Documenting WHS consultation actions

Is it mandatory to document your WHS consultation actions?

The Work Health & Safety Consultation, Co-Operation and Co-Ordination Code of Practice at page 10 points out that:

“Consultation with workers and with other duty holders does not have to be documented unless specifically required under the WHS Regulations”.

As of 2015 the WHS Regulation 2017 does not specifically require anywhere that WHS consultation be documented.

However, the Consultation Code of Practice recommends that you also keep records of consultation to:

“demonstrate compliance with consultation requirements”

“assist the risk management process”

“make disputes less likely”

If you are documenting your WHS consultation actions the Code also recommends that:

“The records should include any outcomes of discussions. The records can be brief and simple, and cover:

- who is involved

- what the safety matter is

- what decision has been made

- who is to take action and by when

- when the action has been completed.”

For more information on WHS training or WHS compliance services, or if you would like help to make your WHS management system even more robust, please feel free to contact us at train@courtenell.com.au or phone us on 02 9552 2066.

(Reviewed and updated 14 August 2024)

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