Health & Safety Representative HSR | Training

Certification & Regulatory Alignment

Upon successful completion of this 5-day training program, participants will receive a:

• Health & Safety Representative Certificate.

Please note that this is a mandated regulatory training course rather than a standard VET unit of competency. It is strictly designed to meet Queensland legislative requirements.

CERTIFICATION DETAILS:

• Awarded Certificate: Health & Safety Representative (HSR) Certificate
• Regulatory Approval: Fully approved by WorkSafe Queensland (WHSQ).
• Legislative Alignment: Fulfils the mandatory training requirements for elected HSRs under Section 72 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (QLD) and Section 21 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (QLD).
• Jurisdiction: Recognised across all workplaces in Queensland (Brisbane, Gold Coast, and statewide).
• Maintenance: To maintain active compliance, HSRs are entitled to, and should complete, a 1-day WorkSafe QLD approved HSR Refresher course every 12 months.

WorkSafe QLD Approved Health & Safety Representative Training

ATTENTION QUEENSLAND HSRS AND PCBUS

Under Queensland Work Health and Safety legislation, it is mandatory for all newly elected Health & Safety Representatives (HSRs) to complete a formal, 5-day training course within 28 days of their election. Do not risk non-compliance. Stay qualified, confident, and legally compliant with OHSA’s government-approved HSR training program.

This comprehensive, WorkSafe Queensland-approved course equips participants with the practical knowledge and skills required to effectively fulfil their role as an HSR. The curriculum is strictly aligned with the statutory requirements outlined in Section 72 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (QLD) and Section 21 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (QLD).

As a licensed provider, OHSA delivers this essential training through public face-to-face classes at our Brisbane (Murarrie) and Gold Coast (West Burleigh) training centres. We also offer on-site corporate training for businesses across Queensland. To ensure ongoing compliance, OHSA provides the mandatory 1-day annual HSR Refresher course to keep your workplace safety skills current.

COURSE OBJECTIVES & KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES

Our 5-day HSR course is specifically designed for elected HSRs and Deputy HSRs. By the end of this course, participants will be fully equipped to:

• Understand the WHS Legislative Framework: Navigate the QLD Work Health and Safety Act and understand the HSR’s specific legal role and protections within it.
• Identify Legal Duties: Recognise the key workplace parties, including PCBUs (Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking), officers, and workers, and understand their respective legal obligations.
• Establish Effective Representation: Build and maintain effective health and safety representation within your designated work group.
• Facilitate Consultation: Actively participate in workplace consultation and drive structured workplace issue resolution processes.
• Represent Workers in Risk Management: Advocate for work group members during the WHS risk management processes conducted by the PCBU.
• Exercise HSR Powers: Confidently and legally issue Provisional Improvement Notices (PINs) and direct unsafe work to cease when necessary.

(Note: The nominated 5-day course completion time is an indication based on standard delivery. Active participation is required across all 5 days.)

Who is this HSR Course For?

This WorkSafe QLD approved training is specifically designed for individuals elected to represent the health and safety interests of their work group. Under Queensland WHS legislation, completing this 5-day course is a statutory requirement for specific elected roles.

This course is essential for:

• Newly Elected Health & Safety Representatives (HSRs): All newly elected HSRs in Queensland must complete this mandatory 5-day WorkSafe QLD approved training within 28 days of their election to exercise their full legislative powers.
• Elected Deputy HSRs: Deputy HSRs across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and regional Queensland who are preparing to step into a primary representative role and require the formal qualifications to act on behalf of an HSR.
• Health and Safety Committee (HSC) Members: Committee members looking to deepen their understanding of workplace consultation, incident review, and risk management processes.
• PCBUs and Management: Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs), site supervisors, and HR professionals seeking a comprehensive understanding of the statutory powers, rights, and responsibilities of an HSR within their organisation.

5-Day HSR Practical Skills & Training QLD

This 5-day WorkSafe Queensland approved course provides elected HSRs with the comprehensive knowledge, skills, and practical experience required to confidently perform their statutory duties.

Delivered face-to-face at our Brisbane and Gold Coast facilities (or on-site for corporate clients), the training combines written exercises with practical, real-world activities to ensure participants can effectively execute their legislative responsibilities under QLD WHS laws.

KEY TRAINING ACTIVITIES & HSR POWERS

During the 5-day program, participants will gain hands-on experience and learn how to legally and effectively exercise their HSR powers, including:

• Workplace Inspections: Conducting thorough workplace inspections to identify hazards and assess risks.
• Incident Investigation: Reviewing the circumstances of workplace incidents, near misses, and WHS complaints raised by work group members.
• Regulatory Interaction: Accompanied a WorkSafe Queensland inspector during official site inspections and inquiries.
• Worker Representation: Actively representing the work group in daily health and safety matters and during formal risk management processes.
• Consultation & Committees: Requesting the establishment of a Health and Safety Committee (HSC) and participating actively in its ongoing functions.
• Confidential Interviews: Conducting interviews with work group members regarding health and safety concerns (strictly with the member’s consent).
• Enforcement Powers: Legally issuing Provisional Improvement Notices (PINs) and directing workers to cease unsafe work, in accordance with the training and WHS legislation.

SCOPE OF THE HSR ROLE (JURISDICTION)

Typically, the legal authority and role of an elected HSR are limited to their specific work group. However, understanding jurisdictional boundaries is a critical part of this course.

An HSR may legally act outside their designated work group only under the following specific circumstances:

1. Immediate Hazard: When there is a serious risk to health or safety posed by an immediate hazard that affects another work group.
2. Requested Assistance: When a worker from another work group explicitly requests assistance, and the elected HSR for that specific group is unavailable.

This framework ensures that HSRs can effectively protect the health and safety of workers across the entire workplace while remaining strictly compliant with Queensland WHS legislation.

ID, Age & Eligibility for QLD HSR Training

To successfully enrol in and complete the 5-day WorkSafe QLD approved HSR course at our Brisbane or Gold Coast training centres, participants must strictly meet the following Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) conditions:

MANDATORY IDENTIFICATION (100 POINTS OF ID)

In accordance with strictly enforced WHSQ regulations, all participants must provide 100 points of original identification on the first day of training.

Acceptable forms of identification include:

• Primary ID: Australian Driver’s Licence, Australian or International Passport, or Queensland 18+ Card.
• Secondary ID: Medicare Card or a financial institution Debit/Credit Card (Note: Bank cards will be sighted by the assessor but not copied; other documents will be copied for verification and compliance purposes).

IMPORTANT COMPLIANCE NOTICE

Participants who are unable to provide the required 100 points of valid identification on Day 1 will not be permitted to attend the course, as per WorkSafe QLD regulations.

AGE REQUIREMENT

• Participants must be 18 years or older to enrol.
• OHSA does not provide this regulatory training for individuals under the age of 18.

VISA STATUS

Students must not be on a student visa or be the partner of someone on a student visa.

LITERACY & PHYSICAL CAPACITY

• Literacy & Numeracy: Participants must possess sufficient English literacy and numeracy skills to effectively read, interpret, and understand complex workplace safety instructions, QLD legislation, and incident reports.
• Physical Capacity: Participants must have the physical ability to attend and actively participate in a standard, classroom-based 5-day training program.

FITNESS FOR DUTY & CLASSROOM POLICY

Safety starts in the classroom. No student will be permitted to undertake the course or any session if they are impaired. This includes being under the influence of alcohol, illegal/illicit substances, or experiencing impairment from prescribed medication, or severe fatigue.

FAQs HSR Training & Legislation

• Who is required to complete HSR training in Queensland? Under Queensland legislation, all newly elected Health & Safety Representatives (HSRs) and Deputy HSRs must complete a mandatory 5-day WorkSafe QLD approved training course within 28 days of their election. If a course is not reasonably available within 28 days, it must be completed as soon as possible.
• How long is the HSR course, and do I need a refresher? The initial HSR certification is a 5-day course delivered in a face-to-face classroom setting. To maintain active compliance and keep WHS skills up to date with changing legislation, HSRs are entitled to, and should complete, a 1-day WorkSafe QLD approved HSR Refresher course every 12 months.
• Who pays for HSR training, and do I get paid while attending? According to WorkSafe Queensland, your employer or PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking) must pay all reasonable costs for the approved training. Furthermore, the PCBU must allow the HSR to attend during ordinary working hours and pay the HSR the exact amount they would have earned if they were performing their normal duties. The HSR also has the right to choose their approved training provider, such as OHSA.
• What powers does an HSR have after completing the course? Upon completing the 5-day approved training, an HSR has the legal authority to represent their work group in WHS matters. Key powers include issuing Provisional Improvement Notices (PINs), directing workers to cease unsafe work, undertaking workplace inspections, investigating incidents, and requesting the establishment of a Health and Safety Committee (HSC).
• Is an HSR personally liable for mistakes made in their role? No. Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (QLD), a trained HSR is not personally liable for anything done, or omitted to be done, in good faith while carrying out their legislative role and exercising their powers.
• What is a “Work Group” and how long is an HSR’s term? A work group is a group of workers who share a similar work situation, hazards, or risks. The elected HSR represents the health and safety interests of this specific group. The standard term of office for an elected HSR or Deputy HSR in Queensland is three years, after which they can be re-elected.
• Can OHSA deliver HSR training on-site at my workplace? Yes. OHSA provides on-site HSR training for businesses across Queensland.
• What ID and eligibility requirements are needed to attend the course? Due to strict WorkSafe QLD regulations, participants must be at least 18 years old, possess sufficient literacy and numeracy skills, and provide exactly 100 points of valid identification (e.g., Australian Driver’s Licence, Passport, QLD 18+ card, Medicare card) on Day 1. If you cannot provide the required ID on the first day, you will not be permitted to attend.
• How do I register for the OHSA HSR course? You can easily book online via the OHSA website for our upcoming public sessions at our Brisbane (Murarrie) or Gold Coast (West Burleigh) training centres. For group bookings, you can request a tailored on-site corporate quote.