Industry News
The Managing Director of AW Workwise Annette Williams is a member of the following:
- Executive Member ARPA NSW
- Current President ARPA National
- HIA Regional Executive Committee Member
AW Workwise will keep you up to date with what is happening within the industry.
Changes to NSW Workers Compensation Fact Sheet
HSR Bridging Course Finishing
The gap training (transitional period) expires on 31 December 2012. After that date only the initial 5-day course is available.
Eligibility requirements for gap training under the Conditions for approved training providers delivering WorkCover NSW approved HSR training courses under the Work health and Safety Act 2011 (The Approval Conditions), condition 8 states that:
For HSR gap training course:
The WorkCover HSR gap training course has been developed specifically for OHS representatives and OHS committee members who become HSRs under the NSW Work Health and Safety Act 2011. As the training is designed to fill the ‘gaps’ between the representative roles completion of the WorkCover four day course in OHS consultation is a pre-requisite.
The Approved Training Provider is to ensure that as a pre-requisite for the WorkCover HSR gap training course and prior to commencement of the training, all participants provide proof that they have previously completed the WorkCover four day course in OHS consultation.
Evidence that could be accepted:
- an original OHS Consultation course certificate issued by a WorkCover accredited trainer
- a statement of attainment for the WorkCover course in OHS Consultation issued by an RTO
- statements of training covering all seven topics from the WorkCover course in OHS Consultation issued by a WorkCover accredited trainer.
Participants who are unable to provide proof of training will need to provide a letter from the person conducting the business or undertaking (PCBU) where they are a HSR stating:
- The participant’s full name, date of birth and address,
- That the participant has previously completed the four day WorkCover course in OHS consultation, and
- The name of the training provider(s) who delivered the four day WorkCover course in OHS consultation and the dates of training
WHS Harmonisation
New Legislation
In July 2008 the Commonwealth made a formal agreement between the States (except Western Australia) and its Territories to implement a harmonised work health and safety law in each jurisdiction.
In consultation with the States and Territories the Commonwealth has developed the model laws. It is expected that each State and Territory will implement their own legislation that mirrors the model laws.
NSW implemented their new WHS laws on the 1st January, 2012 – NSW WHS Act (2011) and NSW WHS Regulations (2011).
Victoria are yet to introduce Harmonisation Legislation.
In addition to the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act and the WHS Regulations, development is also underway for the model of Codes of Practice.
Purpose/Objectives
Due to the numerous variations of laws between States and Territories a new nationally consistent model was developed for the WHS Act and other WHS legislation.
The main objective of the model Work Health and Safety Act is to:
'provide for a balanced and nationally consistent framework to secure the health and safety of workers and workplaces'.
Additional information can be found at the following links:
Safe Work Australia - Model legislation and supporting information
Work Cover NSW - Advice and assistance with WHS legislation and work health and safety requirements