Safety consultation policy template
Define how your organisation consults with workers on safety matters. Covers health and safety representatives, committees and consultation procedures required by WHS law.
Safety consultation policy
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Why safety consultation is a legal requirement
Under Australian WHS law, persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) must consult with workers who carry out work for the business and who are, or likely to be, directly affected by safety matters. This is not optional — it's a legislated duty.
Effective consultation leads to better identification of hazards, more practical solutions and greater worker buy-in to safety procedures. Workers have valuable insights about the risks they face and what controls actually work in practice.
Failure to consult can result in prosecution. SafeWork authorities expect to see documented consultation mechanisms including health and safety representatives, committees and regular communication channels.
Key elements of safety consultation
What your consultation policy should cover
Consultation requirements
Clear obligations for consulting workers on safety matters under WHS law.
HSRs
Role and rights of Health and Safety Representatives in consultation processes.
Safety committees
Structure and function of workplace health and safety committees.
Consultation procedures
Step-by-step processes for meaningful worker consultation.
Issue resolution
Framework for resolving safety issues raised through consultation.
Worker participation
Mechanisms to enable and encourage active worker involvement.
What's included in this template
Complete consultation framework aligned with WHS requirements
Purpose & scope
Why consultation is required and who is covered.
WHS consultation requirements
Legal obligations under the WHS Act and Regulations.
Health & safety representatives
Election, training and functions of HSRs.
Safety committees
Composition, meetings and responsibilities.
Consultation procedures
How consultation will be conducted in practice.
When to consult
Specific circumstances requiring worker consultation.
How to consult
Methods for effective consultation and communication.
Issue resolution
Process for resolving safety concerns raised by workers.
Documentation
Recording consultation activities and outcomes.
Review & improvement
How the consultation framework is evaluated.
Who should use this template?
Essential for every Australian employer
Legal disclaimer
This template is designed to reflect Australian WHS consultation requirements at the time of publication. It is provided as a general guide only and does not constitute legal advice.
You should review and tailor this template to suit your business structure, workplace size and consultation arrangements. For workplaces with complex consultation needs, seek independent WHS professional advice.
Regulatory sources
This template is aligned with official Australian workplace health and safety requirements.
Ready to establish meaningful consultation?
Download our safety consultation policy template and meet your legal obligations for worker participation in safety matters. Store this policy and track employee acknowledgements with RosterElf's HR software.
Looking for more templates? Browse all safety & compliance templates
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Disclaimer
This document is a general HR template provided for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and may not reflect the latest changes in legislation or apply to every workplace situation. RosterElf Pty Ltd and the template provider accept no liability for any loss arising from reliance on this document. Users should seek independent legal advice and customise the template to ensure it complies with all relevant laws, awards and workplace requirements.