top of page

If you have work groups you must have HSRs

  • Writer: Courtenell
    Courtenell
  • May 11, 2023
  • 2 min read

Updated: 2 days ago


Workers must be represented in any decisions that an organisation or business (PCBU) intends to make on matters of health and safety.(Ref 1) A PCBU cannot simply make changes regarding a work health and safety matter without first getting feedback from the members of the workforce. This information is obtained by consulting each member of the workforce that may be affected by the health and safety matter being addressed. The organisation director and other officers of the business must ensure this occurs.


Sometimes it is impractical for the director or their representatives to go around the workplace and talk to every person about health and safety, or rely on survey responses, email traffic, or phone calls to get the information they need, especially if the WHS matter is urgent or critical.


It may be better suited for the business to split the workplace into sections, departments, or units and deal with one person who represents each group of people.


In the WHS Act and Regulation these groups are called "work groups" and they are established for the purposes of helping the business consult its workforce on WHS matters.


  • The requirement and steps to follow to establish work groups are stated in Sections 51-58 of the WHS Act 2011.


Once the work groups are established, the people in these work groups must elect someone in their group to represent them. This person will be their Health and Safety Representative. There must be at least one HSR for every work group.


  • The requirement and steps to follow to elect HSRs is stated in Sections 60-67 of the WHS Act 2011.


Having HSRs may be a better way to give and receive information between management and the workforce, on WHS matters. The HSRs of each work group can facilitate information requests from management and obtain feedback from all persons in their work group if a WHS matter affects them. They then pass this information to management so that management can make correct and relevant decisions. An HSR must be available at all times to the workers of a work group as well as to management.


Directors (officers of a PCBU) must ensure that these PCBU obligations are met. They may be held personally liable for a breach. It is in the best interests of management to be very strict on ensuring HSRs are there and “on the job” at all times.


HSRs play a major role in assisting a business to consult with the workforce on matters of health and safety. It can be a matter of life or death in some instances. Make sure you have enough HSRs so that there is always an HSR when you need one. Training them in the SafeWork NSW 5-day HSR course can equip them with the knowledge and commitment that will help them to effectively carry out their vital role in helping to create a safe and healthy workplace.




References:

Ref 1: SafeWork Australia the Meaning of PCBU


Other References:

1. SafeWork NSW: “Workgroups”




11th May 2023


Copyright © 2023 Courtenell. All rights reserved.

Comments

Recent Posts
bottom of page