
NOPSEMA has recently updated its Workplace arrangements guidance note which is now open for comment, and interested stakeholders are encouraged to have their say.
The guidance note was updated following observations made by NOPSEMA inspectors and queries received from Health and Safety Representatives on a number of offshore facilities in relation to the role of facility management within designated work groups.
NOPSEMA says all members of the workforce play a role in occupational health and safety on offshore petroleum facilities.
“This guidance note is intended to assist operators in implementing effective workplace arrangements and meeting their obligations under the legislation.”
The core concepts of the guidance note are:
- All members of the workforce play an important role in ensuring occupational health and safety on offshore petroleum facilities.
- Facility operators must develop a policy that will facilitate effective cooperation between the operator and members of the workforce in managing occupational health and safety on the facility.
- The requirements for workplace arrangements are described in Part 3 of Schedule 3 of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 (OPGGS Act)
- The legislation provides for workplace arrangements including designated work groups, health and safety representatives, and health and safety committees.
- Workplace arrangements must be established when requested by the workforce.
- Workplace arrangements can also assist operators in meeting the requirements of the legislation pertaining to workforce involvement in safety case development and revision.
- This guidance note provides a consolidation of the elements of the legislation pertaining to workplace arrangements, to assist facility operators and employers in meeting their legal obligations.
To provide feedback on the guidance please submit comments to safetycaseguidance@nopsema.gov.au by no later than COB Friday, 30 March 2020.
Go here to access the guidance note.