PROCEDURE FOR DEALING WITH SAFETY ISSUES OR INCIDENTS 11.1 The Employer, the Employees and the Union agree that for the purposes of s. 81 of the WHS Act matters about work health and safety arising at the workplace shall be resolved in accordance with this procedure.
11.2 The Parties agree that for the purposes of this procedure and s. 81(3) of the WHS Act the following persons shall be the representatives of the following parties:
(a) the Principal Contractor (as defined in the WHS Act) - Site Manager or any other person nominated by the Principal Contractor
(b) the Employers - the Site Manager or any other person nominated by the Employer(s)
(c) The Employees - the Union or other representatives. (Collectively referred to as "Nominated Parties”)
11.3 The Nominated Parties agree that representatives shall be entitled to:
(a) inspect any work system, plant, substance, structure, or other thing relevant to resolving the issue
(b) consult with relevant Employees in relation to resolving the issue
(c) consult with the relevant PCBU (as defined in the WHS Act) about resolving the issue
(d) inspect and take copies of any document that is directly relevant to resolving the issue; and
(e) advise any person whom the representative reasonably believes to be exposed to a serious risk to his or her health and safety, emanating from an immediate and imminent exposure to a hazard of that risk.
11.4 The Nominated Parties and/or their representatives may commence the procedure by informing, either by themselves or their representative, the other Parties and/or representatives that:
(a) there is an issue to be resolved; and
(b) the nature and scope of the issue.
11.5 As soon as the Parties and/or their representatives are informed of the issue, the Nominated Parties and/or their representatives must meet or communicate with each other to attempt to resolve the issue.
11.6 The Nominated Parties and/or their representatives must have regard to all relevant matters including:
(a) the degree and imminent risk to the Employees or other persons affected by the issue.
(b) the number and location of Employees and other persons affected by the issue.
(c) the measures both temporary and permanent that must be implemented to resolve the issue.
(d) who will be responsible for implementing the resolution measures.
(e) whether the hazard or risk can be isolated; and
(f) the time that may elapse before the hazard or risk is permanently corrected.
11.7 Once the issue is resolved details of the issue and its resolution must be set out in writing with all Nominated Parties and/or their representatives to be satisfied that the agreement reflects the resolution of the issue with a copy given to all Nominated Parties and/or their representatives to the issue. The issue, once resolved, shall be recorded in the next safety committee meeting minutes with the agreed resolution.
11.8 The Nominated Parties and/or their representatives must make reasonable efforts to achieve a timely and final resolution of the issue. If within a reasonable time there is still no resolution, any of the Nominated Parties attempting to resolve the issue may then ask Work Health and Safety Queensland, and/or the QBCC, where applicable, to arrange for an inspector to attend the workplace to assist in resolving the issue.
11.9 Direction to cease work
(a) If -
(i) an issue concerning health or safety arises at a workplace or from the conduct of the undertaking of the Employer; and
(ii) the issue concerns work which involves an immediate threat to the health or safety of any person; and
(iii) given the nature of the threat and degree of risk, it is not appropriate to adopt the processes set out in clause 11.7 above
(b) the Employer and/or the health and safety representative for the designated work group in relation to which the issue has arisen may, after consultation between them, direct that the work is to cease.
(c) During any period for which work has ceased in accordance with such a direction, the Employer may assign any Employees whose work is affected to suitable and safe alternative work.
11.10 Fundamental to this process is a standing invitation for Union representatives to attend site to assist with all matters relating to health and safety.
11.11 Employees are not required to work in circumstances where the employee or a Union representative reasonably believes a safety law is being, or will be, contravened. Consultation between the relevant parties will occur throughout this procedure including with senior representatives of the Employer and the Union.