In the realm of modern employment, ensuring the health and safety of all workers is paramount. The NSW education award, through clause 34, underscores the significance of Work, Health & Safety (WHS) while introducing a collaborative approach involving various stakeholders. This clause, designed to promote comprehensive safety measures, resonates with the evolving landscape of labor and employment practices.
Understanding the Terminology
Before delving into the core principles of clause 34, it’s crucial to grasp the definitions provided:
- Labour Hire Business: This term encompasses entities whose primary function is to supply staff to another employer for work or services.
- Contract Business: It refers to businesses contracted by an employer to provide specific services or achieve defined outcomes that would typically be carried out by the employer’s own employees.
Shared Responsibility for Safety
Clause 34 highlights the proactive stance employers should adopt when engaging labour hire or contract businesses to work on their premises, whether fully or partially. This approach aligns with the overarching objective of maintaining a safe and secure work environment for everyone involved.
Consultative Arrangements
A key tenet of the clause emphasizes open communication and collaboration. Employers must engage in consultations with employees of the labour hire or contract business, focusing on workplace-specific WHS consultative arrangements. This practice fosters an inclusive approach to identifying potential risks and devising effective preventive strategies.
Induction and Training
Ensuring that all workers, including those from labour hire or contract businesses, are adequately trained in occupational health and safety is a cornerstone of this provision. Employers are mandated to provide comprehensive induction training tailored to the specific roles and tasks performed by these workers. Equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills contributes to a safer work environment.
Safety Equipment and Awareness
Upholding safety standards requires employers to extend the same level of care to employees of labour hire or contract businesses as they do to their own workforce. This entails providing appropriate personal protective equipment, clothing, and safety guidelines. Moreover, making these workers aware of identified risks and the corresponding control measures empowers them to play an active role in maintaining a secure workplace.
Compliance and Beyond
Importantly, clause 34 doesn’t diminish or alter the existing obligations of labour hire businesses under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 or the Workplace Injury Management and Workers Compensation Act 1998. Instead, it serves as a collaborative framework that ensures shared commitment to WHS across all facets of the workforce.
In an ever-evolving landscape of work arrangements and responsibilities, clause 34 of the NSW education award stands as a testament to the commitment of education providers to the safety and well-being of every worker, fostering a culture of shared responsibility and proactive care.
See more:
What is the Pay Rate for NSW Teachers?
Flexible Working Arrangements in NSW Schools
Understanding Allowances for NSW Schools: A Comprehensive Guide
