Workgroups

What is a work group

A work group usually consists of workers who perform similar types of work and have similar health and safety conditions within the workplace.

Forming a work group is the first step to take before the election of one or more HSRs.

They represent the interests of workers and ensure that health and safety representatives (HSRs) are accessible to work group members.

A work group should be structured to ensure that an HSR is able to effectively and conveniently represent group members.

Work groups are determined based on things like group size, work type and hazards, and are decided through negotiation and agreement between an employer and workers.

There are specific laws about work groups. Here we summarise those laws and give you some practical advice.

Creating a work group

If a worker requests that one or more HSRs be elected for the workplace, a person conducting business or undertaking (PCBU) must make arrangements to establish one or more work groups.

Within 14 days of this request, the PCBU must begin negotiating with the workers and HSRs. Associations and union can assist in forming work groups. Matters to consider include:

• the number of workers
• the views of workers
• the nature of work type carried out by the workers
• number of workers who carry out the same or similar types of work
• the areas or places where work is carried out
• if workers move from place to place while at work
• diversity of workers and their work
• the nature of any hazards and risks to health and safety
• the nature engagement of workers, for example as an employee or as a contractor
• the pattern of work carried out by workers, for example whether the work is full-time, part-time, casual or short-term
• the times at which work is carried out
• any arrangements at the workplace or workplaces relating to overtime or shift work.

Should negotiations fail, contact us and an Inspector will be appointed to assist with resolving the determination the of work groups.

Multiple work groups

Multiple work groups may be agreed with workers carrying out work for two or more persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) at one or more workplaces.

Examples of multiple work groups may include:

• a principal contractor and numerous sub contractors working together on a construction site
• labour hire staff and the employees at a manufacturing site
• joint venture businesses
• a principal operator engaging workers from PCBUs such as airports, entertainment venues and hospitals.

The work group arrangement must be agreed to by the workers.

The aim is to identify the most workable arrangement for the workplace/s.

Work groups across multiple businesses

Work groups can be formed where there are multiple businesses on one or more sites.

Formation of multiple work groups should be by negotiation and agreement that focuses on:

• the business or undertaking to which the work groups will apply
• the workplace location/s of work groups
• the number and composition of work groups
• the number of HSRs and deputy HSRs.