This is a notice of the level of competency in health and safety practice required of a health and safety representative, before they are able to issue hazard notices, under section 46A of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992.
Pursuant to section 46A (1) of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992, the Associate Minister of Labour hereby gives notice that she specifies that, for a health and safety representative to become a “trained health and safety representative”, and therefore able to issue a hazard notice, they must be able to demonstrate a knowledge of all of the following matters:
? The object, key duties and responsibilities of the Health and Safety in Employment Act.
? Systems and practices for promoting constructive employee participation in health and safety issues.
? How to communicate regularly and effectively, using the principles of good faith, with employers, unions and employees including the use of hazard notices.
? How to effectively represent the views of employees.
? How to promote/foster positive health and safety management practices in the workplace.
? Hazard management including all practicable steps, the hierarchy of controls, tools for identifying, assessing and controlling hazards.
? Occupational safety and health matters related to
the provision of information, training and supervision/
emergencies and incidents – and how to investigate near misses, injuries and incidents.
? How to promote the health and safety interests of employees, especially employees who have been harmed at work and who need assistance with rehabilitation.
? How to constructively engage with the Department of Labour’s Occupational Safety and Health Service where necessary.
? How to carry out any additional functions conferred under the Act, for example by an employee participation system or recommended by a code of practice.
Dated this 16th day of May 2005.
RUTH DYSON, Associate Minister of Labour.