How Can the Powers and Functions of a HSR Be Used to Improve the Workplace?

In Australia, a Health and Safety Representative (HSR) plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of workers and identifying safety issues in the workplace.

An HSR’s primary role is to represent their fellow employees and work collaboratively with management to create a safer working environment.

By understanding the powers and functions of an HSR, organisations can leverage their expertise to improve workplace health and safety, reduce risk to health, and promote a culture of proactive risk management.

What Is a Health and Safety Representative (HSR)?

Defining their role, an HSR is an elected workgroup representative who plays a crucial part in maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.

Their primary role is to identify and report safety issues, hazards, and risks and work with the employer to implement control measures to mitigate them.

Deputy HSRs

The HSR may not be able to always be available and present to represent the work group.

In the absence of the HSR, the deputy HSR can take on the HSR’s role and perform the functions/powers associated with that position.

The same rules apply to the election process of deputy HSRs as they do for HSRs.

The majority of arrangements are the same for HSRs and deputy HSRs.

• Terms of office.
• Grounds for disqualification.
• HSR Immunity.
• Training is a right.

A new election should be held for the HSR post if an HSR leaves office.

What does a health and safety representative do?

1. Inspect the workplace after giving reasonable notice to the employer.
2. Investigate the circumstances of workplace incidents.
3. Issue a provisional improvement notice to the employer.
4. Request the assistance of a deputy HSR.
5. Participate in the development of safety standards and policies.
6. Represent workers in safety matters.
7. Stop work if there is an imminent exposure to a serious risk to health.

The Functions of an HSR

1. Conducting regular risk assessments.
2. Identifying and reporting safety issues.
3. Developing and implementing control measures.
4. Participating in the development of safety policies and procedures.
5. Providing education resources and training to workers.
6. Collaborating with the employer to develop a risk management process.

How Can the Powers and Functions of an HSR Be Used to Improve the Workplace?

1. Identify and address safety issues promptly.
2. Develop and implement effective control measures.
3. Provide training for HSRs and workers.
4. Collaborate with the employer to develop a risk management process.
5. Participate in the development of safety standards and policies.
6. Represent workers in safety matters.

Importance in the Workplace

An HSR is vital in ensuring the safety of workers and promoting a positive workplace health and safety culture.

They are responsible for conducting regular risk assessments, identifying potential hazards, and reporting them to the employer.

For instance, an HSR may identify a dangerous incident or a situation that poses an imminent exposure to a risk to health.

In such cases, they can issue a provisional improvement notice to the employer, outlining the necessary steps to rectify the situation.

This proactive approach helps prevent accidents and ensures a safer working environment.

Investigating Incidents and Accidents

An HSR’s primary role is to investigate incidents and accidents that occur in the workplace.

They must gather evidence, interview witnesses, and review incident reports to determine the root cause of the incident.

This information is crucial in developing strategies to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Accidents and incidents can have severe consequences, including injuries, fatalities, and damage to property.

Therefore, it is vital for an HSR to conduct thorough investigations to identify the underlying causes and recommend corrective actions.

This may involve issuing a provisional improvement notice to the employer, highlighting the necessary steps to rectify the situation.

Developing and Implementing Safety Procedures

Another critical function of an HSR is implementing safety procedures. They must develop and implement procedures that address specific safety concerns, ensuring that workers are aware of the risks and know how to mitigate them.

This may involve developing risk assessments, safety protocols, and emergency response plans.

Hazards and risks are inherent in many workplaces, including the plumbing industries and petroleum industries.

When can a health and safety representative inspect the workplace?

According to SafeWork NSW, workplace inspections are a great way to assess risks and identify hazards.

Workplace inspections should be performed regularly.

Regular workplace inspections reveal any changes, and you can then discuss safety directly with your staff.

Staff notice what you are doing.

They know you are sincere when you demonstrate a genuine commitment to safety by making positive changes.

Safety improvements can not only benefit your employees, but also your business.

The following should be included in any workplace inspection program:

• Inspections of equipment daily.
• Initial startup inspections.
• Before use, walk around mobile equipment.
• Daily and/or Weekly Supervisor Inspections.
• Weekly and/or Monthly Departmental Inspections.

Overview of Health and Safety Legislation

Not all workplaces are created equal, and that’s why a robust legislative framework is important to ensure the safety and well-being of employees.

In Australia, the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act) provides the foundation for a safe and healthy work environment. It also sets out the duties and obligations of employers, employees, and other parties to ensure a safer workplace environment.

Rights and Powers of an HSR

The legislation grants Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) specific rights and powers to exercise their functions effectively.

These include the ability to inspect the workplace, issue provisional improvement notices, and represent workers in safety matters.

Regulations empower HSRs to take proactive measures to identify and address safety risks and hazards. They can also request reasonable notice from employers to address imminent exposure to risks.

Obligations of Employers

Provide a Safe Work Environment: Employers must ensure the workplace is safe and healthy for all employees.

Consult with Employees: Employers need to actively engage with employees on safety issues, encouraging open communication and feedback.

Support HSRs (Health and Safety Representatives):

Initial Training: Ensure HSRs receive appropriate initial training.

Cover Costs: Cover the reasonable costs associated with their role.

Provide Resources: Give HSRs access to necessary resources and training providers to perform their duties effectively.

Comply with Employment Laws: Adhere to all relevant employment laws and regulations to maintain a safe working environment.

Workplace Health and Safety Representative Training and Courses

Mandatory Training Programmes

To become a certified HSR, one must complete an initial health and safety representative course approved by the relevant state or territory authority.

This initial HSR training provides HSRs with a strong knowledge of the legislative framework, risk management processes, and issue resolution procedures.

Certification and Recertification Processes

Any HSR who has completed the initial training program is certified to perform their duties.

However, to maintain their certification, HSRs must undergo recertification every three years, which involves completing a refresher course to update their knowledge and skills.

Plus, the certification and recertification processes ensure that HSRs stay up-to-date with changing safety standards, regulations, and industry best practices, enabling them to provide effective guidance and support to their colleagues.

Continuing Education and Skill Development

Continuing education and skill development opportunities, such as workshops, conferences, and online courses, help HSRs enhance their skills and knowledge, enabling them to identify and mitigate safety risks more effectively.

Benefits of Having an HSR

Improved Workplace Safety Culture:

Enhanced Compliance: The presence of an HSR helps improve compliance actions with legislative frameworks and employment laws.

Risk Controls: HSRs identify safety issues and report them to employers, ensuring necessary actions are taken for safety outcomes.

Enhanced Employee Engagement and Participation:

Active Involvement: Safety-focused employees are more likely to engage in issue-resolution procedures, contributing to a safer work environment.

Encouraged Participation: HSRs encourage employee involvement in risk assessments and the development of control measures.

Open Communication: A well-trained HSR facilitates open communication channels, allowing employees to raise safety concerns without fear of reprisal. This leads to a more engaged workforce committed to maintaining a safer workplace for everyone.

Reduced Incidents and Accidents:

Proactive Audits: HSRs participate in proactive audits and compliance actions to identify potential hazards, reducing the likelihood of dangerous incidents.

Effective Risk Management: This proactive approach to the risk management process results in fewer accidents, reduced downtime, and lower costs associated with workers’ compensation claims.

Increased Productivity: A safer workplace leads to increased productivity and better overall safety outcomes.

Steps to Nominate or Elect an HSR

Under the Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act, workers have the right to elect an HSR to represent them on health and safety matters.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to become an HSR, a worker must be employed by the business or undertaking and be nominated by at least one worker.

The HSR must also be willing to take on the role and responsibilities.

Nomination and Election Process

Nominate a worker who is willing to take on the role of HSR.

The nomination process typically involves a worker submitting their name to the employer, stating their interest in becoming an HSR.

It is necessary to note that the election process should be fair and transparent, with all workers having the opportunity to vote.

The employer must provide reasonable notice to all workers of the election and ensure that the voting process is fair and transparent.

Training and Support for New HSRs

Once elected, the HSR is entitled to undergo initial training, which is necessary to understand their powers and functions under the WHS Act.

Electing an HSR is just the first step.

Employers must also provide training providers to deliver the required training, which covers topics such as risk assessments, issue resolution, and compliance actions.

This training enables HSRs to effectively identify and address safety issues in the workplace.

Does Your Organisation Need an HSR?

Identifying the Need for an HSR

If your organisation has seven or more workers, you are required by law to have an HSR. However, even with fewer workers, having an HSR can be beneficial in identifying and addressing safety issues and promoting a safer work environment.

Assessing the Workplace Risks and Hazards

With a thorough understanding of your workplace’s operations, you can identify potential safety risks and hazards. This includes assessing tasks, equipment, and processes that may pose a risk to health or safety.

Risks can arise from various sources, such as manual handling, hazardous substances, or dangerous incidents. By identifying these risks, you can determine if an HSR is necessary to help mitigate them and ensure the safety of workers.

Determining the Appropriate Number of HSRs

With multiple work areas or shifts, you may need to elect multiple HSRs to ensure adequate coverage.

The number of HSRs required depends on the size and complexity of your organisation.

Hazards can vary across different work areas, and having multiple HSRs can help address these specific safety concerns.

For instance, in the plumbing industries, HSRs may focus on hazards related to confined spaces, while in the petroleum industries, they may focus on hazardous materials handling.