Health and safety representatives (HSRs)

Everyone has the right to come home safely from work. Tragically, every year dozens of Australians are denied that right. That’s why occupational health and safety is core union business.

The role of the HSR

A health and safety representative (HSR) is an employee elected by their colleagues to represent the work group’s health and safety interests, and to ensure employers meet their obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004.

HEAR FROM TWO HSR reps

HSR OR HSO - WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

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HSRs act as watchdogs and advocates for the health and safety of their colleagues, students and others in the workplace.

They are not required to remove or fix hazards and ‘near misses’ – that is the responsibility of the employer. The HSR’s responsibility is to report hazards to the employer and monitor the situation to ensure the employer fulfils their responsibility. Likewise, HSRs cannot be held liable for incidents or accidents that occur – that liability rests with the employer.

Under the act, HSRs have a range of powers, including:

  • inspecting any part of the workplace
  • accompanying a health and safety inspector during an inspection
  • being present at OHS interviews between a member of their work group and either the employer or an OHS inspector
  • requiring the establishment of a health and safety committee
  • issuing provisional improvement notices and direction to cease work.

AEU HSR of the Year Awards

This award recognises the significant achievement and commitment made by health and safety representatives (HSRs). AEU reps drive the work of the AEU, and all members should celebrate their effort and commitment. The AEU HSR of the Year is an opportunity for all members to reflect on their HSR colleagues, the great work they do, their time and commitment – and to give them some recognition!

DETAILS HERE

HSR handbook

The AEU has produced a handbook for HSRs that explains the legal framework, how to elect HSRs, the role of the HSR, how the health and safety committee works, how the consultative process works, employer responsibilities, training and campaigning, first steps for new HSRs and incident reporting.

Download HSR handbook [PDF]

OHS training

HSRs have an entitlement to a five-day intial training course and an annual one-day referesher.

To undertake this training you will need to register with the VTHC here - where you can download a form or complete your registration online.

View VTHC HSR TRAINING courses

Employee OHS representation in workplaces

AEU members have an important voice in determining health and safety issues and outcomes at their workplace. Whether dealing with pandemics, occupational violence, sexual harassment or other issues, it is vital that OHS decisions be informed by on the ground knowledge and experience. Consultation between elected health and safety reps (HSRs) and OHS managers is a basic requirement of the OHS Act.

Worksafe recently made several changes to the Employee Representation Guide (ERG). The ERG helps employees and employers understand the role, powers and entitlements of HSRs. It also provides an overview of the other representative mechanisms, including health and safety committees and designated work groups established under the OHS Act.

Read more

Key changesPages
While the ERG specifically relates to part 7 of the OHS Act, it now includes a new section ‘A note on consultation and HSRs’ to highlight the importance of consultation and the legal duty of an employer to consult.5 - 7
A new sample HSR election process.26
A new example: conflict of interest arising when a manager is an HSR.27 - 28
Additional content to clarify the role of HSRs in workplace inspections.32 - 33
A new section on incidents, notifiable incidents and the role of HSRs.34 - 35
A new section on whether an HSR should be made aware if a member of their DWG is injured?36

Who can the HSR turn to for assistance? How does this work? 

  • Content clarifying that where an HSR seeks the assistance of an union official under section 58(1)(f) of the OHS Act, that union official must hold a Federal Entry Permit (note: this content was previously located in the glossary section).
37
Additional content to explain the term ‘sufficient knowledge of OHS’ in the context of s.58(1)(f).38

Provisional improvement notices (PINs) – substantial changes including new sections:

  • What can an HSR do if a PIN is not complied with?
  • What will the inspector do if a PIN is disputed?
  • Two sample PINs and explanatory notes (Appendix C).
39 - 47 
Appendix C
Can an HSR have access to an employee’s medical information?50

Separation of HSR training content to clearly define initial and refresher training under s67 and other approved training under s69. It also includes answers to two new questions:

  • Can HSRs choose which course they attend?
  • What happens if an employer refuses to allow an HSR to attend a course of training under section 69 of the OHS Act?
52 - 58

The ERG now includes HSR tips – for example:

  • HSR Tip – Keep a written record of the consultation that occurred prior to issuing a PIN.
Throughout the guide

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Basic OHS rights

Every Victorian worker has these basic rights:

  • To be provided with safe systems of work.
  • To have your employer monitor your health and conditions in the workplace.
  • To be provided with amenities at work.
  • To be consulted on work health and safety issues.
  • To refuse to perform work that you reasonably think would expose you to serious risk.
  • To be represented by a health and safety representative elected from and by the workgroup.
 

OHS advice sheets and resources

The AEU has produced a range of quick-reference advice sheets for HSRs. Remember, you can always ring MSC on 03 9417 2822 for more information.

View advice sheets

Victorian Trades Hall Council has also produced a wide range of excellent FAQs. 

View Victorian Trades Hall Council OHS FAQs

We publish OHS specific articles in our hard copy magazine and via our online AEU News website.

OHS AEU News articles

Electing HSRs

Under the OHS Act, members of a designated work group may elect a group member to be the HSR. All employees are entitled to vote in the election, which must be organised and paid for by the employer. A HSR does not have to be an AEU member, but it is strongly recommended that they are. OHS is core union business. Full details of the election process are contained in the Vic OHS Act.

Hazard and incident reporting

Every employer is required to have a system for recording injuries, incidents, and near misses – both physical and psychological. In schools, the online reporting system is eduSafe. Reporting systems in other workplaces will differ but a system must be in place to enable employees to report injuries and hazards. Refer Vic OHS Act 2004 (Section 22). There is a legal requirement to notify Worksafe Victoria of certain incidents – Refer to Vic OHS Act 2004 (Section 37 – 39).

For compliance codes and further information, visit Worksafe.

OHS policy

The AEU has a number of policies on OHS, developed by our HSR members and ratified by Branch Council and annual conference.

View policies

OHS legislation

When it comes to occupational health and safety, you need the law on your side – including a sound knowledge of the legislation! In Victoria, the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 sets out the laws that cover the health and safety of people employed in the education sector.

OHS campaigns

The AEU campaigns for improvements to health and safety in the workplace for members, and for workers across Australia and throughout the world.

View campaigns