Health and Safety Representative (WA) - 5 day course

The Health and Safety Representative (HSR) plays a key role in improving health and safety in the workplace by representing the health and safety interests of workers. HSRs are elected by their workgroup under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA) and are empowered to monitor, investigate, and report on health and safety matters.

This WorkSafe WA-approved five-day training course equips newly elected HSRs with the knowledge and skills necessary to carry out their role in accordance with the WHS Act 2020 and WHS Regulations 2022 (WA). 

Employers are legally required to allow elected HSRs to attend this course within three months of election and to cover any associated costs. After completing this initial training, HSRs are entitled to attend a one-day refresher course each year they continue in the role.

This course is delivered face-to-face in classroom settings.

This course is intended for newly elected Health and Safety Representatives in Western Australia, as required under the WHS Act 2020. There are no formal entry requirements, but participants should have basic literacy and numeracy skills.

If you are unsure about meeting the Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) requirements, please contact student.services@civilsafety.edu.au for guidance.

Information for Reps who completed their original 5-day training under the OHS legislation and are wanting to sit the refresher training:
“The transitional arrangements for health and safety representatives (HSRs) elected under the previous Mines Safety Inspection Act 1994 or Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 end at the close of 30 March 2023. 
 
Workers represented by HSRs elected under previous legislation should now commence negotiations to determine work groups and elect HSRs under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WHS Act).
The Information sheet: Electing health and safety representatives contains information on the election process.  
 
HSRs who completed training under the previous legislation are not required to attend another five-day course. All HSRs are entitled to attend up to one day’s refresher training each year.” – WorkSafe WA Website frequently asked questions page
 
Course topics covered
Work Health and Safety (WA) and health legislation
Hazard identification and risk management
Communication and representation of employees
Conflict resolution and the issue of
Provisional Improvement Notices (PINs)
 
Further information about this course can be found on WorkSafe website. The training gives candidates the knowledge and skills to carry out the important functions and responsibilities under the legislation necessary to be an effective SHR in the workplace.  Candidates will be equipped to effectively represent others on matters of workplace safety and health.
 
Employer Nomination Required
This course requires you to be nominated by your employer please refer to the below links to WorkSafe’s website for direct information:
 
Electing health and safety representatives
Training for health and safety representatives
 
Helpful resources from Worksafe
Here are some helpful fact sheets from WorkSafe in regard to Safety Representatives.
 
Frequently asked Questions
Health and safety representative (HSR)s frequently asked questions | Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (commerce.wa.gov.au)
 
Electing health and safety representatives
https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/atoms/files/221157_br_hsrelection.pdf
 
Health and safety representative powers, functions and rights
https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/atoms/files/221158_br_hsrpowers.pdf
 
Provisional improvement notices (PINs) and direction to stop unsafe work
https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/atoms/files/221119_br_provisionalimprovementnotice.pdf

Further information about this course can be found on WorkSafe website. The training gives candidates the knowledge and skills to carry out the important functions and responsibilities under the legislation necessary to be an e?ective SHR in the workplace.  Candidates will be equipped to e?ectively represent others on matters of workplace safety and health.
 
Employer Nomination Required
This course requires you to be nominated by your employer please refer to the below links to WorkSafe’s website for direct information:
 
Electing health and safety representatives
Training for health and safety representatives
 
Helpful resources from Worksafe
Here are some helpful fact sheets from WorkSafe in regard to Safety Representatives.
 
Frequently asked Questions
Health and safety representative (HSR)s frequently asked questions | Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (commerce.wa.gov.au)
 
Electing health and safety representatives
https://hsrmatters.safetyline.wa.gov.au/hsr/electing-hsrs/ 
 
Provisional improvement notices (PINs) and direction to stop unsafe work
https://www.worksafe.wa.gov.au/provisional-improvement-notices-pins-and-direction-stop-unsafe-work