WHO NEEDS THIS LETTER?

This letter is required for a manager or an employee who attends Health and Safety committee meetings on behalf of the employer.

WHAT IS THIS LETTER FOR?

This letter shows that a manager or an employee has been appointed to attend health and safety committee within the business, according to the requirements of the OHS Act.

WHY IS THIS LETTER IMPORTANT?

This letter shows that the employer has appointed a manager or an employee to be member of the health and safety committee to act in the interests of the employer, as required by the OHS Act. This provides evidence to an inspector that a basic structure is in place for committee meetings to be conducted, where the interests of the employer are represented. This letter is mandatory under section 19(3) of the OHS Act and its availability shows that the employer is complying with these Regulations in respects of this appointment requirement. 

VALIDITY

This letter needs to be signed by the 16(2) (as the appointer) and by each appointee, dated and kept on record where it can be accessible to an inspector. A time period must be included for the appointment.

HOW DOES THIS WORK AS A CONTROL MEASURE?

In the hierarchy of controls this letter forms part of the administrative control measures which should be in place to ensure that health and safety committees form an active role in workplace health and safety. This letter ensures that an Employer Representative is appointed to form an active role in the health and safety committee, representing the interests of the employer.