Safety Act briefing to be held

EMPLOYERS and health and safety representatives in Melbourne’s south east can learn more about the new Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS) at a WorkSafe information session in Berwick on 25 October.
WorkSafe’s Graeme Prentice said Victoria’s new OHS Act came into effect on 1 July this year and that it was important for employers and employees to understand their rights and responsibilities under the new legislation.
“Being the first significant changes to the legislation in almost 20 years, the new act updates Victoria’s safety laws to reflect modern workplaces and arrangements,” Mr Prentice said.
“A particular focus on the day will be the provisions of the new legislation that relate to the duty of employers to consult with employees on issues that may directly affect their health and safety.
“That section of the act comes into effect on 1 January, 2006.
“From 1 January employers will have a legal obligation to share information about decisions that affect safety and seek input from employees about workplace risks and how to control them.”
Mr Prentice said the Berwick forum would involve industry experts and guest speakers who will talk on a range of safety issues relevant to the local workforce.
“Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions of the speakers during a panel discussion at the end of the session.”
“The personal and community effect of workplace injuries and deaths is incalculable, but we do know that around 30,000 people a year make a claim on Victoria’s workplace injury insurance system at a cost exceeding $1billion.”
The free forum Improving OHS Through Consultation is being held at the Berwick Football Club’s function rooms and is part of Work Safe Week (23 to 28 October) of activities.
Bookings for the Improving OHS Through Consultation session can be made through Bev Winter on 8792 9028 or by emailing bev_winterworkcover.vic.gov.au
Participants should arrive at the rooms (Edward Flack Reserve, Manuka Road) at 8.45am for registration.
The information session runs from 9.15am to noon.