If you are in a union:
The first step is talk about the unsafe or dangerous problems with other workers. It can be difficult to raise health and safety issue on your own. Involve the health and safety representative, the health and safety committee, and / or the union delegate or shop steward at your workplace. They should be trained to deal with health and safety and other work issues. Again, if there is no health and safety representative, union delegate, or health and safety committee at your workplace, it might be a good time for the workers to elect them as your representatives.
Australian state and territory laws vary in the legal support they give to workplace health and safety committees and to health and safety reps. Check with state branch of your union or the state trades and labour council for the legal position of health and safety representatives and/or committees in your state.
If the problems cannot be solved at the workplace, a union organiser or health and safety officer may be able to help. The health and safety representative or union delegate can contact the union on behalf of employees. This may include arranging for a union official to visit the workplace.
If you are not a union member:
Unions will usually require you to become a member before they can represent you or your fellow workers. However, if you and a number of your fellow workers have discussed the issues at your workplace, you could contact the union and arrange for a meeting with a union organiser. The meeting need not be at the workplace.
If you are unsure of the appropriate union to contact, call the ACTU Helpline 1300 362 223.
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