Topic 2: Facilitate consultation, cooperation and communication

The work health and safety (WHS) legislation requires consultation, cooperation and communication in every work health and safety process, including the provision of activities to distribute information, feedback channels, documentation processes and WHS-related training processes. 

Consultation can be a formative process or as simple as regularly talking with workers. Consultation can also be undertaken through health and safety representatives (HSRs) and a health and safety committee (HSC); however, the legislation does not require these communication mechanisms unless a request for an HSR is made by a worker or a request is made by the HSR or five or more workers for a HSC.

It is recommended that your workplace follows the guidelines set out in the Work Health and Safety Consultation, Co-operation and Co-ordination Code of Practice to ensure compliance with the law.

In this topic you will learn how to:

2A Develop and provide activities to provide WHS advice

2B Monitor processes for ensuring that workers can contribute feedback on WHS issues 

2C Document outcomes of consultation and communicate to workers 

2D Develop and implement processes to ensure documentation of responsibilities, duties and accountabilities 

2E Implement and monitor training programs to ensure WHS training requirements are addressed