Sydney Trains’ Continued Roll-out of HUBs/PODs

Bulletin 36 – 2014

To: Sydney Trains’ Station Members

In the latest up-date on the Sydney Trains continued roll-out of the HUBs Members are advised that an “interim” arrangement for any and all risk assessments has been established.

The “interim” arrangement has been implemented as a result of the WorkCover investigations into Sydney Trains’ processes for determining Work Groups, Health and Safety Representatives (HSR’s), the number of HSRs and Health and Safety Committees.

The “interim” arrangement relates to who participates in risk assessments pending the finalisation and introduction of “properly” elected Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs). ANY and ALL risk assessments at each affected station should be carried out by:

• at least (2) locally nominated RTBU members (Station Specific)
• at least (1) RTBU Delegates from the WHS Working Party
• and management representatives, including Safety, Environment, Quality and Risk (SEQR).

The Members at North Sydney have been able to negotiate an agreement establishing their own Local Consultative Committee, consisting of (4) nominated CSAs, including a Delegate from the WHS Working Party, Alan Van Der Horn, to represent the CSAs and to be actively involved in risk assessments for North Sydney.

Furthermore, during consultation for North Sydney it was identified that a risk assessment was needed on the “current” CSA duties. The results of this assessment would set the benchmark for the HUBs trials.

The process currently in use at North Sydney Station should be adopted at ALL other stations and it is up to the members to ensure that this happens. So members should contact you manager and request that the practice at North Sydney is established at your Station.

The list below is the Stations identified by Sydney Trains for the roll-out of the HUBs. (More to follow at some stage?)

NOTE 1: * Circular Quay has been trialling HUBs for some time with mixed results and safety concerns still being ignored.

NOTE 2: ** Wynyard has since been placed on hold pending Barangaroo Project.

Members will be advised of the schedule once it has been confirmed.