WHO NEEDS THIS LETTER?

This letter is required for employees who have been elected to be Health and Safety Representatives in the business. They will be responsible for conducting the functions of a Health and Safety Representative in order to assist in the maintenance of health and safety in the workplace.

WHAT IS THIS LETTER FOR?

This letter shows that a Health and Safety Representative has been appointed to conduct health and safety functions within the business, according to the requirements of the OHS Act. The letter allows these persons to act under the authority of the 16(2) in order to conduct health and safety functions for the maintenance of health and safety in the business.

WHY IS THIS LETTER IMPORTANT?

This letter shows that a responsible person has been appointed to conduct required health and safety functions, as required by the OHS Act. This provides evidence to an inspector that a basic structure is in place which allow health and safety actions and measures to be taken and maintained in the workplace. This letter is mandatory under section 17(1) 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. Each appointee must be a full-time employee who is familiar with the workplace and must undergo accredited Health and Safety Representatives training in order to be competent to perform these duties.

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 actions and measures to be taken and maintained. This letter ensures that a Health and Safety Representative is appointed to ensure that health and safety functions are conducted in the workplace.