Health and Safety Representative Refresher Training July 2023 – WHSQ Approved

Health and Safety Representative Refresher Training

This Health and Safety Representative Refresher course is to update participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to fulfil their role as a Health and Safety Representative (HSR) in Queensland. DRA is a WorkSafe Queensland approved provider of this course, which is compliant under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld).

HSRs in Queensland are entitled to attend this WorkSafe Queensland approved one day training course every three years of the initial 5-day training course. Employers are required to allow the HSR to take paid time off work to attend this training and pay for training costs.

From 1 February 2019, all HSRs must undertake the relevant approved training course within three months of their election unless a training course is not reasonably available within this period. Existing HSRs, who have not already completed the training, must complete the training within the required period. If a worker chooses not to undertake the training within the time period, they will no longer be eligible to fulfil the role of HSR and will need to be replaced.

HSRs and deputy HSRs can ask a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) to attend approved courses.

The PCBU must give HSRs paid time off to attend the Health and Safety Representative Refresher Training course and pay the course costs and reasonable expenses, within three months of the request.

This Health and Safety Representative Refresher training course covers training required of a student in their role as an elected HSR. Training consists of written answers and practical exercises in the following:

• undertake workplace inspections
• review the circumstances of workplace incidents
• accompany a WHSQ inspector during an inspection
• represent the work group in health and safety matters
• attend an interview about health and safety matters with a worker from the work group (with the consent of the worker)
• request that a health and safety committee be established
• participate in a health and safety committee
• monitor compliance measures
• investigate work health and safety complaints from work group members
• inquire into any risk to the health and safety of workers in the work group
• issue provisional improvement notices and direct a worker to cease unsafe work (where the HSR has completed the approved training).

The role of a HSR is generally limited to their own work group unless:

• there is a serious risk to health or safety (created by an immediate hazard) affecting workers from another work group
• a worker in another work group asks for the HSR’s assistance, and the HSR for that other work group is found to be unavailable.

A HSR can only issue a provisional improvement notice (PIN) if they have attended an approved training course.

This course aims to provide HSRs and deputy HSRs, with information and skills relating to:

• Interpreting the WH&S legislative framework and its relationship to the HSR
• Identifying key parties and their legislative obligations and duties
• Establishing representation in the workplace
• Participating in consultation and issue resolution
• Representing members in the WHS risk management process undertaken by the PCBU
• Issuing a Provisional Notice (PIN) and directing the Cessation of Work.

Training courses approved under section 21 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011, are:
– an initial five-day training course
– a one day Health and Safety Representative Refresher course at least every three years. The entitlement to the Health and Safety Representative Refresher Training begins three years after the initial training.

For more information call us 07 5573 6199 or email us at info@drasafety.com.au, alternatively peruse the other training courses on offer.

For more information on this Health and Safety Representative Refresher Training please contact us or peruse the other training courses on offer.