OHS Training and Equipment Grants

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is consistently identified as a priority concern for both ASU members and community organisations across Victoria. The ASU and VCOSS are supporting a number of initiatives in this area including the delivery of low-cost, sector specific training and OHS equipment grants.  

Please note: your employer should pay the cost of these courses.  However, if cost is an issue for your employer which will prevent you from attending, the ASU has sought agreement from VCOSS that workers should be able to attend free of charge.  If you have any difficulties regarding this, please let the ASU know.

See below for more information on the courses on offer.

OHS Training

OHS – An Introduction for Managers and Employers in the Community Sector

This two day training course is designed to give managers and employers in the community sector a solid introduction to the OHS Act 2004, with additional information on regulations, compliance codes and guidelines.  It will also cover hazard identification and control methods.

The aim of this two day course is to give managers and employers an overview of their roles and responsibilities in regards to OHS, enabling them to focus on the development of good OHS practices in their workplace.

Morwell Session
Venue: TBC
Time:   9am – 4.30pm on 17th & 18th March 2009

Cost:               $80 or $40 for VCOSS Members     

OHS–An Introduction for Staff and Volunteers in the Community Sector

This one day introduction to OHS in the community sector is aimed staff and volunteers and covers areas of the OHS Act 2004, as well as regulations, compliance codes and guidelines.  
A good starting point, this course will enable participants to develop a good understanding of OHS and the resources available to workers and employers.

(Please note that this course in not a substitute for the 5 day staff elected health and safety representative training)   

Melbourne Session
Venue: VCOSS Boardroom (Level 8, 128 Exhibition Street Melbourne)
Time:   9am – 4.30pm on 23rd February 2009

and

Melbourne Session
Venue: Australian Services Union (116 Queensbury Street, Carlton)
Time:   9am – 4.30pm on 1 April 2009

Morwell Session
Venue: Nambur Wariga meeting room
(Latrobe City Corporate Headquarters,141 Commercial Road, Morwell)
Time:   9am – 4.30pm on 16th March 2009

Cost:               $40 or $20 for VCOSS Members    

Dealing with Occupational Violence and Bullying at your workplace

Bullying and occupational violence is a major issue in many workplaces.  While the employer has a legal obligation to control hazards associated with our work, employee participation is a key element in any effective health and safety management system.

This session explores Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) legislation and other guidance material in dealing with the issue of bullying and occupational violence. After attending this session, participants will gain an understanding of OHS legislation with regards to bullying and occupational violence and be equipped with information to implement preventative policies in their organisation.

Melbourne Session
Venue: VCOSS Boardroom (Level 8, 128 Exhibition Street Melbourne)
Time:   10am – 2.30pm on 30th March 2009

Melbourne Session (Managers Session)
Venue: VCOSS Boardroom (Level 8, 128 Exhibition Street Melbourne)
Time:   10am – 2.30pm on 2nd April 2009

Cost:               $40 or $20 for VCOSS Members     

Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) for Health and Safety Representatives

This five day training course is the WorkSafe approved course for elected Occupational Health & Safety Representatives.

Topics include:

• Employer responsibility/obligations
• Rights and powers of OHS Representatives
• Recognition, evaluation and control of hazards
• Use of regulations and compliance codes

This comprehensive five-day course equips elected Health and Safety Representatives with the skills to assist those they represent and their employer in tackling OHS issues in the workplace.

Please note that this session is exclusively for staff-elected Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs). Click here for more information about HSRs.

Melbourne Session
Venue: Australian Services Union (116 Queensbury Street, Carlton)
Time:   9am – 4.30pm on 20th April to 24th April 2009

Cost:                $200 or $100 for VCOSS Members (5 days training)   

Please click here to download a registration form to attend any of our training sessions. 

For more information about any of the training, please contact Erin Wicking – Sector Development Administrative Assistant at erin.wicking@vcoss.org.au or on (03) 9654 5050.

VCOSS Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Equipment Grants

VCOSS has been given the opportunity to participate in the WorkSafe Prevention Fund Project through the distribution of OHS Equipment Grants.  The OHS Equipment Grants will allow not-for-profit Community Sector Organisations (CSOs) to improve workplace health and safety by accessing funds to purchase equipment and/or modifications to address identified OHS hazards in their organisation.

CSOs can use the one-off grants (of up to $5000 including GST) towards the purchase of equipment and/or modifications that will eliminate or reduce risks to health and safety.

Applications for the next round of equipment grants will be accepted from March 1st 2009 with all applications to be received no later than March 31st. 

To find out all you need to know about the grants priority areas, eligibility and how to apply, please click here.

Please read through carefully first and contact laura.mondon@vcoss.org.au if you have any further questions.