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 3.3 Provide assistance to workgroup members to contribute to workplace safety
All employees’ input must be valued and encouraged regardless of which consultation method we use. There are many opportunities to be involved, formally and informally, in the consultative process. However successful consultation requires:
a positive workplace culture about collaborative problem solving
management representatives who listen and act on agreed solutions
employees who are willing to change work practices when necessary.
Those involved in OHS consultative arrangements need support, such as access to external advice from OHS consultants or WorkCover representatives, interpreter or counselling services, and guidance about conflict resolution. This should be formally organised and clearly understood by all stakeholders.
Ways of providing assistance to workgroup members so that they can contribute to workplace safety include:
