Question

8:41 il 4G <iCloud Activity 4 1. What types of changes in the workplace require consultation between PCBUs and workers (or their representatives)? 150- 180 words > +

Answer 1

PCBU means a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking. Only certain employees will come under PCBU and they have certain inbuilt legal obligations regarding work related health as well as safety. They will consult with the employees or workers at a situation where changes are made to the workplace wherein the safety as well as health of the workers are involved directly. Hence whenever a PCBU notices or analyses risks or any other hazards in any changes made to the workplace, they should definitely consult with the workers.

This consultation by the PCBU with the workers gives the workers, an opportunity to say their opinions regarding their workplace safety as well as related risks due to the change. As an example, if an equipment is going to be changed, it should be discussed with the employees so that the workers can also express their opinion or problems regarding the change.

So, a PCBU should consult with the employees or workers whenever a change made to the workplace causes :-

• any updation to the facility of the current working environment
• risk or hazards
• damage to the safety as well as helath of the workers
• taking major decisions so as to avoid or reduce the work-related risks
• taking decisions regarding safety matters of workers, procedure of consultation, health related matter of workers et cetera.

Such consultation can be made by appointing Health and Safety Committees (HSCs) or Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs). HSRs are appointed for talking on behalf of the employees. HSCs are appointed to enable the PCBUs to combinely work with the employees on the matters relating to the latter's health and safety. Some other PCBUs will simply conduct meetings with the employees on a regular basis which can be also known as Toolbox Talks.

In short, changes are inevitable in a business organisation. PCBUs who are legally responsible for the consultation with workers relating such changes which cause any problems to the safety or health of the workers, should conduct regular as well as ongoing procedure of meetings.