I would like to enquire about OHS training for managers and directors to increase awareness and ensure they understand their obligations when it comes to safety.
VTHC, our affiliates, and even employer groups, have been urging WorkSafe for some years to construct and offer specific training for managers. HSRs tell us there’s a desperate need.
As you may be aware, section 22(2)(b) of our OHS Act requires employers ‘employ or engage persons who are suitably qualified in relation to occupational health and safety to provide advice to the employer concerning the health and safety of employees of the employer.’
In addition, under section 73(2), the employer must ensure their representative, for the purposes of resolving safety issues ‘has an appropriate level of seniority and must be sufficiently competent to act as the employer’s representative’.
See p70 of WorkSafe’s excellent Employee Representation Guide, for related information. And click here for a WorkSafe guideline on what suitably qualified means.
HSRs tell us they continually encounter obstructive managers who do not possess the above pre-requisites. We think it vitally important WorkSafe create and mandate training for managers.
At present no such WorkSafe course exists.
VTHC runs a two-day Managers & Supervisors OHS Course and WorkSafe offer a program called OHS Essentials - a workplace safety consultation service, delivered by independent OHS experts.