Safety induction
Employers, also known as a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must give their workers the information, tools, training and instructions they need to do their jobs safely. This should be easy to understand and cover topics including:
- hazards and associated risks
- safe work procedures and practices including the use of personal protective equipment
- communication protocols
- emergency procedures
- workplace facilities.
Some workers may be at greater risk of injury or illness at work and need extra support and consideration to stay healthy and safe. Workers affected may include:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers
- culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) workers
- labour hire workers
- migrant workers
- young workers
- older workers.
Learn about what should be considered for effective inductions.
Train workers for their specific tasks
Before your workers start their jobs, it’s important that they have supervised hands-on training in the tasks they'll be performing. This training must be suitable and relevant to:
- the nature of the work carried out by the worker
- the nature of the risks associated with the work at the time the information, training or information was provided, and the control measures implemented to mitigate such risks.
Training should be tailored and fit for purpose. It should not be a ‘tick the box’ exercise.
Examples of work that may require higher levels of information, training, instruction or supervision are:
- working in confined spaces
- working at heights
- working with hazardous chemicals
- remote or isolated work.
Provide supervision and ongoing training
The most important part of training is following up. Make a point to regularly observe your workers to check that they're still following safe work procedures. Conduct informal discussions or crew talks to engage with workers on specific health and safety issues. You should also encourage workers to provide feedback.
Training records
You are responsible for maintaining records of the education, training and supervision for each worker. There are checklists to help you with your orientation and training programs. These checklists can serve as documentation that confirms training has taken place.
Supervisor training
There may be workers in your organisation that are supervising their co-workers, even though they are not referred to as a supervisor. Before you ask any worker to take on supervisory tasks, you need to ensure they understand and have received training on a supervisor's responsibilities for health and safety.
Health and safety representative
A health and safety representative (HSR) is a person elected by a work group of which they are a member. Their role is to represent the health and safety interests of the group.
HSR training
An elected HSR and deputy HSR must attend an initial 5-day training course to be able to exercise their powers and perform their functions. The PCBU must allow an HSR to attend this course and pay for their course fees and other reasonable costs. The HSR is also entitled to their usual pay while attending the course.
Additionally, an HSR is entitled to attend a 1-day refresher training course annually as a follow-up to the initial 5-day training course.
Learn more about health and safety representatives including powers, functions and rights, training or find an accredited training provider.