A survey of OSH representatives undertaken by the SSTUWA in 2011 revealed that 46 per cent of these representatives received no time off from normal duties to carry out their functions and it is still a common concern of OSH representatives attending training.
There is a statutory entitlement to time off under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
If you are not receiving sufficient or any time to carry out your functions, now is the ideal time to try and rectify this for next year, while timetables are being developed.
You are encouraged to make a formal request to your Principal in writing for a time allocation for next year and ask for a written response.
If you are an SSTUWA member, seek support through a worksite Branch Motion.
Failure to provide sufficient time to allow the OSH representative to carry out their functions is an offence under the OSH Act.
It is also a breach of the Department of Education Occupational Safety and Health policy.
Such a breach of the Act could result in intervention by WorkSafe.
If your request for time off is denied, then you should follow the agreed OSH Resolution Process in the first instance, with the matter being referred to the Regional Executive Director in the case of schools as the next step.
