Who is Health and Safety Representative (HSR) training suitable for?
The 5 day HSR Initial OHS Training Course is suitable for anyone who has been elected as a Health and Safety Representative (HSR) and is looking to upgrade their skills, knowledge and understanding of occupational health and safety framework and the rights and responsibilities held by HSRs.
WAM Training is a Worksafe Victoria approved service provider of HSR Initial OHS Training Course.
Only service providers approved by Worksafe Victoria or other applicable state regulators can deliver the HSR Initial OHS Training Course and yearly refresher HSR courses.
What does HSR stand for?
The term HSR refers to a Health and Safety Representative. A HSR is elected by members of a workplace to provide representation to management in health, safety, environmental and well-being issues in the workplace.
What are the responsibilities of an Elected Health and Safety Representative?
As an elected Health and Safety Representative (HSR) your responsibilities include:
- Represent the interest of your Designated Work Group (DWG) on all health and safety matters including discussions with management on identifying and controlling hazards and any safety issues
- Monitor that the employer is fulfilling the health and safety obligations placed on them by the Victorian OHS Act 2004
- Encourage and promote the health and safety of all Designated work Group members
- Be the liaison between management and the health and safety interests of their Designated Work Group
What power does a Health and Safety Representative have?
An elected Health and Safety Representative (HSR) for a Designated Work Group (DWG) powers are empowered by the Victorian OHS Act 2004. These powers, with some limitations, are as follows:
- Inspect any part of the workplace
- Take photos, measurements, make sketches or make recordings (Audio or Video) in relation to the workplace of their Designated Work Group (DWG)
- Accompany a Worksafe inspector whilst an inspection of their Designated Work Group’s work is occurring
- Request their employer establish a Health and Safety Committee (HSC)
- If requested by a member of their Designated Work Group, be present at a workplace interview relating to an OHS issue between the member and the employer and / or Worksafe inspector
- If authorised by an independent contractor, be present at a workplace interview relating to an OHS issue between the member and the employer and / or Worksafe inspector
- Seek the assistance of any person
- Issue a Provisional Improvement Notice (PIN)
- Issue a cease work direction after consultation with the employee
Is Health and Safety Representative training mandatory in Victoria?
If elected as a Health and Safety Representative (HSR) for your workplace it is not mandatory to undertake Health and Safety Representative training. As an elected Health and Safety Representative you are entitled by law to undertake the HSR training including the initial 5 day course and any subsequent yearly refresher courses. Once the training is completed as a HSR you will have the power to issue a Provisional Improvement Notice (PIN) or a direction to stop work.
Health and Safety Representative common terms and abbreviations
- DWG – Designated work group
- HSR – Health and safety representative
- HSC – Health and safety committee
- OHS – Occupational health and safety
- PIN – Provisional improvement notice
- PINEON – Provisional Improvement Notice Enquiry Outcome Notice
- ARREO – Authorised Representatives of Registered Employee Organisations
How long is a Health and Safety Representative training course?
As authorised by Worksafe Victoria the Health and Safety Representative training course runs for 5 days.
Can a Health and Safety Representative be a manager?
Any manager within a business can be elected as a Health and Safety Representative if elected by their own Designated Work Group.
What is the role of a Health and Safety Representative in a Health and Safety Committee?
Health and Safety Committees are responsible for representing the Health and Safety interests of the entire worksite, workers and visitors. Whereas the Health and Safety Rep role is to represent the health and safety interests of their Designated Work Group.
Do Health and Safety Representatives need Refresher Training?
As an elected Health and Safety Representative once you have completed the 5 day HSR Initial OHS Training Course you are entitled by law to undertake the yearly HSR refresher courses offered by approved Service providers such as WAM Training.
How Much is a 5 Day HSR Initial OHS Training Course?
A HSR Initial OHS Training Course course costs around $1000. Pretty good value when you consider the skills and knowledge you will be able to apply back in your workplace to keep everyone safe.
What Course Does WAM Training Provide for HSR Initial OHS Training?
The 5 day HSR Initial OHS Training Course offered by WAM Training is suitable to anyone who has been elected as a Health and Safety Representative (HSR) and is looking to upgrade their skills, knowledge and understanding of occupational health and safety framework and the rights and responsibilities held by HSRs.
Additional courses that relate to the HSR Initial OHS Training Course training course include the following:
- First Aid
- Fire Warden & Chief Fire Warden
- Working Safely at Heights
- Construction Induction (White Card)
Need to Learn More About WAM Training’s HSR Initial OHS Training Training Course?
To learn more about WAM Training’s HSR Initial OHS Training Course click here or if you want WAM Training to contact you please click here.
