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  • How do I check if my computer can Zoom?
    Make a test call from the computer you'll be using for the workshop (don't worry, you won't call a real person). Try to make this call from the physical space you'll be using when you join the workshop, so you can test your internet connection speeds as well. If you're having problems with a work computer or a work Zoom account please ask your IT team for help. If you've tested everything and then it doesn't work when you join, don't panic. We'll either figure things out together or find another solution. If you're feeling unsure you're welcome to book a early & short pre-workshop support session with me.
  • I didn't receive my reset password link?
    Please check your junk mail folder. Add the domain "site-members.com" to your safe senders list. Here's some tips on how to do that. If you're on a work computer these settings might not be available to you. Maybe we should switch your booking to a personal email address? Send me a message with both email addresses and ask me to change your bookings/login email address.
  • My team doesn't use Zoom. Can we use Google Meet or MS Teams instead?
    Training Workshops: I only run my Open workshops on Zoom, because it's the most accessible platform. If your team wants to book me to run an in-house course on MS Teams, I'll need someone to run all the invites, resource-sharing, security settings and run the meeting., I'd just be there as an external guest. Individual guidance sessions: I run these on Zoom by default because I already have Zoom. If Zoom won't work for you, send me a message. Group guidance sessions: While all confirmed sessions will have a Zoom invite, I'm happy to join your team on whatever platform you prefer. Send me a calendar invite when your booking is confirmed: I'll reply to confirm I'll meet you there instead.
  • Do I have to pay for my workshop or session in advance?
    There no prepayment required and I only send invoices after our session. I run a gentle cancellation policy to support a sensible and open approach. The only service I do need prepayment for is printed course materials. I can't send your resources before payment is arranged, and your resource order is not cancelled/refunded if you cancel your workshop booking.
  • I hear you offer free one-on-one support?
    I offer individual guidance sessions and your first session is always free. Most people use them for specific advice, reflection time, action planning or further support. My expertise leans towards worker engagement, participation and representation, but I'm able to guide your approach to other issues and tools I'm a member of NZISM but I am not a Health and Safety consultant. Your PCBU can use the HASANZ register to find an a qualified expert to get advice on specific matters.
  • Do I have to buy extra books or print off course materials?
    You don't need to buy anything extra if you don't need printed materials. It's up to you whether you print them or display them on another screen/tablet. I highly recommend a printed course manual for our initial HSR training course to make sure you don't run out of screen space. It's 70 pages of quality information that you'll use well after you finish your course. You can buy printed course manuals from me here, but they must be prepaid so don't delay. I send pdf files of electronic resources out to you 5 days before your workshop. If you need them earlier (e.g. for accessibility checks or to print them off) just send me a message.
  • Why don't you charge GST?
    The short answer is: because I don't need to. Unless my projected income reaches $60,000 per year I don't have to gather our 15% goods and services tax (GST). I'm well short of that cap. I'm self employed and lucky to be financially secure. My intention is to make a living wage.
  • Why do you give discounts for late workshop cancellations?
    I want to encourage everyone to support your attendance but I also know things can change quickly. To avoid waiting around for people who aren't able to make it, I give a generous discount to those who let me know in advance. Send me a message before the workshop starts so I'll know not to wait for you. I'll be in touch after the workshop to check you're ok.
  • Are you set up for e-invoices?
    E-invoicing looks super easy, but I use Hnry as my payments provider and they don't yet offer it. I send invoices by email link after your session or when I accept your store order. Payment can be made the older-fashioned way: into my Hnry bank account with the invoice number as reference.
  • My session finished a few days ago but I haven't received an invoice?
    It's possible that my invoice was blocked by email security. Please send me a message and include a secondary email address. I'll re-send your link to both addresses and add a pdf attachment. Everyone likes being paid, so thanks for following up.
  • Who pays for my workshop or guidance session?
    If you want your employer to pay your invoice (and your time) you should get approval from them first. For initial HSR training, please check my FAQ entry on training rights Guidance sessions are not covered by legislation but your employer might still support you accessing these service. Please sort approval before you book. There's no prepayment required for workshops or guidance sessions and I run gentle cancellation fees. If you use Purchase Orders at your workplace, there's space to add the PO number in your booking notes. I send invoices after our session. Most people forward their invoices through to their manager or finance team for payment. If you're self-employed (like me!) or not in paid work at the moment, you'll need to pay your own invoice. You'll get an automated reminder for unpaid invoices so you can help me follow-up. Once your invoice is paid, you'll get a thank you email :) To see your invoice or generate evidence of your payment, log into your worksense.nz account to see your payment status. It can take me a couple of days to reconcile payments. You can save/print evidence of payment from your account if you need it for tax or reimbursement purposes.
  • Do I have to download or purchase Zoom?
    No, you can join from a browser and you won't need to buy Zoom. If you're using a work computer with very secure settings, you might need IT permission to even join from a browser. If you're not sure, please make a test call before you book. For the best connectivity experience it's a good idea to download and install the free Zoom Desktop Client on the computer you'll be using for the workshop. Once you sign in you can change your name and settings (e.g., accessibility, pronouns).
  • Can I join a workshop from my tablet or phone?
    You'll need a desktop computer or laptop to participate effectively in our workshop. A tablet or phone won't give you enough screen space. For most workshops, you'll either want two screens or printed course materials. For the initial HSR training workshop, you'll want 2 screens + your course manual. Most people have a printed copy of their course manual, while some people are happy using their pdf course manual on another device (e.g., a tablet).
  • I don't love long Zoom sessions... What's your approach?
    Zoom fatigue is a thing! At the beginning of each workshop we discuss what we all need to be well during the day. Any great health and safety workshop sets good health and safety rules :)  We keep things simple and accessible without fancy apps to learn/install. All you need is Zoom and be willing to try a few 'tricks'. * I share clear session plans and instructions. You'll have a copy of my slides before the workshop. * I pay attention to you, not to my slides: they're just for page numbers, instructions, details. Everything is in your course manual. * during our breaks (10 mins+) we do anything but look at a screen * we hide our 'self view' so our brains aren't distracted * in whole group discussions I set the gallery view and say who'll be speaking next. You can 'pass' anytime. * if you're in a quiet space, you can stay off mute if you want to. * you don't have to 'look' like you're paying attention. Some people focus by moving around or looking away. It's okay. * we might keep our cameras on so we know who's in the room, but we'll decide together. If you need accessibility support, please reach out. I really want to make our sessions work for everyone.
  • Do I really need two monitors for my workshop?
    Two monitors will simplify your workshop experience. If you don't have printed course resources, you'll love having two monitors. You might want the Zoom gallery view on one screen and your course manual on the other screen, for example. Put the Zoom gallery view nearest to your camera. For Day 2 of our initial HSR training workshop, you'll want the Zoom gallery view on one screen and your iQualify assessment content on your second screen. That's two screens used up, which is why we highly recommended a printed copy of your course manual. You can print this yourself (it's 70 pages) or buy it from me here if there's still enough time to arrange prepayment & postage.
  • I'm not a Zoom expert... can I come to a workshop?
    You're very welcome! I create a supportive learning environment where we help each other participate. If you can do these things, we'll figure the rest out together: join the Zoom meeting control your camera (so we can see you + you can stop/start video) control your microphone (mute/unmute) hear the meeting (usually using either your laptop mic/speaker array or headphones) Please provide a contact phone number when booking in case we have connection troubles.
  • Can you re-send those useful templates from my workshop, please?
    I'm happy to re-send templates from any workshop you've already attended with worksense. Send me a message and I'll get onto it. If you're requesting a Provisional Improvement Notice (PIN) or Recommendation template/examples, remember you can book an individual guidance session for support. If your Health & Safety Committee wants help, please book a group guidance session. I'll negotiate fairly on price if your employer refuses to pay.
  • When will I know I've passed my HSR Unit Standard?
    If you've come to my 2-Day initial H&S training workshop you'll know before the end of Day 2 whether you've passed the assessment. You can read more about the assessment here. If you've passed, you'll get a congratulatory email right after the workshop that you can forward to your manager and H&S team as temporary evidence. You'll get a separate email about formalising your achievement with NZQA. You'll give me some more information which will be used to ensure your Unit Standard (29315) is correctly assigned to your NZQA record. You'll then have formal evidence of your Unit Standard. You can contact NZQA anytime to check your current record.
  • Can I still join an HSR workshop if I'm self-employed or unemployed?
    Of course! Drop me a note before your workshop just so I know you're not currently employed by someone else. I'll discreetly ensure we include your perspective in workshop activities and discussions. It's up to you whether you explain your employment status to the group. While my Workplace Leaders H&S (1 Day) workshop may feel more comfortable for you, it's your choice. If you want to achieve Unit Standard 29315, then you will need to complete initial HSR training (2 Days). This does NOT automatically give you HSR rights: you must also be a worker formally elected by members of your workgroup to represent them on health and safety matters (see WorkSafe). If you're elected in future, you should still refresh your training but you won't need to repeat your US29315 assessment.
  • I'm a senior manager. Should I come to your leaders workshop?
    Senior/executive leaders or board members are very welcome to attend my 1-Day Workplace Leaders H&S workshop. Note: If you're also an HSR (for a senior management workgroup, for example) please see my other FAQ in this section. Are you a Health & Safety Officer? ​Many people in senior management roles believe they are a Health and Safety Officer or PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking), but it's often not the case. Check with your employer to find out who the Health and Safety Officers are at your workplace. H&S Officers are executive governance roles with specific responsibilities and obligations under the Health & Safety at Work Act. If your role influences how the organisation is managed then you could be an Officer. If you only advise or make recommendations then you are not an Officer. Click here for the WorkSafe FAQs. While Health & Safety Officers are very welcome to come along to my 1-Day training and you'll absorb really useful perspectives, you'll need much more than this. Send me an email if you'd like help finding reputable additional training and governance resources. In the meantime, check out the good stuff at the Business Leaders Health & Safety Forum.
  • I'm worried the workshop will be too hard, long or inaccessible to me
    Please don't worry. We need everyone's perspective. While some of our content is complicated, we will help each other through. When you book I'll invite you to describe your learning needs. It's confidential: I only use it to adjust my teaching as required. Maybe you want to tell me you're new to using English, or that you have impaired vision or hearing, or that you like to move around a lot while you learn. It's all ok and I'm here to help. I will contact you if I need to know more or can't meet your needs. If you're doing the 2-Day initial HSR training workshop, the unit standard is set at NZQCF Level 3. You can read more about the course here. Still worried? Let's have a chat on Zoom about it. I'd love to meet you. PS: I never charge a workshop fee if I can't meet your accessibility needs, and I'll always try to help you find an alternative. We need more people with different bodies and brains to be involved in workplace health and safety: people like us are excellent problem-spotters (and solvers!) and we know that things that help one person usually help everyone.
  • I'm both a leader AND an HSR. Which workshop should I do?
    If you're a Health & Safety Representative and have not yet passed assessment for Unit Standard 29315 then you should do the 2 day initial HSR training workshop to gain your full powers. Contact NZQA if you're not sure whether you have US29315. It was introduced around the time when our legislation changed (2015). If you're an HSR and you already hold US29315, you don't need to repeat the initial training or assessment even if you've changed workplaces. You're very welcome at our workplace leaders workshop.
  • I'm an 'untrained' Health and Safety Representative. Do I have any powers?
    Absolutely. As soon as you're elected, you gain all of the rights and functions of an HSR. You gain two additional powers when you complete training. Here's WorkSafe's easy intro to HSR rights and here's Schedule 2 of the legislation, which lists all HSR (and Committee) rights. It's a lot. It's easy to feel overloaded with this new role. Attending my initial HSR training workshop will help you understand your functions and fulfil them effectively. You'll feel empowered and know where to focus your energy. You'll be assessed for Unit Standard 29315 (a current requirement of initial HSR training) during your workshop. Once you pass assessment for US29315 you can:  issue Provisional Improvement Notices (PINs) to address a health or safety problem,  and  order unsafe work to cease
  • How many days of training can HSRs access per year?
    Clauses 21-26 of the Worker Engagement, Participation, and Representation Regulations set out training rights for HSRs. Read all 6 clauses to be sure you understand. Your PCBU is usually your employer. In short: If an HSR doesn't yet hold Unit Standard 29315 then they're entitled to 2 days' worth training to get it. Once an HSR has Unit Standard 29315 they can access up to 2 days per year for additional training. The legislation and regulations don't specify what this additional training could be about, which means everyone should take a broad view. The WorkSafe page on training for HSRs says the "entitlement allows you to attend training about workplace health and safety, or an aspect of workplace health and safety, that comes under the occupational health and safety subfield of the New Zealand Qualifications Framework, or that you and your PCBU agree is relevant to the HSR role." I recommend checking in with the people who elected you to be their HSR and asking what kinds of things they'd like you to know more about. Send me a message if you want help checking out training options. But PCBUs can't be forced under this Act to provide more than the following number of days training per year: These numbers of days of leave are written as maximums but I think they really should be seen as minimums, especially when there's high turnover of HSRs. Unions and good employers who recognise the value of appropriately trained workers and representatives will agree to provide a higher minimum number of training days, possibly in their Collective Employment Agreement. Check your CEA, or your Worker Participation Agreement or HR/H&S policies if you need to know if your PCBU has a specified number of days.
  • My employer needs proof I attended my session
    Within 24 hours of full attendance at your workshop, you'll get a congratulatory email confirming your attendance and what this means for you and your workplace. You can forward that through to your employer and team :) If you've attended a guidance session, send me a message. I'll write an email you can forward through to your employer.
  • Can HSRs choose their own training provider?
    The regulations say that Health and Safety Representatives can choose their training in consultation with their employer (PCBU) about the time, date, location and costs.   My workshops are a perfect option if you have the tech to participate in a Zoom workshop love learning in a group have a quiet/calm space to learn from If your workshop includes assessment, it's all done during the workshop (no homework!). It's also up to you whether you print off our course resources or use electronic versions (sent 6 days before your workshop). Other benefits to employers: send one or two staff at a time no travel, meal, accommodation costs low course fees and gentle change fees Find a workshop here and ask your employer if you can attend. They have to let you know as soon as they can and within 3 months of your request.
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