Spotlight on health and safety representatives

Health and safety representatives (HSRs) have an important role to represent the interests of a work group in maintaining a healthy and safe work environment.

There can be as many HSRs and deputy HSRs as needed, with different HSRs representing specific aspects of the workplace (e.g. morning/afternoon shifts, production areas, office areas).

If workers do request an HSR, an employer must facilitate the election of an appropriate person to the position. Training must be done within three months and PCBUs must notify Workplace Health and Safety Queensland of the appointment. HSR training can be provided by any approved RTOs certified to deliver training across Queensland.

An organisation's HSR is likely to complete workplace inspections, review workplace incidents and attend interviews about safety with workers. They could also be called on to monitor compliance measures and issue provisional improvement notices or direct a worker to stop unsafe work.

Further information

Further information on the role of an HSR and the requirements for a PCBU can be found at worksafe.qld.gov.au.