❓ A WA parliamentary question raises concerns about union officials entering worksites without reporting to site offices, potentially compromising occupational health and safety. The Minister's response highlights the legal obligations of all employers, including unions, to ensure workplace safety.
AnsweredQoN 617Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Is the Minister aware that union officials are exercising their right of entry to worksites without reporting to the site office?
(2) Is the Minister aware that this represents an occupational health and safety concern in that, should an emergency evacuation arise, the union officials may not be familiar with site evacuation procedures; and that the principal contractor may not be aware that these persons are on site?
(3) Is the Minister aware that, despite numerous requests by principal contractors, union officials are continually ignoring these requests?
(4) If union officials are not required to report to the work site, then why should anyone else?
(5) What is the purpose of safety practices such as a visitor or worker log, if it is not accurate?
(2) Is the Minister aware that this represents an occupational health and safety concern in that, should an emergency evacuation arise, the union officials may not be familiar with site evacuation procedures; and that the principal contractor may not be aware that these persons are on site?
(3) Is the Minister aware that, despite numerous requests by principal contractors, union officials are continually ignoring these requests?
(4) If union officials are not required to report to the work site, then why should anyone else?
(5) What is the purpose of safety practices such as a visitor or worker log, if it is not accurate?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
25 February 2003
Responded by
Minister for Consumer and Employment Protection
Response time
83 days
(2)–(5) Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 all employers, including unions, have an obligation to ensure the safety and health of their employees whilst they are visiting other workplaces and to ensure that the safety and health of a person not being his/her employee is not adversely affected wholly or in part as a result of the work the employers and employees are engaged in. This duty is qualified by “so far as is practicable” but would include ensuring their employees comply with procedures and requirements of the workplaces subject of any visit.
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