Safety matters. Make sure it’s your job and you’re trained to do it safely
Over recent months, CPSU NSW has seen an increase in members being asked or expected to carry out tasks which are not included in their statement of duties, and/or tasks for which they are not trained to perform.
We’ve seen that some of the tasks which members have been expected to perform are hazardous and unsafe.
The union’s view is that if the task is not specifically in a staff member’s statement of duties then that task is not the responsibility of that staff member and managers cannot expect the staff member to carry out that task.
In one example a member was being asked to transport potentially hazardous materials – this was not a part of the member’s position description and even if it was in the member’s PD then TAFE has an obligation to provide adequate training on how to manage the WHS risks associated with the task.
The union intervened and sought from Management, a review of the tasks against the PD as a way of avoiding getting SafeWork NSW involved to undertake a hazard assessment.
Management agreed to undertake a review.
The outcome was TAFE took immediate action and ensured our member was no longer responsible for the transportation of hazardous materials, and additionally management made arrangements for TAFE Work Health & Safety unit to conduct a risk assessment in relation to existing duties.
Members should be aware that under the Work Health & Safety Act 2011, a worker has the right to refuse to carry out work if that work is unsafe.
The message to members is – if you believe that you are being placed in a situation which is potentially unsafe then get in immediate contact with the CPSU NSW head office for advice and assistance.
Work health safety is a union issue.
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Your CPSU NSW Delegates
South Region
Brad Cowie – Wollongong
Robert Wurth – Illawarra
Regina Kimmich – Illawarra
Chris Pickering – Illawarra
Christopher Hobbins – Albury
West Region
Leanne Riley – Parkes
Patricia Nethery – Dubbo
North Region
Gale Iseppi – Hunter
Liz Garlick – Tighes Hill
Stephen O’Brien – Newcastle
Brook Down – Coffs Harbour
Garry Smith – North
Sydney Region
Dawn Davis – Ultimo
George Bissoli – Ultimo
Simon Gray – Ultimo
Joe Harris – St Leonards
Patrick Kiss – Hornsby
Western Sydney Region
Tracey Doyle – Campbelltown
Joanna Carroll – West Sydney
Glenda Pryor – Blue Mountains
Isabella Ramirra – Strathfield
Jin Cho – TAFE Digital
