Friday 21 November 2008
Workplace safety representatives gain new powers
NEW Queensland laws have been introduced which will enhance the powers of workplace safety representatives.
Workplace safety representatives will be able to issue Provisional Improvement Notices (PINs) in their own workplaces. These notices notify employers of a likely breach of OHS legislation.
The Workplace Health and Safety and Another Act Amendment Act 2008 passed by the Queensland Parliament will also encourage greater use of victim impact statements in court prosecutions for workplace and electrical safety breaches.
PINs are likely to be introduced in May 2009, so workplace safety representatives will have time to be trained and for the industry to develop procedures.
If a claim about safety is disputed, a Workplace Health and Safety Inspector is able to give a second opinion about the validity of a PIN, so as to protect employers and contractors against PINs issued without sufficient reason.
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