As with all workplaces, Work Health and Safety in independent education is a crucial issue. All staff deserve to come to work in a safe workplace free from harm or unnecessary risk.

Here’s what you need to know about Work Health and Safety.

Being a Health and Safety Rep

While anyone can and should report health and safety issues in the workplace, a formally elected Health and Safety Representative (HSR) has additional protected rights and allowances including receiving training for their role, being allocated time and resources to carry out the role, participating in consultation with the employer and performing routine and incident inspections.

If your workplace does not yet have a safety representative (or needs more!) you can start the process to elect one today.

Unity Training are the IEU’s preferred training provider for Work Health and Safety Representatives. You can view their available WHS courses on the Unity Training website.

Legislation

As of 31 March 2022, the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 will replace the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 as the legislation responsible for the promotion, co-ordination, administration and enforcement of occupational safety and health in Western Australia. It provides a framework to protect the health, safety and welfare of workers in WA workplaces, and of other people who might be affected by the work.

Codes and Practices

The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety have published a Work Health and Safety checklist for the education industry.

COVID-19

Visit COVID-19 Resources for the information and resources about COVID-19 as a workplace issue specific to education and training workplaces.