The role of the Health and Safety Representative (HSR) is primarily to liaise with other staff to identify health and safety issues and convey these to management. HSRs are elected by fellow staff to represent the views of the staff group. The HSR role is important for consultation and departmental workplaces are encouraged to elect a HSR.
The HSR fulfils a different role to the HSA which is an appointed position. However, these two positions can work well together to gather information and expertise, and improve health and safety at your school or workplace. A HSR is of particular benefit at workplaces with fewer than 30 employees as a point of contact both for staff and the manager.
Appropriate training can provide the HSR with tools and knowledge that allow the person to effectively participate and improve health and safety in their school or workplace. With these skills the HSR can be a valuable member of the health and safety team.
There is no obligation for an elected HSR to attend training, however, on request the HSR is entitled to attend the approved course "Course in Functioning as a Health and Safety Representative - 30630QLD". The duration of the course is 5 days. Information on providers is available from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland .
When nominating a HSR consider:
This page was last reviewed on 22 Jan 2014