In many workplaces workers are told that health and safety is the number one priority for their employer, and the health and safety of workers is paramount. Sadly, for many workers health and safety at work is a source of frustration. Although workers are told to report issues when they arise, members report to the SDA that when they do:
- Issues are not taken seriously
- Feel they will be blamed
- Believe reporting may expose them to discrimination or disadvantage
Over time, this leads workers to see hazards as part of the job and believe legitimate health and safety concerns are not serious enough to report. While there is talk in the workplace about the problem, nothing has been done about it, and workers feel they have no control on getting issues rectified. This means, by the time issues are raised to the SDA, they have been in the workplace for some time.
Recently, the SDA was informed about concerns from an online department in store. Despite the area being newly created there was a significant issue with concrete dust. The floor was breaking up due to the continual movement of heavy trolleys and foot traffic, which it turn created the dust. When the SDA became aware of the issue, we immediately spoke with management and got processes put in place to mitigate the initial problems and to ensure this was fixed to prevent the dust. The area was cleaned and the main thoroughfare concrete was coated to stop further damage and therefore dust. There are still some further improvements to be made, so the SDA is monitoring the situation to ensure these take place. Unfortunately, this problem was evident for some time before it was raised to the SDA, meaning it certainly could have been fixed sooner.
Under WHS legislation your employer has an obligation to provide and maintain a safe work environment and safe systems of work, so when you encounter an issue the thing to ask yourself is, ‘is your employer meeting this obligation’. If you believe this isn’t the case, the SDA encourages you to report the problem in writing to your manager and if after a reasonable time there has been no change in the situation, contact the SDA. Safety demands action, so don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. Health and safety is union business.
by Matt Littleboy
Workplace Health and Safety Officer
