New union campaign to educate workers about harmonised health and safety laws
As 2012 kicks off, so do new harmonised health and safety laws that will affect 58% of Australian workers. The AWU and other Australian Unions are taking part in the Speak Up Campaign aimed at educating workers about their rights under the new harmonised laws.
"Our union has a long and proud history of standing up for the safety of our members at work. We will be making sure our members our kept up to date through out this OHS harmonisation process," AWU National Secretary, Paul Howes said.
"With our members in most states and territories now effected by these new laws, it is important that we help educate them about their rights through this Speak Up Campaign."
Health and safety reps will have rights to stop unsafe work
Under the new laws workers will have enhanced rights to elect health and safety representatives. With rights to stop work and demand improvements, where health and safety threats are recognised, these reps will play a crucial role in creating safer workplaces. Employers that hinder the work of health and safety reps or prevent them from standing up for their workmates, where safety is a concern, will be breaking the law.
"We have always felt the key to safer workplaces is our health and safety reps. Under these new laws our reps will have rights to put a stop to work where they see safety concerns, this will make them crucial to improving safety conditions where our members work," Paul Howes said.
As of 01 January 2012 the new health and safety laws will be in effect across Queensland, New South Wales, the Northern Territory and the ACT. With most other states committed to introducing the laws this year, unions, peak industry organisations and government are expecting to see productivity improvements and less red tape that will ultimately result in safer workplaces.
New website focussing on workplace health and safety
As well as a range of Speak Up Campaign materials to be distributed to workplaces there is also a new campaign website focussing on workplace health and safety. The AWU is encouraging it's health and safety reps and members to check out www.safeatwork.org.au for information about common health and safety issues, rights, legislation and news.
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