Health and Safety Representatives (HSR’s, OHS Representative) have a key role in representing and supporting co-workers in their workgroup to ensure an employer lives up to their responsibility to provide a safe workplace.
As an elected HSR you are not responsible for managing health and safety risks in the workplace – that is the employer’s legal duty under the Victorian OHS Act. We all know that sometimes employers can get ‘distracted’ from this responsibility, and that HSR are there to keep their colleagues safe at work.
As an elected HSR you have many powers under the Act to focus your employer’s attention on hazards that need to be addressed. A HSR has more powers than a Delegate, Union Official and sometimes even the employer! You could be doing anything from playing a support role with a co-worker, inspecting the workplace for potential risks, participating in consultation around workplace changes, right up to ordering a cease work if there is an immediate risk to workers’ health and safety.
HSR’s have a legal right to paid time for training and inspecting the workplace for hazards. and support and you can learn valuable skills that can be put to use to improve your workplace and support your co-workers.
Who is the HSR in your area? When was the last time you had a HSR election? Contact the AEAV for support in taking on this role or in making sure you are trained and up to date with the OHS Act. Details of AEAV training (offered through the UWU) is below.
Health and Safety Initial Training Courses (5 Day)
- 23, 24, 25 June & 21, 22 July 2021 (Geelong)
- 05, 06, 07 & 27, 28 July 2021 (Docklands)
- 30, 31 August & 01, 21, 22 September 2021 (Docklands)
- 08, 09, 10, 30 November & 01 December 2021 (Docklands)
Health and Safety Refresher Training Courses (1 Day)
- 15 June 2021 (Shepparton)
- 20 July 2021 (Docklands)
- 15 September (Dandenong)
- 20 September 2021 (Docklands)
- 26 October 2021 (Docklands)
