The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007 (Vic) came into operation from 1 July 2007. There are matters of significance contained in the new regulations for retailers.
One of the most contentious elements of the new regulations relates to new obligations regarding employee consultation. Specifically there is now an obligation to provide information to Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) in relation to an OHS issue prior to consulting with your employees. This was a provision that the ARA lobbied both WorkSafe Victoria and the Victorian State Government about, expressing our very strong opposition. It is the ARA’s view that these provisions will hinder genuine workplace consultation between employers and employees in relation to OHS issues.
Please refer to OHS/Workers Compensation Victorian Circular ER07/01 for more information.
The ARA, with other industry groups also has genuine concern in relation to the guidance material WorkSafe Victoria has issued in relation to OHS consultation. As such the ARA has worked with other industry groups to prepare information relating OHS consultation in Victoria which we feel more closely reflects employer obligations in relation to employee consultation. A copy of this information can be found on our website, or can be obtained by contacting us on (03) 9321 5000.
