Health and safety representatives (HSRs) play a critical role in the construction sector. They give workers a voice when it comes to health and safety at work, gathering and distributing information about safe work practices and resolving safety issues within the workplace.
Their main function is to represent the workforce, acting as an interface between management and employees. Health and safety representatives report on and monitor issues, ensure the employer is providing a safe working environment, and investigate any complaints by their team.
They stay abreast of WHS regulations and requirements and ensure everyone is adequately protected and able to work safely on site around heavy machinery like cranes, forklifts and high risk equipment.
Why choose to take a HSR course?
You can make real change to the health and wellbeing of your colleagues by studying to become a health and safety representative. A HSR is elected by their peers and has the power to represent the health and safety interests of a work group.
‘Work groups’ are groups of workers formed to elect the HSR who will represent them, typically formed by negotiation between the company and its workers.
According to Safe Work Australia, HSRs have the power to:
- represent the workers in their work group in relation to WHS matters
- monitor the PCBUs compliance with the WHS Act
- investigate WHS complaints from members of the work group; and
- inquire into WHS risks to workers.
This makes the person in the HSR role a critical player in the overall safety of their team.
HSR training
To become a health and safety representative, it’s recommended that you attend a training course in work health and safety of up to 5 days.
Kallibr Training (RTO 32365) conducts a 5 day HSR course resulting in the qualification ‘Certificate of Completion in Health and Safety Representative’. Combined with a 1-day refresher training each year, this safety training ensures that the HSR is well equipped with the skills and knowledge to perform their role effectively, including issuing provisional improvement notices (PINs) and directing any unsafe work to cease.
What happens if a HSR doesn’t enrol in a training course?
Once the members of a work group elect a HSR, the HSR then needs to complete a training course within 3 months of their election. If you’re elected and you don’t do the course within the designated time frame, you need to step down from the role.
However, once you’ve trained and gained your qualification, you can remain in a HSR or Deputy HSR role for three years.
HSR Courses at Kallibr Training
We offer courses that can help you become a health and safety representative. You must first be nominated by your workplace and investigate if your current worksite already has a health and safety representative.
Get in touch with us for more information or chat with your employer about your interest in the role.
