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
Lack of Proactive Officer Duties Drives a 30 % Higher Workplace Fatality Rate
Victoria’s workplace health and safety regulator, WorkSafe Victoria, recorded 12 workplace fatalities in the 12 months to 21 November 2025. Twelve preventable deaths in one year, in industries where the hazards and controls are well known is an unacceptable toll by any measure. The causes remain unchanged: structural collapses, unguarded machinery, falls from height, fatigue-related vehicle incidents, and chemical explosions, concentrated in construction, agriculture, manufac
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...
Employer convicted and fined for failure to provide information
A recent case in New South Wales serves as a stark reminder of the importance of workplace health and safety (WHS) compliance and the...
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...
What is a Work Group?
A “work group” in WHS law are groups of people within the business that are represented by one person and their deputy for the purpose ...
If you have work groups you must have HSRs
In the context of Workplace Health and Safety, a business cannot have formal "work groups" without also having Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs). Under WHS law, the entire legal purpose of establishing a work group is to elect an HSR to represent that group. Workers must be represented in any decisions an organisation intends to make regarding health and safety. A business cannot simply introduce changes without first obtaining feedback and input from the members of th
WHS Consultation needs to be able to take place at any time
The Model WHS laws, in force since 2011, describe how a business may organize its workplace into workgroups and then have representatives...
Trainer feedback on HSR virtual courses
Here is some feedback from one of our WHS trainers who delivers the SafeWork NSW HSR courses virtually in Zoom and MS Teams. ....
Good News about SafeWork NSW’s updated HSR courses
In late 2022 SafeWork NSW completed a review of the SafeWork NSW developed Health and Safety Representatives Training Course Material ....
HSRs need to be trained on Psychosocial Hazards & Risks
Should HSRs be trained on psychosocial hazards & risks? The answer is yes.