Queensland Health and Safety Representative Requirements 2024
Health and Safety Representative Training In Queensland in 2024
Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) play a crucial role in ensuring workplace safety. To be effective in this role, HSRs must undergo specific training. Here’s a clear and straightforward guide to understanding the training requirements and responsibilities for HSRs.
What is a Health and Safety Representative
A Health and Safety Representative (HSR) is an elected worker who represents the health and safety interests of their work group. The primary role of an HSR is to facilitate communication between workers and the employer (or Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking, PCBU) regarding workplace health and safety issues).
Responsibilities of Employers (PCBU)
Employers, referred to as Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU), have specific responsibilities to ensure HSRs are properly trained. They must:
- Ensure HSRs complete the required training.
- Allow HSRs to choose their training course.
- Permit HSRs to attend the training.
- Pay HSRs their usual wages, including any overtime, penalties, and allowances they would earn if they were working.
- Cover the training fees and other reasonable costs.
HSRs can only issue a Provisional Improvement Notice (PIN) if they have attended an approved training course. This ensures that HSRs are well-informed and capable of identifying and addressing workplace safety issues effectively.
Training Requirements
All newly elected HSRs must complete an approved training course within 28 days of their election. If the training course is not available within this period, they must complete it as soon as possible. Existing HSRs who have not yet completed the training must do so within the required timeframe. If they fail to undertake the training within this period, they will no longer be eligible to serve as HSRs and will need to be replaced.
Approved Training Courses
The training courses approved under section 21 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 include an initial five-day training course and a one-day refresher course that must be taken at least every 12 months. The entitlement to refresher training begins 12 months after the initial training.
Term of Office
HSRs are elected for a term of three years, as stated in section 64 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011. After this period, the workgroup must conduct an election to either re-elect the current HSR or elect a new one if the workgroup requests it.
Training for New and Re-elected HSRs
If a new HSR is elected, they must complete the initial five-day training course within 28 days of their election. If the current HSR is re-elected, they are required to undertake a one-day refresher training course within 28 days of re-election. If the re-elected HSR has not completed the refresher training within this period and the PCBU has a valid reason, the PCBU can request an exemption by emailing WHStraining@oir.qld.gov.au. The request must include details of the HSR, the date of the last training, and the reason for not completing the training on time.
Failure to Complete Training
If there is no valid reason for not completing the refresher training within the specified time, the HSR will need to attend the five-day training course again. This ensures that all HSRs are up-to-date with the latest safety practices and regulations, maintaining a safe and healthy workplace environment.
In summary, the training and responsibilities of HSRs are designed to ensure they are well-equipped to handle workplace safety issues. Employers must support HSRs in completing their training and fulfilling their roles effectively. By doing so, they contribute to a safer and healthier work environment for everyone.
Training Porgrams offered by KINNECT Training
For more infomation on the full five-day initial Queensland Health and Safety Course and the one-day refresher program, visit the KINNECT Training website at the following pages –