The AMWU is serious about health and safety and is committed to securing the highest standards in the manufacturing industry. 

AMWU Organisers play a key role in supporting AMWU H&S Reps and delegates in making workplaces safer on-the-job.

Recent legislative amendments passed through the Queensland Parliament provide unions with an even greater ability to make workplaces safer. 

The Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995 now provide Organisers with the right to enter workplaces on H&S grounds. 

The Act gives Organisers the power to inspect suspected H&S breaches at workplaces, as well as holding meetings matters relating to H&S. 

All AMWU Organisers have undergone the relevant training and have been issued with permits to enter workplaces for H&S reasons. 

This is a valuable tool that more AMWU members need to utilise in securing the highest standard of health and safety on-the-job. 

AMWU Organisers holding permits are able to:
* Conduct inspections into suspected breaches of H&S; and
* Hold meetings with members or eligible members about H&S matters.

Your AMWU Organiser is able to do the following when conducting an inspection of a suspected H&S breach:
* inspect a plant, substance or other thing relevant to the suspected breach;
* observe work being carried out;
* speak with a person (after getting their consent), who is a member or eligible to be a member;
* speak with the occupier/employer about anything relevant to the suspected breach;
* require production of documents, including employee records, relevant to the suspected breach;
* copy a document relevant to the breach; and
* require the occupier/employer to give reasonable help to enable the Organiser to exercise their right off entry.

Your AMWU Organiser can also meet with members or eligible members during lunch breaks or other breaks to discuss H&S matters.  

A number of protections have been included in the legislation to ensure that workers are not discriminated against or targeted during this process. 

For example, the identity of workers requesting an inspection or a meeting with a Union Organiser cannot be disclosed to an employer. 

AMWU Organisers uncovering H&S breaches will seek immediate rectification of the breach from the employer.  In the event the employer refuses, the matter will be referred to either Workplace Health and Safety Queensland or the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission. 

The NT Work Health Act has also been recently amended to include union right of entry as well as the establishment of OHS Committees for workplaces with over 20 employees.  Authorised Organisers have the right to enter workplaces to investigate suspected breaches of the Act and, to meet with members or potential members on site.

Are you a H&S Rep?
The AMWU provides H&S Reps with specialist support and advice.  The AMWU also conducts H&S courses and produces specialist publications for H&S Reps.  If you are a H&S Rep or a member with a special interest in H&S, contact your AMWU Organiser to ensure you receive our H&S training schedule and H&S publications.