As you would be aware, over the last few months there has been significant debate regarding the Federal Government’s new online system for recording personal medical histories, called My Health Records. This system will allow individual users to authorise various health professionals to access and share their medical records.
The RTBU has significant concerns over the rollout of the My Health Record project.
In theory, this is an important health initiative. But the failure to adequately safeguard private information means that workers could be vulnerable to pressure from employers to reveal personal details that have nothing to do with safety at work.
As you know, RTBU members working in the public transport industry are subject to strict medical standards to ensure your own safety and the safety of the wider community. Many members have to frequently submit to medical testing to ensure that you are fit to perform your role in safety critical industries.
For that reason we are advising members to consider opting out of My Health Records until privacy concerns are fully addressed.
As far as the RTBU is concerned, there is no justification for employers to have access to personal health information that does not directly relate to workplace safety and under the My Health Records system, this is a risk that rings true.
