Thursday, 11 October 2018

The Occupational Safety and Health Tribunal has decided on the number of Safety and Health Representatives (SHRs) and the manner of electing such representatives for a bus depot that services primarily CAT buses.

Senior Commissioner Kenner found that there is no standard formula to determine the appropriate number of SHRs for a workplace and it will instead depend on the circumstances of that workplace. In making such a determination it is necessary to look at the number of employees, working arrangements and hazards, the need for communication between SHRs and employees, the need for SHRs to be available to communicate with the employer on health and safety issues and for the SHRs to be visible and available to respond promptly to incidents and accidents.

The Senior Commissioner noted that the 'workplace', as defined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act, in this circumstance includes the depot and the buses – even when in transit. Evidence was given on the nature of health and safety hazards faced by CAT bus drivers and the limitations to communication during a shift with other employees and the control centre. The Senior Commissioner accepted that the level of hazards in relation to CBD driving was high and that CAT bus drivers face additional hazards in the city environment.

The Senior Commissioner determined that there will be 2 SHRs for each shift, 4 in total, and that a 'first past the post' method of voting following the Electoral Commission's preferred system of voting for only one candidate. The Transport Workers Union and the respondent will jointly conduct elections for any casual vacancies.

The decision can be read here.