Aussie Childcare Network Forum

Hi guys,

I'm just starting my Diploma and am having a little difficulty with some of the questions, particularly surrounding legislation.

Was just hoping to get some help with the following questions:
1. What are the obligations of the employee in relation to OHS legislation?
2. OHS legislation requires employers to engage in participative management of OHS in the workplace. What does this mean? Give example of participative management.

With question one, I previously found OHS obligations being "cooperate with their employer's attempts to meet their legal responsibilities in regard to employees' health, safety and welfare" etc etc (Kearns 2010, pp. 149-150). I don't think those answer the question however, as they seem to me to be more aimed at OHS practice, rather than OHS legislation??

Any help with these questions would be fantastic - Cheers, Ash.

I think 2 means that we all have to manage OHS so we all sit down and go over things and give our opinions and ideas of how to make our workplace safe

As an employee you cannot see something dangerous and not do anything about it, you have to address the issue. Eg if you see something lying on the floor and it could be a tripping/falling hazard you cannot just leave it there and walk off. It is your responsibility as an employee to move it. If you cannot for some reason you need to make sure you go to whoever is in charge of OHS at your workplace or a superior and make them aware of it.

HI there
Obligations of an employee are to report anything they believe may be a breach of OHS (if they see a broken brick on the playground to report it & restrict access) another obligation is to play their role in OHS - ie: if they get disinfectant out of a locked cupboard - they must put it back in the locked cupboard.
I agree with Fefe - at my cente - every meeting we have, OHS is on the agenda so any concerns can be raised by any staff member.
Hope this helps
Cathiek