Learning Topic 3 Contribute to OHS participative processes
This topic should provide you with the ability to recognise how to work ethically in the community services industry, both respecting and protecting the rights of clients. You will learn to:
Contribute to workplace meetings in a constructive manner to improve safety.
Provide assistance to workgroup members to contribute to workplace safety
Apply knowledge of roles and responsibilities of OHS representatives and OHS committees
Section 3.2: Contribute to workplace meetings, workplace inspections or other consultative activities in a constructive manner to improve safety
It’s often hard to raise your voice and make yourself heard in meetings. Often people are too shy to make any suggestions. But you should understand that even the newest member of the team may have something important to say — often looking at existing problems through new eyes.
Activity 3.1
Think about which of the statements in this Learning Interaction describe the way you behave in group discussions:
Tips for giving your opinion
When speaking at meetings it is important to:
think before you speak
state your opinion clearly and give reasons
offer suggestions.
Statements to avoid
‘I don’t know anything about this.’ If possible find out what meetings are about before you attend and think about the issues which will be discussed.
‘I don’t agree with any of that!’ You need to say what you do and don’t agree with and why. Listen carefully to the views expressed by others.
‘That’s my opinion and I’m not changing it.’ First, listen openly to what others have to say
‘I don’t want to say anything. I’ll just go along with what everyone else thinks.’ The group will find it much easier to reach a decision if everyone says what they think
