Workplace Health and Safety Representative

Introduction:

The role of the Health and Safety Representative (HSR) is primarily to liaise with other staff to identify health and safety issues and convey these to management. HSRs are elected by fellow staff to represent the views of the staff group.

This course provides participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to fulfil their role as a Health and Safety Representative (HSR) in Queensland.

HSRs in Queensland are entitled to attend this WorkSafe Queensland approved five-day training course within three months of being elected as the HSR. Employers are required to allow the HSR to take paid time off work to attend this training and pay for training costs. Likewise, HSRs are also entitled to attend one-day refresher courses at least every three years after the initial five-day course has been completed (as per the Work Health and Safety legislation).

Learning Outcomes:

• WHS legislative framework and key terminology

• Duties of various stakeholders which can influence work health and safety

• Enforcement measures available for breaches of WHS legislation

• The roles of unions and WHS entry permit holders under the WHS Act

• Requirements for consultation, representation and participation on work health and safety issues in the workplace

• The role of Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs), Health and Safety Committee (HSCs), and other authorised representatives

• HSR’s powers including the issuing of Provisional Improvement Notices (PINs)