Other consultation arrangements

Flexible alternatives for consulting with workers are available that meet your business needs and improve decision making, especially where there is no health and safety representative (HSR) or health and safety committee (HSC).

Some workplaces may need a mix of HSRs, HSCs and / or other consultation arrangements tailored to suit the workers and the work environment.

It may be more effective and meaningful to have an alternative arrangement for consultation if workers travel frequently or the business is small.

Other arrangements for consultation on health and safety matters could be through:

  • regular scheduled meetings
  • team meetings (where work health and safety is always an agenda item)
  • one-off meetings
  • tool box talks
  • face to face discussions
  • briefing sessions.

If a procedure for consultation has been agreed with workers, the consultation must be in accordance with those procedures.

Checklist for setting up other arrangements

The person conducting a business or undertaking must:

  • consult with the workers on how consultation will occur and explain what consultation requires
  • ensure the nature of consultation is consistent with requirements under section 48 of the WHS Act including ensuring information is shared and workers are given a reasonable opportunity to contribute
  • ensure consultation occurs when required under section 49 of the WHS Act
  • If a procedure for consultation has been agreed with workers, the consultation must be in accordance with those procedures
  • regularly monitor and review the consultation procedures to ensure they are the most effective form of consultation.
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