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Workplace Health & Safety Officer - WHSO

The Department made a policy decision to retain Workplace Health and Safety Officer (WHSOs) which came into effect as of 1 January 2012. Retaining WHSOs provides continuity for our workplaces and recognises the important role the WHSO fulfils in supporting managers to improve their health, safety and well-being practice. Department procedure requires all workplaces with 30 or more workers to appoint a WHSO.

The role of a WHSO is to assist the Principal, Managers and/or management team by providing advice on the overall state of health and safety at the workplace. The WHSO can be a valuable member of the management team; for this reason it is important to choose the right person for the job.

Departmental procedures and guidelines

Workplace Health and Safety Officers

Resources

Information for OICs and WHSOs 76k

WHSO and Health and Safety Management 71k

Courses

DETE is awaiting the release of a new WHSO course which is anticipated in late 2012. It is recommended that DETE staff attend this course when released. Further information on these courses will be provided as soon as possible at Courses and Training. You can also contact your local Health and Safety Consultant for further updates.

Who should be nominated to be our workplace WHSO?

Staff seeking a future leadership role will benefit from the knowledge attained; the emphasis on leadership in relation to workplace health and safety and the influencing skills developed performing the role. It is important to nominate the right person for the job.

A competent, well-informed WHSO can provide invaluable support to their Principal or Manager and make a significant contribution to the successful management of the school or workplace. Being a WHSO has little to do with looking at cracks in the concrete, it is about setting up health and safety systems and improving the attitude of staff towards health and safety.

The ideal person for the job will:

Be capable of writing an annual WH&S report
Have good interpersonal/communication skills
Be an asset on your management/finance committee
Be highly motivated
Have credibility with staff and students
Care about staff and student welfare
Not necessarily hold a position of responsibility at present

Contact Health and Safety Consultant for more information.

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This page was last reviewed on 08 Nov 2012