Health and Safety Representative (HSR) Training (non-accredited training)

HSRs and Deputy HSRs can make a real difference in achieving better health and safety outcomes in workplaces when representing their Designated Work Group (DWG). A DWG is a grouping of employees who share similar workplace conditions and health and safety interests. HSRs and Deputy HSRs are in a unique position in the workplace as legislation does not impose any duty or function on them in that capacity. Instead, they are afforded powers, protections and entitlements.

One of the entitlements afforded HSRs and Deputy HSRs is that of training. They are entitled to attend WorkSafe approved Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) training such as the Initial HSR OHS training course (run over 5 days) and the HSR Refresher OHS training course (run over 1 day). The Refresher course may be attended at least once in each year after the Initial HSR OHS training course is completed. The training is designed to assist HSRs to fully understand their role, be able to effectively exercise their powers and understand their protections and entitlements. It aims to do this by providing the necessary skills, knowledge and confidence to represent a DWG and contribute to making the workplace safer.

Further information on HSR training can be found at https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/health-and-safety-representative-training

In 2019, HAZCON will be delivering an HSR Refresher OHS training course that covers the following:

• OHS legal framework and key duty holders;
• Employer/ employee duty of care;
• An overview on DWGs;
• Explaining what 'reasonably practicable' means;
• The value of HSRs to workplace safety;
• Consultation;
• HSR powers;
• Issue resolution;
• Reporting;
• Risk management;
• Work- related violence;
• Interacting with WorkSafe inspectors;
• The WorkSafe website;
• Incident management; and
• Latest developments.

Further information will be included on the HAZCON Website at https://www.hazcon.com.au/training.html