HEALTH & SAFETY
MEMBER STORIES
HSRs are making your workplace
healthier and safer I'm a Librarian at RMIT University as well as being the NTEU Branch President. As if I didn't already have enough hats on, I became a health and safety representative (HSR) just over a year ago. Learning more about occupational health & safety (OHS), legislation, and the powers of an HSR was a primary driver in taking on the HSR position, as I found I fielded questions constantly about OHS through my role as Branch President. As a relatively new HSR, the last thing I was expecting to be dealing with was the impacts of a global pandemic. COVID-19 even managed to affect my HSR training, when all courses shifted to online delivery last year. I would say that the online model worked well even if the days were long. I attended the Trades Hall OHS Course and it was excellent (shoutout to Vasso Zangalis!). One of the key messages I heard loud and clear early on is that as an HSR, you have all the power and none of the responsibility. It’s a good way to consider the role and how it intersects in the workplace.
Sam Gibberd RMIT University
You are there to provide oversight, ensure employees views are taken into account, and make sure health and safety is taken seriously at all times. When this isn't happening – you have the power to force the employer to act. There are many situations in
To tell your COVID-19 story to the NTEU member community, please contact Helena Spyrou
12
Sentry
•
FEBRUARY 2021
