Health and Safety Representative (HSR) Training
Workplace health and safety is everyone's responsibility. However, some workers take on an important role in helping their colleagues identify hazards, raise safety concerns and contribute to safer working environments. These workers are known as Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs).
Across Australia, HSRs play an important role in promoting workplace safety, particularly in industries such as mining, civil construction, construction, transport and manufacturing, where workers may be exposed to a range of workplace hazards.
If you have been elected as an HSR, or your workplace is considering appointing one, understanding the role and its training requirements is essential.
In this guide, we explain what an HSR does, who needs training, what the course covers and what employers need to know.
What Is a Health and Safety Representative (HSR)?
A Health and Safety Representative (HSR) is a worker elected by their work group to represent their colleagues on workplace health and safety matters.
Their main responsibility is to represent workers' health and safety interests and help ensure workplace concerns are heard and addressed.
An HSR acts as a link between workers and the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU), helping identify potential risks and encouraging consultation about workplace safety.
An HSR may be involved in:
Identifying workplace hazards and unsafe work practices.
Raising health and safety concerns with management.
Participating in workplace inspections.
Representing workers during safety discussions and investigations.
Helping resolve WHS issues.
Monitoring workplace safety procedures and risk controls.
An HSR does not replace the employer's legal responsibility to provide a safe workplace. Instead, they help workers participate in workplace health and safety decisions.
Why Is HSR Training Important?
HSR training helps elected representatives understand their responsibilities, legal rights and powers under relevant WHS legislation.
It also provides practical skills to identify hazards, communicate safety concerns and participate in workplace risk management.
Without the appropriate training, an HSR may be limited in exercising certain legal powers, including issuing a Provisional Improvement Notice (PIN) or directing workers to cease unsafe work.
Training is particularly valuable in high-risk industries such as mining and construction, where workers may encounter hazards involving heavy machinery, working at heights, confined spaces, hazardous substances and mobile equipment.
Having trained HSRs helps workplaces strengthen consultation, encourage early reporting of safety concerns and support a positive safety culture.
Who Needs HSR Training?
HSR training is designed for workers who have been elected to represent a designated work group on workplace health and safety matters.
It may also be useful for:
Deputy Health and Safety Representatives.
Workers interested in workplace safety and consultation.
Supervisors and team leaders.
Health and safety committee members.
Managers involved in workplace health and safety processes.
While the course is specifically designed for elected HSRs, other workplace personnel may also benefit from understanding the role and responsibilities of an HSR.
What Does HSR Training Cover?
The initial HSR training course is generally delivered over five days and covers the knowledge and practical skills needed to perform the role effectively.
Although course requirements vary between jurisdictions, training generally covers the following areas:
1. WHS Legislation and Responsibilities
Understand the relevant work health and safety legislation, including the duties and responsibilities of employers, workers and other workplace duty holders.
2. Identifying Hazards and Managing Risks
Learn how to recognise workplace hazards, assess risks and contribute to the implementation of appropriate control measures.
3. Workplace Consultation and Communication
Understand how to represent workers, raise safety concerns and participate in workplace consultation and issue resolution.
4. Workplace Inspections and Investigations
Develop an understanding of workplace inspections, incident investigations and how to identify potential safety improvements.
5. HSR Powers and Functions
Learn about the legal powers and responsibilities of an HSR, including the circumstances in which they can issue a Provisional Improvement Notice (PIN) or direct workers to cease unsafe work.
The training combines legislative knowledge with practical activities, discussions and workplace scenarios to help representatives apply what they learn.
How Long Does HSR Training Take?
The initial HSR training course is generally five days.
Once the initial course has been completed, HSRs are also entitled to refresher training to maintain their knowledge and stay up to date with changes to WHS legislation and workplace safety practices.
Under the model WHS framework, HSRs are entitled to up to five days of initial training and one day of refresher training each year.
However, specific requirements differ between Australian states and territories.
HSR Training Requirements in Queensland and Western Australia
For workers in Queensland and Western Australia, it is important to understand the requirements under each state's WHS legislation.
Queensland
In Queensland, elected HSRs must complete an approved five-day training course within 28 days of their election. If an approved course is not reasonably available within that period, training must be completed as soon as possible.
HSRs are also entitled to one day of refresher training at least every 12 months, starting 12 months after completing their initial course.
Civil Safety offers:
Western Australia
In Western Australia, HSRs and deputy HSRs must complete an initial five-day training course approved by the Work Health and Safety Commission to exercise all their powers and perform their functions.
They are also entitled to one day of refresher training each year following completion of the initial course.
Civil Safety offers:
In both states, the employer (PCBU) is responsible for supporting the HSR's training, including covering the course fees and reasonable associated costs, as well as paying their usual earnings while attending training.
Important: HSR training requirements can vary across Australia. Always check with the relevant state or territory WHS regulator to confirm the current requirements for your workplace.
What Are the Responsibilities of an Employer?
Under WHS legislation, employers and PCBUs have responsibilities to support elected HSRs and enable them to perform their roles.
These responsibilities generally include:
Providing access to approved HSR training.
Allowing HSRs to attend training during paid work time.
Covering course fees and other reasonable training-related expenses.
Consulting with HSRs about workplace health and safety matters.
Providing relevant information about workplace hazards and risks.
Supporting HSRs in representing their work groups.
Providing the right training and support helps HSRs contribute effectively to workplace safety and ensures workers have a voice in decisions that may affect their health and wellbeing.
How Can HSRs Help Create a Safer Workplace?
A trained HSR can make a valuable contribution to improving workplace safety.
By encouraging open communication between workers and management, HSRs can help identify problems before they lead to workplace incidents or injuries.
In industries such as mining, construction and civil construction, this involvement is particularly important because workers may face changing site conditions, heavy equipment operations and potentially hazardous work environments.
An active HSR can help encourage workers to report hazards, participate in safety discussions and follow workplace procedures.
Ultimately, effective HSR representation supports a workplace culture where safety is taken seriously and everyone has an opportunity to contribute.
Frequently Asked Questions About HSR Training
Is HSR training compulsory in Australia?
Requirements vary between jurisdictions. Under the model WHS framework, training is generally an entitlement rather than a compulsory requirement for performing every HSR function. However, certain powers, including issuing PINs and directing unsafe work to cease, require the relevant training. Queensland and Western Australia have specific requirements for completing initial training to exercise HSR powers.
How many days is the initial HSR training course?
The initial course generally takes five days. It covers WHS legislation, hazard identification, risk management, consultation, issue resolution and the powers and functions of an HSR.
Do HSRs need refresher training?
Yes. HSRs are generally entitled to one day of refresher training each year after completing their initial course. This helps maintain their knowledge and keep up with changes to legislation and workplace safety practices.
Who pays for HSR training?
The PCBU is generally responsible for paying approved training fees and reasonable associated costs. HSRs are also entitled to their usual pay while attending training, subject to the applicable jurisdiction's requirements.
Does HSR training make someone a WHS professional?
No. HSR training provides workers with the knowledge and skills to represent their work group on health and safety matters. It does not qualify someone as a WHS professional or replace the employer's legal responsibilities.
Build a Stronger Workplace Safety Culture
Health and Safety Representatives play an important role in ensuring workers have a voice in workplace safety.
With the right training, HSRs can better understand their responsibilities, recognise potential hazards, raise concerns and contribute to safer working environments.
Whether you work in mining, civil construction, construction or another high-risk industry, investing in workplace health and safety knowledge benefits everyone.
Looking for HSR training in Queensland or Western Australia?
Civil Safety delivers WorkSafe-approved HSR training to help elected representatives develop the knowledge and confidence to perform their roles effectively.
Explore our courses:
You can also explore our HSR refresher courses to maintain your knowledge and skills.