For Re-elected OSH Representatives

Aim: Designed to build on the skills and knowledge already gained by safety & health representatives working in the school environment.

• If you last attended an introductory course prior to 2007 it is recommended that you attend the 5 day Introductory course.
• If you are a newly elected OSH Representative, it is important you complete the 5 day indtroductory course.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 (OSH Act) provides a framework for the prevention of occupational injury and disease. A key objective of the Act is to foster and promote consultation between employers and employees in the creation and maintenance of safe and healthy working environments.

The OSH Act includes provision for the election of workplace safety and health representatives. Elected safety and health representatives must attend an accredited five day introductory training course as soon as is practicable. Course attendance must take into consideration school based activities.

Safety and health representatives can also attend a two day refresher course after holding office for two years subject to them continuing in the role at the workplace for which they were elected.

Safety and health representatives in regional areas are expected to attend a local course where one is available. Where a local course is not available, permission must be sought from the Employee Support Bureau (ESB) to attend a course in Perth.

The Department of Education will meet the costs associated with elected representatives attending both the five day and two day training courses. Accounts for the actual course costs are normally sent directly to the Employee Support Bureau for payment (address overleaf).

The Department of Education will reimburse either the school/ workplace or the safety and health representative for reasonable actual out of pocket expenses incurred by the safety and health representative attending the course.

HOW TO ENROL:

Once you have been elected as an OSH Representative, you should determine the date you wish to attend, complete the application form and return it to the SSTUWA Education & Training Centre Fax: 9210 6089.

PLEASE NOTE: [Once you have faxed your application form back to the Union you will receive written confirmation about 2 weeks prior to your selected course date – if you do not receive written confirmation – please contact the Education & Training Department immediately on 9210 6035/9210 6042 as this means you have not been placed and course material will not have been prepared for you.]

• You must also advise your employer in writing of your intention to attend the course at least 21 days in advance, unless agreement is reached on a shorter time period.
• If the employer declined to permit your attendance at that course, he or she is required to permit your attendance at the next course you wish to attend without loss of pay.

COUNTRY MEMBERS

Courses may be available in the country centres in your region. The Department may schedule education specific courses in the country centres on a needs basis. Therefore if you are not in the metropolitan area it is important that you let the Department know that you require training at an early stage in the year.

For country employees: After you’ve been elected, please contact Sarah McCaskie OSH Consultant on 9264 8509 or by e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for information on training options or Joy Barrett at the SSTUWA on 9210 6000. Please also advise the SSTUWA of your election so that we can send you further important information to support you in your role – e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Venue:

SSTUWA Office, Education & Training Centre
150-152 Adelaide Terrace East Perth WA 6004.