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
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 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...
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
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.
Managers & Supervisors need to be trained
Company Directors, CEOs, and business owners need to use and be able to rely on their Managers and Supervisors to carry out actions ....
Do Workers Have the Right to Cease or Refuse Unsafe Work?
“A worker may cease, or refuse to carry out, work if the worker has a reasonable concern that to carry out the work would expose the...
Time Frames for HSRs
Time frame for negotiating to have HSRs If one or more workers requests to have health and safety representatives represent them for the...
Consulting with workers and worker representatives
A business must consult with workers who carry out work for the business or undertaking and who are, or are likely to be, directly ...
Court clarifies HSRs right to choose a HSR course
A decision by the NSW Industrial Relations Commission on 3 March 2017 has made it clear that a HSR can choose the HSR course they want to...
HSR Training for health and safety representatives
What HSR Training is available for a Health and Safety Representative? A Health and Safety Representative (HSR) is entitled to attend: a...