DWG Organisational Chart

HSR Nomination Form 

Designated Work Groups (DWG)

The ACT Occupational Health and Safety Act 1989 (the Act) says ‘Designated work groups shall be so established or varied that the manner in which employees are grouped’’ the objective is to encourage employers and employees to resolve occupational health and safety issues through consultation at the workplace.  A Designated Work Group is a group of employees of a single employer that the employer designates to be a work group.

The DWG is a structure that enables the selection of a Health and Safety Representative (HSR) and, in effect, becomes the HSR’s electorate.  The group aims to ensure that employees actively participate in making their workplace safe and free of health risks.

‘When determining the DWG the employer must consider the grouping of employees and have regard to:

• the number of employees; and
• the nature of each type of work performed by the employees; and
• the number and grouping of the employees who perform the same or similar types of work; and
• the workplaces, and the areas within the workplaces, where each type of work is performed; and
• the nature of any risks to health and safety at the workplaces; and
• any arrangements at the workplaces relating to overtime or shift work.’

Each Designated Work Group (DWG) will select one of it’s members to be a Health and Safety Representative and select a Deputy Health and Safety Representative.  The usual term of office for an elected Health and Safety Representatives is two years although this person can be reappointed.

Health and Safety Representatives (HSR)

A crucial function in the health and safety structure of the University is performed by Health and Safety Representatives (HSR).  HRS’s do not have day-to-day management responsibilities for OHS but do perform the role of monitoring health and safety matters in their respective Designated Work Groups (DWG’s) as well as communicating with management by being part of their Workplace Health and Safety Advisory Committee (WHASAC).

Mandatory training is provided and representatives are paid during training and undertaking duties required as a representative.  A HSR for a designated work group shall undertake a course of training relating to occupational health and safety that is approved under the regulations.  The Health & Safety office will organise this training that consist of four full days. The representatives and deputy representatives normally serve for two years with options for re-election.

Whilst the HSR has a number of statutory responsibilities under the OHS Act 1989 (the Act), their primary responsibility is to assist the University in its duty of care.

The roles and responsibilities of a Health and Safety Representative include:

• Monitor health and safety matters in their respective DWG
• Inspecting the workplace if:
• • here has been an accident or a dangerous occurrence at the workplace recently,
  • the representative thinks there is an immediate threat of an accident or dangerous occurrence at the workplace,
  • following a complaint by employees,
  • follow up inspection after implementing measures to improve health and safety.
• Accompany an ACT WorkCover Inspector at the workplace.
• Represent the employees in relation to the development, implementation and review of measures to ensure the health and safety at work of the employees in the group.
• Be a member of Workplace Health and Safety Advisory Committee (WHASAC) and attend meetings.
• Coordinate the workplace inspections of their work areas.  Low risk areas must be done yearly, higher risk areas may required more frequent inspections.
• Investigate on hazard or incident reports and complaints about the health and safety of any employees in the work group.
• If the employee permits it – be present at any interview about health and safety at work between an employee in the group and an Inspector or the employer or person representing the employer.
• Issue Provisional Improvement Notices and take emergency action where the case permits.
• Update Health and Safety notice boards within the designated work group.

For more details ACT WorkCover: http://www.workcover.act.gov.au/

ACT Occupational Health and Safety Act 1989 http://www.legislation.act.gov.au/a/1989-18/default.asp

Please note that the structure below will remain in place until the Health & Safety Representatives have been elected.