Role of health and safety representatives

The primary role of a health and safety representative (HSR) is to represent the health and safety interests of their work group, as well as to raise and discuss work health and safety (WHS) issues with the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU).

Negotiating to elect an HSR

If a request is made for the election of an HSR, the PCBU must complete negotiations with workers regarding work groups within 14 days of that request being made.  HSRs are elected members of their work group and represent workers on WHS matters.

Learn more about electing health and safety representatives in your workplace.

What is a work group

HSRs are elected by groups of workers (also called work groups) to represent them and act on their behalf in relations to WHS matters. Work groups are decided through negotiation and agreement between a PCBU and its workers. A work group may consist of all workers at a workplace or be split into multiple work groups where workers share similar work conditions or are exposed to similar risks and hazards, such as all workers on night shift.

HSR powers and functions

HSRs have specific powers and functions under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020.  To exercise all these powers and perform their functions, HSRs and their deputies must attend an initial five-day training course from a registered training organisation (RTO) approved by the Work Health and Safety Commission.

An HSR has the power to represent their work group in WHS matters and is authorised to:

• inspect the workplace after giving prior notice to the PCBU or without notice if there is a WHS risk or incident
• accompany a WorkSafe inspector during an inspection
• attend meetings between workers and a PCBU or an inspector (with the worker’s consent)
• request their PCBU to form a health and safety committee
• receive WHS information that affects the work group taking into consideration that a worker’s medical or personal information must be provided only with their consent
• request the assistance of another person.

You must have completed the HSR Training before you can carry out the following functions:

• issue a provisional improvement notice (PIN)
• direct workers to stop unsafe work.

As an HSR, you can only use these powers for the work group you represent, unless:

• the HSR for another group at the workplace is unavailable
• there is a significant risk to health and safety resulting from an immediate or imminent exposure or hazard or
• a member of another work group asks for assistance.

Learn more about health and safety representative powers, functions and rights.