To enter a workplace, a union official must apply for a work health and safety (WHS) entry permit.
A union official with a WHS entry permit may:
Permits
To obtain a WHS entry permit, a union official must:
- have satisfactorily completed the prescribed work health and safety training that relates to the entry permit
- hold an entry permit under the Fair Work Act 2009 or the Industrial Relations Act 1996
- have had the application for a WHS entry permit endorsed by their union.
An entry permit is valid for three years but can be revoked if the permit is misused.
Conditions for entering a workplace
No prior notice to the business or undertaking is required if the union official is entering to investigate a suspected contravention of the WHS Act.
However, if the entry relates to other WHS issues such as consultation and advice, a permit holder must give a written notice of entry to the relevant PCBU during usual working hours and at least 24 hours before entry (but not more that 14 days before the entry).
The WHS entry permit holder must have a valid permit and photo identification available for inspection upon request by any person when exercising a right of entry to a workplace.
A pre recorded Webinar on work health and safety entry permit holders is now available. Note: This Webinar may be up to 90 minutes in length and requires a valid email account for registration. It may not be accessible for some people with disabilities.
Call 13 10 50 for more information about entry permit holders.