You Asked, We Listened – HSR Training Now Available One Day Per Week Over Five Weeks
Over the past few months, many clients have told us that while they recognise the importance of Health and Safety Representative (HSR) training, releasing workers from the workplace for five consecutive days, or the traditional three-day and two-day training format, can be challenging. Operational demands, staffing levels, service delivery requirements, and the economic impact of prolonged absences can make attendance difficult, particularly in aged care, manufacturing, logis
Can a Union Delegate be an HSR?
A union delegate can also be elected as a Health and Safety Representative (HSR), provided they have been properly elected by the workers in their work group in accordance with the WHS Act. However, the two roles are separate: HSR Union Delegate Elected under the WHS Act by members of a work group. Appointed or elected under union rules. Focuses on health and safety risks. Focuses on industrial and employment interests. Represents all workers in the work group. Represents uni
HSRs and Risk Management
Work health and safety (WHS) is most effective when it is built on shared understanding, clear roles, and genuine collaboration. One of the key strengths of the WHS framework in Australia is the way it brings together the business, management, workers, and Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) to manage risks collectively. Understanding the role of HSRs in risk management is essential, not just for compliance, but for creating workplaces where safety systems actually wor
Health and Safety Committee Provisions in NSW WHS Act 2011
Section / Topic Extract / Legal Requirement Connection to Consultation Section 76 – Constitution of Committee The composition of a health and safety committee is to be agreed between the PCBU and workers. At least half of members must be workers not nominated by the PCBU. If no agreement, an inspector can decide. (NSW Legislation) This agreement mechanism is directly tied to consultation obligations — committees only exist if workers and PCBU agree or a regulator decides. Con
What does it take to be an HSR trainer?
Courtenell put considerable effort into expanding its scope of WHS services in 2023. Being one of the oldest training providers in New...
Revisions to the Safe Work Australia Worker Representation and Participation Guide
In 2024 Safe Work Australia amended the Safe Work Australia Worker Representation and Participation Guide previously published in 2022. While no major changes were made to the core information regarding WHS consultation, representation, and participation, the amended guide incorporated changes to integrate recent legislative changes, specifically those related to the Fair Work Act 2009 and the Model WHS Regulation.
Three Categories of WHS Offences and a Table of NSW Penalty Units (2024-2025)
The NSW WHS Act 2011 has recently been amended. These amendments have included an increase in the penalty rates for WHS breaches. ....
HSR training is not “optional”
SafeWork NSW have an initial course and a refresher course for health and safety representatives. ...
What is Work Health & Safety Risk Management?
Weekly WHS Article 30th May 2024 WHS risk management is the systematic process of identifying hazards, assessing the risks associated...
Safe Work Australia Advice on WHS Consultation
Weekly WHS Article 8th November 2023 A PCBU must consult with their workers about work health and safety matters in their workplace....
It’s the PCBU’s duty to consult
WHS consultation has always been a major focus for SafeWork NSW as it is a major part of WHS Law. Consultation and communication ...
What do HSRs Learn in SafeWork NSW’s new HSR Course?
Weekly WHS Article 29th June 2023 If an HSR wants to be able to that role fully, they must be trained on SafeWork NSW’s initial 5-day...
WHS Law: “Everything old is new again”
When the Model WHS laws commenced in Australia in 2012 it brought to Australia a new and updated look at workplace health and safety and ...