The Victorian Trades Hall Council (VTHC) Health and Safety Representatives (HSR) Conference 2020

The VTHC conference is scheduled to run on Tuesday 27th October 2020 from 0900 - 1445 and is being delivered via an online format this year. It is a free event to attend and it aims to provide training and support for HSRs.

The theme for the conference is Risks to Psychosocial Health.

WorkSafe has approved this conference meaning that HSRs are entitled to attend as long as at least 14 days' notice is given to the employer prior to the event.

Full details on HSR entitlements and employer obligations may be found on page 37 of the Employer Representation A comprehensive guide to part 7 of the OHS Act 2004 which covers health and safety courses https://content.api.worksafe.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2018-06/ISBN-Employee-representation-handbook-for-workplaces-2006-09.pdf

Speakers at the Conference include:

• Luke Hilakari Trades Hall Secretary
• Colin Radford CEO WorkSafe Victoria
• Jill Hennessy Attorney General, Minister for Workplace Safety
• Professor Maureen Dollard and Dr Tessa Bailey, Centre for Workplace Excellence, University of South Australia

Those who register will be sent pre-conference reading material from VTHC that will provide context to the day. This material shall include questions to encourage the participant to start thinking about psychological hazards that may be present in their workplaces. These could include work-place bullying or stress as well as fatigue or work-related violence.

VTHC organisers will take participants through a workplace activity that is designed to give a practical application of  the theory around psychological health. This will be followed by break out sessions before conference close.

Information and conference updates can be found here https://www.ohsrep.org.au/conference

Further support and advice for HSRs can be found here https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/health-and-safety-representative-support-officers-hsrsos

HSR Support Officers (HSRSOs) can provide advice and assistance to HSRs by:

• clarifying the interpretation and use of Part 7 (Representation of Employees) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act)
• meeting with HSR's onsite or offsite or
• accompanying an inspector (where appropriate)
• helping employers to understand their obligations to HSR's

HSRSOs can be contacted via email HSRSO@worksafe.vic.gov.au