input about WHS matters affecting them.
In addition to campus-based HSCs, a University-wide HSC has been formed to address WHS matters that may be broader than a single campus, School or Business Unit. The University-wide HSC comprises an HSR from each campus-based HSC as well as UWS executive representatives.
Local complementary WHS consultation arrangements can also be developed by operational units (Schools, Business Units, Divisions or Units) in consultation with their workers. The UWS WHS Unit can assist any operational areas wishing to establish local complementary arrangements. Any local complementary arrangements can also report identified issues or concerns up to the campus-based HSC members.
'WHS Consultation at the University of Western Sydney' (opens in a new window) provides further detail on the University’s WHS consultation arrangements, which have been developed to provide for effective WHS consultation measures as well as reflect the legislative requirements for WHS consultation in NSW.
Resolving a WHS Issue
Every attempt should be made to resolve a WHS issue at a local level in the first instance. A worker should report any WHS issue to their local supervisor/manager and complete a UWS Accident/Injury/Hazard Notification form. It is the manager/supervisors responsibility to review and resolve the WHS issue and the manager/supervisor may contact the UWS WHS unit for specialist assistance where this is required.
Should a WHS issue not be dealt with or not adequately resolved then a worker can contact a local campus HSR or the UWS WHS Unit to request assistance. The WHS Issue Resolution Flowchart (PDF, 98.09 KB) (opens in a new window) and the WHS Issue Resolution Procedures (DOC, 27 KB) documents provide further detail on the steps for resolving WHS issues.
