Health and Safety Representative Training

What is Health and Safety Representative Training – 5 Day

Health and Safety Representative training is 5 days face to face training in the classroom. During this time participants will have access to highly skilled and motivated HSR trainers. These trainers have been in the VET training and assessment environment for over 25 years. The HSR Training course provides an interactive, engaging and supportive learning environment. Having a HSR will assist in providing improvements to health and safety at a workplace.

The as discussed by the Safety Consultant in the training, the primary role of a HSR is to represent the health and safety interests of a work group. Additional duties are to raise any issues with their employer. There can be as many HSRs and deputy HSRs as needed in a business. This can be achieved only after consultation, negotiation and agreement between workers and the employer.

Price
Public Course Full Course (5 Days) – $890
Inhouse Full Course (5 Days) – $9500* +Notes and GST
*Travel costs may apply outside of the Gold Coast. Please send an inquiry through the portal or alternatively complete and forwards the completed enrolment form.

NOTE: For group bookings outside our public course schedule or at your location. Please submit your group booking enquiry through the portal for an obligation free quote.

What is the Health and Safety Representative Course about

The role of the Health and Safety Representative (HSR) is primarily to liaise with other staff. The HSR can also identify health and safety issues and convey these to management. HSR training is to be provided to workers who are elected by fellow staff to represent the views of the staff group.

The Safety Consultant will provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to fulfil their role as a Health and Safety Representative (HSR) in Queensland. DRA Safety Specialists is a WorkSafe Queensland approved provider of this course and other work health and safety courses.

HSRs in Queensland are entitled to attend this training course within three months of being elected as the HSR. Employers are required to allow the HSR to take paid time off work to attend this training and pay for training costs. Likewise, HSRs are also entitled to attend one day refresher courses. This training is to be completed at least every three years after the initial five day course has been completed (as per the Work Health and Safety legislation).

What Is Covered In The Health and Safety Representative Training Course

The key areas covered by this course include:

– Overview of the WHS legislative framework. (See SafeWork Australia Model Laws)
– Duties of various parties including the health and safety representative role.
– Key WHS terminology.
– The role of WorkSafe Queensland and penalties for non‐compliance.
– Requirements and mechanisms for consultation in the workplace on work health and safety issues.
– Role, Entitlements and protections available for HSRs and Health and Safety Committees (HSCs).
– Resolving workplace health and safety issues through negotiation and conflict resolution.
– Identifying hazards and ways in which they can be eliminated or minimised including WHS Training.
– Incident notification and investigation.

Each of these topics lead to the HSR possibly issuing a provisional improvement notice (PIN) after consulting with the other party. Only the HSR that has attended the approved training course can issue the provisional improvement notice (PIN). These courses are approved under section 21 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 being:
– an initial five-day training course
– a one day refresher course.

Please see our posts on common health and safety terms that are covered in this training.

Course Delivery Format
​Courses are delivered in-person at the DRA Safety Specialists training facility or a suitable location in your workplace for group bookings.

Course Inclusions

Training conducted by an experienced Safety Consultant with over 25 years of strong knowledge of relevant WHS legislation and Codes of Practice
– Practical and theoretical activities to assist the health and safety representative training.
– Participant notes and a full copy of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.

Each Trainee Must Provide the following
– Proof of being at least 18 years of age.
– Have at least a Year 10 level of numeracy, literacy and communication skills.
– Provide 3 evidence of identity (EOI) documents on the morning of day 1 of training. To view the types of documents you can provide Click here.
– The ability to read and write English to complete the exercises set by the Government.

Check out our Training Events page for upcoming training events being completed inhouse. Alternatively, one of our experienced safety consultants can go to your organisation and deliver the training.

We offer a range of health and safety courses, safety training and WHS consultancy services. This training topic is explained in more detail in our posts area where the origins of the HSR are explored.

Contact us today for an obligation free quote on any of our services.

Following are some specific information on the role of the Heath and Safety Representative in the workplace.

How does a Health and Safety representative communicate with management and employees in the workplace?

A Health and Safety (H&S) representative communicates with management and employees in the workplace in several ways to ensure that everyone is aware of the importance of H&S and the role of the H&S representative. The H&S representative may use various methods of communication, such as holding regular meetings with management and employees, sending out notifications and reminders, and conducting training sessions.

The HSR may also use email, intranet, or other forms of digital communication to disseminate information and provide updates on H&S initiatives. Additionally, the H&S representative may hold open forums where employees can express their concerns and ask questions, as well as provide feedback to management on any H&S issues or incidents. Communication is an essential part of the H&S representative’s role, as it helps to foster a safe and healthy work environment.

What are the key skills required for a Health and Safety representative to be effective?

A Health and Safety representative must possess several key skills to be effective in their role.
These include:
– Good communication skills: The representative must be able to communicate effectively with employees, management, and other stakeholders to ensure that health and safety concerns are addressed in a timely manner.

– Knowledge of health and safety legislation: A strong understanding of the relevant health and safety laws and regulations is crucial for a Health and Safety representative to be able to carry out their responsibilities effectively.

– Risk assessment skills: The representative must be able to identify and assess health and safety risks in the workplace, and provide appropriate recommendations to management.

– Attention to detail: The representative must be meticulous in their approach to their work and be able to identify potential health and safety hazards in the workplace.

– Leadership skills: The representative must be able to motivate and inspire employees to prioritize health and safety, and to work together to create a safer working environment.

– Problem-solving skills: The representative must be able to think critically and creatively to find solutions to complex health and safety problems in the workplace.

– Interpersonal skills: The representative must have strong interpersonal skills to be able to build relationships and collaborate with employees, management, and other stakeholders.

How can a Health and Safety representative influence workplace safety policies and procedures?

A Health and Safety representative can influence workplace safety policies and procedures by bringing attention to any potential hazards or unsafe practices they observe in the workplace. They can also provide input and suggestions for improving safety procedures, and offer solutions for addressing identified hazards.

Additionally, the Health and Safety representative can represent the interests of employees and ensure that management is aware of their concerns. By working collaboratively with management and employees, the Health and Safety representative can play a key role in promoting a safe and healthy workplace.

What is the difference between a Health and Safety representative and a safety officer?

A Health and Safety representative (HSR) and a safety officer have different roles and responsibilities in the workplace. HSRs are elected by workers in a workplace and have the power to represent their colleagues in health and safety matters. They are involved in identifying and resolving workplace health and safety issues and have the authority to request and receive information from the employer.

On the other hand, a safety officer is a professional employed by the employer with the responsibility to oversee and manage workplace health and safety.

They provide technical expertise and advice on health and safety matters and have a more proactive role in implementing safety policies and procedures, conducting safety audits and investigations, and developing safety programs. While both play an important role in promoting workplace safety, the level of responsibility and authority differ between the two positions.

How does a Health and Safety representative handle health and safety incidents in the workplace?

The primary role of a Health and Safety (H&S) representative is to represent the health and safety concerns of employees in the workplace. When a health and safety incident occurs, the representative’s role is to promptly report the incident to the appropriate management or supervisory personnel.

The representative may also assist with the investigation of the incident, provide input into any corrective actions that may be needed, and ensure that proper follow-up procedures are in place to prevent future incidents. The representative may also provide support to employees who have been affected by the incident, and ensure that any necessary medical treatment is obtained.

The representative should also keep accurate records of all incidents and any related activities to assist with future evaluations and assessments of the workplace health and safety program.

Safety and Training Gallery