23Default procedure

23 Default procedure

23 Default procedure

(1) This section sets out the default procedure for issue resolution for the Act, section 81(2).

(2) A party to the issue may commence the procedure by informing each other party—

(a) that there is an issue to be resolved, and

(b) the nature and scope of the issue.

(3) As soon as parties are informed of the issue, all parties must meet or communicate with each other to attempt to resolve the issue.

(4) The parties must have regard to all relevant matters, including the following—

(a) the degree and immediacy of risk to workers or other persons affected by the issue,

(b) the number and location of workers and other persons affected by the issue,

(c) the measures, both temporary and permanent, that must be implemented to resolve the issue,

(d) the person who will be responsible for implementing the resolution measures.

(5) A party may, in resolving the issue, be assisted or represented by a person nominated by the party.

(6) If the issue is resolved, details of the issue and its resolution must, at the request of a party to the issue, be set out in a written agreement.

Note—

Under the Act, parties to an issue include not only a person conducting a business or undertaking, a worker and a health and safety representative, but also representatives of these persons—see the Act, section 80.

(7) If a written agreement is prepared all parties to the issue must be satisfied that the agreement reflects the resolution of the issue.

(8) A copy of the written agreement must be given to—

(a) all parties to the issue, and

(b) if requested—the health and safety committee for the workplace.

(9) To avoid doubt, nothing in this procedure prevents a worker from bringing a work health and safety issue to the attention of the worker’s health and safety representative.