OHS Newsletter – August 2012 – Health & Safety Representatives (HSRs)

View Training Dates for Your City

  • Online

    Fire Warden (General Awareness ) Training

    $66

    Book Now
  • Online

    Fire Warden (General Awareness ) Training test

    $66

    Book Now
  • Face to Face

    PUAFER005 Nationally Recognised Fire Warden Training

    Sydney

  • ACT Training Fund

    PUAFER005 Nationally Recognised Fire Warden Training

    Canberra

    $197

    Apply Now
  • Face to Face

    PUAFER008 Nationally Recognised Fire Extinguisher Training

    Sydney

  • ACT Training Fund

    PUAFER008 Nationally Recognised Fire Extinguisher Training

    Canberra

    $169

    Apply Now
  • Face to Face

    PUAFER005 Fire warden and PUAFER008 Fire Extinguisher combined course

    Sydney

  • ACT Training Fund

    PUAFER005 Fire warden and PUAFER008 Fire Extinguisher combined course

    Canberra

    $297

    Apply Now
  • ACT Training Fund

    HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (Online theory + F2F Practical) (ACT Govt Funded - call 1800 900 222 to check eligibility)

    $65

    Apply Now
  • ACT Training Fund

    HLTAID011 Provide First Aid incl. HLTAID009 CPR Training (online theory plus F2F practical) (ACT Govt Funded - call 1800 900 222 to check eligibility)

    $145

    Apply Now
  • ACT Training Fund

    Nationally Recognised TLILIC0003 Forklift Training / ACT Govt Funded - call 1800 900 222 to check eligibility

    Canberra

    $540

    Apply Now
  • ACT Training Fund

    Nationally Recognised ACT Ready to Work Combo (CPCCWHS1001 White Card, 11084NAT Asbestos Awareness + 10830NAT Silica Awareness) / ACT Govt Funded - call 1800 900 222 to check eligibility

    $497

    Apply Now
  • ACT Training Fund

    11348NAT (Formerly 10852NAT) – Working Safely with Asbestos Containing Materials (ACT Govt Funded) - call 1800 900 222 to check eligibility)

    Canberra

    $357

    Apply Now
  • Online

    Enter and Work in Confined Space Training (VOC Refresher RIIWHS202E)

    $177

    Book Now
  • Online

    Working at Heights Training (VOC Refresher Course: RIIWHS204E)

    $177

    Book Now
  • Online

    Operate Elevating Work Platform (EWP) Training (VOC Refresher RIIHAN301E)

    $147

    Book Now
  • Online

    Apply First Aid Training (VOC Refresher HLTAID003/HLTAID011)

    $55

    Book Now
  • Online

    Provide Basic Emergency Life Support (VOC Refresher HLTAID002/HLTAID010)

    $47

    Book Now
  • Online

    Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (VOC Refresher HLTAID001/HLTAID009)

    $47

    Book Now
  • Online

    Gas Test Atmospheres Training (VOC Refresher MSMWHS217)

    $147

    Book Now

Now that we are well into 2012 and the new Work Health and Safety laws which
introduced the role of Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) in N.S.W., we
thought we would cover Health & Safety Representatives (HSRs) in more details.

HSR appointment

If a worker makes a request to the PCBU to facilitate the conduct of an election to
appoint HSRs, then the PCBU must facilitate the determination of one or more work
groups.

A work group is determined by consultation between the PCBU and the workers
who will form the work group. Negotiations in relation to work groups must be
commenced within 14 days of a request for elections. The PCBU must notify workers
of the outcome of the negotiations as soon as practicable. If there is a failure in the
negotiation process, any person can request an inspector to attend and resolve the
deadlock.

Election of HSRs

A worker is eligible to be elected as a HSR if he/she is a member of the work group.
The new legislation also allows for Deputy HSRs to be elected.

The workers in a work group determine how an election of an HSR is to be
conducted and the PCBU must provide resources, facilities and assistance that
would be reasonably necessary or prescribed to enable elections to be conducted.
All workers in a work group are entitled to vote. Although an election is not required if
the number of candidates equal the number of HSR vacancies.

The term of office for a HSR is 3 years unless they resign, cease to be a worker in
the work group, or are disqualified or removed by the majority of the work group
members.

Health and safety representatives (HSRs) are entitled to:

represent workers in health and safety matters;

monitor the measures taken by the PCBU;

investigate complaints relating to health and safety; and

enquire into anything that appears to be a risk to health or safety.

HSR Training

To date, WorkCover NSW has developed two approved HSR training courses. A 5-
Day Initial HSR Course and for 2012, a 1-Day Bridging course which is available for
all HSR’s who have previously attended the OHS 4-day Consultation Course.

PCBUs must allow HSRs to attend an approved course if the HSR requests training.
The PCBU must pay the course fees and allow HSRs the time to attend the training
and must also pay the HSR their normal pay during any time off to attend the
training.

Powers of HSRs

HSRs can:

inspect the workplace or any part of the workplace after giving the PCBU
reasonable notice, or immediately without notice if an incident involves
serious risks to the health and safety of any person;

accompany an inspector during an inspection;

be present at an interview concerning safety with an inspector and a worker
(with consent);

request that a health and safety committee be established; and

request the assistance of any person, including a union delegate, whenever
necessary.

Additional powers apply to HSRs who have attended the approved training:

HSRs have the power to direct any unsafe work to cease. This is limited to
directing workers in their own work group unless the HSR for another work group
is unavailable and there is a serious risk to health or safety or a member of that
group asks for their assistance.

HSRs may also issue provisional improvement notices (PIN). A PIN is a
notice requiring the PCBU to remedy, in the opinion of the HSR, a breach of the
WHS laws. It can only be issued after consulting with the PCBU first.

Note: If a PIN has been issued and the PCBU wishes to have the PIN reviewed
by an inspector, the PCBU can request a review. If no request for review is
made, the PIN must be complied with. Failure to comply with the PIN can result in
penalties.

PCBU duties in relation to HSRs

A PCBU must:

  • consult on safety matters with any HSR;
  • allow any HSR to have access to information relating to health and safety;
  • allow the HSR to be present in interviews;
  • provide any resources, facilities and assistance that is reasonably necessary;
  • allow a person assisting an HSR to have access to the workplace; and
  • permit a HSR to accompany an inspector and allow a HSR to spend such time as is reasonably necessary to exercise their powers and functions.

For further information, Safe Work Australia has developed the ‘Worker
Representation and Participation Guide’.

Latest OHS news

Our Social Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

I did the 5 days Comcare approved HSR Training with AlertForce, and it was a very informative session with our trainer Kevin who did a very fantastic job in making the discussions lively and interesting.
Course was a requirement. Could have been condensed slightly.
I attended the 5-day HSR training course. Our trainer, Kevin, was excellent. He covered all the material carefully and efficiently. He got everyone in the goup involved, and found ways to keep everyone engaged.Need some training? See if AlertForce offer a course.
Booked three of my staff in for Silica Awareness & Asbestos Training - friendly team to deal with, quick responses when required - definitely a one stop shop for all your training needs
Kevin was a fantastic trainer, he was patient and understanding whilst all 12 of us were learning a new trade, I appreciate all the effort he and others put in to the course, thank you.
Alertforce delivered training in an easy way to understand online for Silica Awareness 10830NAT Thank you
Good service, easy to deal with.
Amazing Team
Very friendly , supportive and professional team.
Awesome and easy to understand coarse.
As a resident of Malaysia, I decided to enroll in this course to upskill and enhance my professional capabilities. The training center has exceeded my expectations, offering a high-quality learning environment that is both good and convenient. One of its major advantages is its easy-to-find location, which is particularly beneficial for international students like myself. The center's proximity to Arncliffe station is a significant plus, as the close access to train transportation makes commuting a breeze. This convenient setup allows me to focus on my studies without worrying about logistical challenges.
Terrific service and support. The process was very swift and the team at Alertforce were very attentive to our needs and busy schedule. Thank you immensely for your amazing service.
Was good
Professional, easy booking, fast turn around
I had to get 4 staff members coming from the typical 4 corners and the staff bent over backwards to help me make it happen on a really tough timeline - special shout out to Josh - you’re a legend mate!
Big thanks to Jaime hawthorn she has been so much help
Amazing services
Flexible training schedule managed by very helpful staff. The trainer was knowledgeable and well prepared. Good place for asbestos and silica NAT trainings!

What our clients say

Payments & Security

Awards & Accreditations

act_award

Search Here

Make an Enquiry