WHS legislation requires employers to adopt a Risk Management approach to identifying, controlling and eliminating risks to the health and safety of employees and visitors.  Employers are also required to establish a WHS mechanism with either a Health & Safety Representative (HSR) or a consultative team of multiple HSRs.

The Health and Safety Representative Initial - 5 Days course meets the needs of employers, managers, supervisors, Health & Safety Representatives and WHS Committee Members. This course will be delivered by a WorkCover approved trainer.

The Health and Safety Representative Initial - 5 Days course is designed for newly elected health and safety representatives (HSRs) and is delivered by WorkCover Approved Trainers. This training will provide HSRs with an understanding of their roles, responsibilities and powers as outlined in legislation.

HSRs provide an effective way for the persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) to meet their obligation to consult with workers on work health and safety matters.

An HSR is a valuable resource in promoting health and safety information to workers. They play an active role in assisting the PCBU to protect workers against risks. HSRs assist in developing a stronger commitment to safety from workers by involving them in decisions on how to manage risks and getting rapid resolution of health and safety issues.

The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 provides for the election of HSRs as the primary mechanism to represent workers on health and safety issues.

HSRs are entitled to choose and attend an approved five day training course in work health and safety. The PCBU must allow the HSR to attend within a 3 month period of the request for training and is responsible for payment of course fees.

Health and Safety Representative Initial - 5 Days Course Details

Day 1 - Work Health and Safety Framework

• Work Health and Safety and evolution of WHS legislation
• WHS framework and key terminology
• Duty holders and their duties
• Introduction to the role and function of HSRs and WHS entry permit holders
• Role and function of WorkCover and Penalties under the WHS Act

Day 2 - Consultation, Representation and Participation

• Consultation requirements and arrangements in the workplace
• Roles and responsibilities of HSRs in consultation
• Role of Health and Safety Committees
• HSRs' rights entitlements and protections
• Exceptions from obligations and the review process

Day 3 - Role of the HSR in Issue Resolution and minimising risks

• Effective consultation and communication
• Investigating complaints , negotiation issues resolution and problem solving
• Monitoring and review of risk controls and the role of the HSR

Day 4 - Inspections, Notifiable Incidents, Incident Investigation

• Workplace inspection and recording findings - practical
• Hazard identification prompt list
• Sample workplace inspection checklist
• Notifiable incidents
• Incident investigation techniques - practical

Day 5 - Provisional Improvement Notices (PINs) and ceasing unsafe work

• Purpose and function of PINs
• Role and requirements for HSRs to issue PINs and process for issuing a PIN
• Directing unsafe work to cease and alternatives to PINs or ceasing unsafe work

Delivery

Training is delivered face to face including both theory and activities. 

Award and Recognition

Successful participants will be awarded with a WorkCover Certificate.

Conditions

Evidence of Identity with photo and signature is required.