HSR Initial OHS Training Course

Effective and positive input from Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) can assist an organisation’s management to be proactive on Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) related issues across all work sites, including offsite work locations.

Additionally, timely consultation and communication from workers via their HSRs can help focus local attention to the needs for training, information and supervision to prevent inappropriate and often quite dangerous daily practices that lead to serious, even notifiable incidents.

This WorkSafe approved course will assist Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) and Deputy Health and Safety Representatives (DHSRs) to understand and effectively exercise their power, protections and entitlements under the OHS Act 2004.

OHS training equips HSRs/DHSRs with the confidence, skills and knowledge to represent their designated work groups and to help make their workplace safer. This highly interactive five-day program includes discussions and problem-solving exercises to assist with effective resolution of workplace OHS.

Although HSRs are the primary audience, managers, supervisors, health and safety committee members and anyone with an interest in health and safety may also benefit from attending this course.

The learning objectives of this course include:

- Interpreting the OHS legislative framework and its relationship to the HSR
- Identifying key parties and their legislative obligations and duties
- Participating in consultation and issues resolution
- Establishing representation in the workplace
- Representing designated work group members in any OHS risk management process undertaken by the appropriate duty holder(s)
- Issuing a Provisional Improvement Notice (PIN) and directing the cessation of work.

Under section 67 of the Victorian OHS Act 2004, an employer, if requested, must allow an elected HSR and elected Deputy HSR to attend a WorkSafe approved HSR Initial OHS Training Course on paid time, pay the cost of the course and any other associated costs.

Section 67 also allows HSRs to choose the approved training course they attend in consultation with their employer.

This course is run one day per week for five weeks. Day one of the course is mandatory.