Health and Safety Representatives Training
The Occupational Health Safety Act 2004 creates a legal entitlement for Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) to receive training in occupational health and safety at an initial level. This entitlement allows HSRs to attend training courses that are either delivered by WorkSafe or by training providers that are approved by WorkSafe.
Initial training
According to the OHS Act an employer must allowtheir HSRs and deputy HSRs to:
- attend initial occupational health and safety training
- undertake refresher training at least once a year
Refresher training
Refresher training may be taken any time after 12 months has elapsed from the initial training, and then again 12 months after that etc. Deputy HSRs are also entitled to attend this training (see section 57(3) of the OHS Act 2004). The entitlement to refresher training only applies to those HSRs (and deputies) who have completed an initial training course.
HSRs who were elected and who have already completed a training course under the OHS Act 1985 are also entitled to the refresher training under the 2004 Act for each year in office.
HSRs and deputy HSRs are entitled to be paid their normal salary entitlements whilst attending this training. As well, the employers of the HSRs and deputy HSRs must pay the costs of the training course.
Other approved training
- S69 WorkSafe approved training
- WorkSafe approved HSR training on October 30, 2008
- How to apply for the training
S69 WorkSafe approved training
In addition to the initial and refresher training, an employer must allow a HSR time off with pay to attend other approved training (see section 69 (1)(d)(ii) of the OHS Act 2004). The OHS Act 2004 does not oblige the employer to pay for the cost of this training as is required for training under section 67.The HSR must give the employer at least 14 days' notice.
Deputy HSRs do not have an entitlement to the additional training provided for under this provision, unless the deputy HSR is acting in lieu of the HSR who is unavailable at this time because they are absent (e.g. leave) or no longer hold office.
WorkSafe approved HSR training on October 30, 2008
The health and safety representative (HSR) training course "Time to deliver - the Highest OHS Standards", scheduled for Thursday October 30, 2008, has been approved by WorkSafe under Section 69(1)(d)(ii). All HSRs have an entitlement (with pay) to attend this training, provided the employer is given at least 14 days' notice.
The course will be held from 9am to 5 pm at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre, 2 Clarendon St., Southbank. The training provider approved to deliver this course is the Victorian Trades Hall Council. Further information is available online at www.ohsrep.org.au
This entitlement does not extend to deputy HSRs, unless the deputy HSR is acting in lieu of the HSR who is unavailable at this time because they are absent (e.g. leave) or no longer hold office.
How to apply for the training
You may use this form HSR Training Request to make an application for this training (and s67 training) with your employer.
More information
• Occupational Health & Safety Act 2004
• Approved training providers
• OHS Reps at Work
• Employee Representation
