By Andrew Starke
Major changes to Work Health and Safety requirements affecting all NSW hospitality employers are being explained at a series of seminars now underway.
AHA (NSW) CEO Sally Fielke urged hoteliers to attend one of 30 information seminars being conducted by the AHA (NSW) Legal and Industrial Affairs Department.
Two-thirds of the meetings are in regional areas including the Central Coast, Hunter, South Coast, Blue Mountains, Riverina, New England, Central West, Far West and North Coast areas.
Five meetings will be held in Sydney; along with two seminars in Western Sydney.
AHA (NSW) CEO Sally Fielke said hospitality employers in particular should get involved.
“Major changes have been made to Work Health and Safety legislation and it is important that all hoteliers and/or staff attend one of the free seminars to know just where they stand,” she said.
“The new legislation comes into force from 1 January 2012. It will broaden the scope of health and safety obligations and see changes to some of the key components of compliance; for example the consultation requirements with workers will be a lot more prescriptive.
“There will also be changes to penalties. It is important for all members of the hospitality industry to understand these changes.”
The seminars have been funded through the WorkCover NSW Assist Education and Training Program to assist the community become aware of the requirements of the new laws and how it may affect employers and workers.
AHA (NSW) was the only accommodation industry association which received funding from the WorkCover NSW Assist Grants to provide this service.
The seminars are open to all hospitality employers and are free of charge.
Email AHA NSW at whs@ahansw.com.au for more information on seminars in your area.