Powers of HSR's.
admin • November 27, 2024
Health and Safety Representative have substantial powers.
It is important to remember that The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 does not impose any duties upon HSR's. It does, however, provide HSR's with a number of powers.
HSR's have the Power to:
- Inspect any part of workplace in which a member of their Designated Work Group (DWG) works.
- Take photographs or measurements or make sketches or recordings in any part of the workplace in which a member of their DWG works.
- Accompany an inspector during a workplace inspection involving their DWG.
- Require a Health and Safety Committee to be established.
- Attend interviews on OHS matters, to represent a DWG member who consents.
- Seek the assistance of any person when necessary.
- Access information relating to the OHS interests of their DWG.
- Issue a Provisional Improvement Notice (PIN) if they reasonably believe that there has been a contravention of The Act or The Regulations, and they have tried to remedy the contravention through consultation.
- Direct employees to Cease Work - if an OHS issue arises which involves an immediate threat to health and safety.
These powers are intended to assist HSR's in fulfilling their function as the representative of their DWG. But it is important to remember that it is not the HSR, but the employer who has the responsibility for providing a healthy and safe workplace.
You can find more information on the Powers of HSR's at: Powers of health and safety representatives | WorkSafe Victoria.
If you need further guidance on this, please reach out to BeSafe at: HSR Training and support | BeSafe | Regional Victoria.
The VTHC HSR Conference 2026 was a resounding success - bringing Health and Safety Representatives together to learn, to network and to strengthen safety leadership across Victorian workplaces. The 2026 Theme was “Extreme Weather, Extreme Risk”, with HSRs learning about the OHS challenges posed by extreme and changing weather. This year’s statewide conference focused on how extreme weather is reshaping workplace health and safety, the new risks workers face, and how HSRs can use their powers to prevent harm. Over one thousand HSRs attended the conference, both at the central location in Melbourne and at satellite sites around the state - hosted in Ballarat, Wangaratta, Bendigo and Morwell. For regional HSRs, the satellite events were more than a convenience - they allowed for equitable access to safety training. Travelling to Melbourne can be costly and time‑consuming, and satellite conferences ensure geography is no barrier to participation. The opportunity to attend a more local event also supported strong regional networking, helping HSRs connect with peers facing similar local industry challenges. At BeSafe Victoria, we were thrilled to receive 76 registrations for the Ballarat event. The hall was full - with all the attendees bringing their passion and commitment to safety. There were HSRs from across all types of workplaces, with the following industries represented: Agriculture, forestry and fishing, Mining, Manufacturing, Electricity, gas, water and waste services, Construction, Wholesale trade and retail trade, Accommodation and food services, Transport, postal and warehousing, Professional, scientific and technical services, Administrative and support services, Public administration and safety, Education and training, Healthcare and social assistance, Arts and recreation services. We loved seeing many familiar faces, as well as meeting many new HSRs and safety advocates. We were also pleased to welcome representatives from WorkSafe Victoria, including those who gave a presentation and answered questions from the HSRs. Highlights From the 2026 Program The statewide program featured a strong lineup of speakers and expert-led sessions, which were streamed to satellite locations: Uncle Bill Nicholson, Wurundjeri Elder Danae Bosler, Assistant Secretary, Victorian Trades Hall Council The Hon. Steve Dimopoulos, Minister for WorkSafe Cathy Henderson, CEO, WorkSafe Victoria Combined presentations with Dr Andrew Ireland and HSRs Chloe and Jake Alex Bourjaili, General Manager Service Incolink Dr Andrew Watkins, exploring climate science and workplace risk and HSRs Mary and Dimity Following the presentations, HSRs had the opportunity to discuss extreme weather and the ramifications in their own workplaces through local breakout sessions. This year’s topic was certainly relevant to all workplaces, but had particular issues pertaining to regional workers, with unique challenged faced due tot eh location of workplaces and also their homes. This year’s topic was broadly applicable across all workplaces, yet it raised several issues that were particularly significant for regional workers, who face unique challenges due to the location of their workplaces and homes. Many HSRs left with OHS issues to discuss back at their workplaces – empowered with the knowledge to do what HSRs do best – represent their workmates and be safety champions in their workplace. Thank you to all who supported the regional satellite conference locations! We can’t wait to do it all again next year!
At BeSafe Victoria, we offer four different HSR Refresher OHS Training Courses. All of them are WorkSafe approved courses. Here is what you can expect from the 4 topics… These WorkSafe-approved HSR refresher OHS training courses aim to provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to raise, and contribute to the resolution of, health and safety issues arising from exposure to 4 different groups of hazards: Plant During this program you will refresh your knowledge of: The legislative framework and the role of HSRs Designated work groups and HSR powers Risk Management How to apply the risk management cycle to risks associated with Plant Issue resolution procedures Provisional Improvement Notices Psychological Health During this program you will refresh and update your knowledge by: Understanding psychological health Identifying psychosocial hazards Knowing legal duties Understanding HSR roles and powers Applying risk management processes Assessing psychosocial risks Controlling and reducing risks Resolving workplace issues Using prevention plans and supports Gendered violence During this program you will refresh your knowledge of: HSR rights and powers under the OHS Act Gendered violence definitions and workplace examples How to identify these hazards and risks in the workplace How to address work-related gendered violence as a health and safety issue Aggression or Violence During this program you will refresh your knowledge of: The risks associated with work-related aggression and violence How to identify, prevent and control these hazards The legislative framework, legal duties and requirements Understand HSR roles and powers Risk Management Incident Investigations Audience: Although HSRs are the primary audience, managers, supervisors, health and safety committee members and anyone with an interest in health and safety may also benefit from attending this course. NB: Under the OHS Act 2004 (section 67), all elected HSRs and deputy HSRs, after completing an initial course of training, have an entitlement for each year they hold office to attend a WorkSafe-approved HSR refresher OHS training course. An employer, if requested, must allow the HSR/Deputy HSR to attend on paid time, pay the cost of the course and any other associated costs. Section 67 also allows HSRs to choose the course, in consultation with their employer. Fees: $370pp + GST Enquiries: At BeSafe, we deliver training throughout Victoria. We so list our courses on our website, but we can also book in courses on demand in any location and we can even come and deliver a course on-site at your workplace. Just get in touch: 0467 002 060 info@besafevictoria.com.au www.besafevictoria.com.au HSR Training Courses | BeSafe | Regional Victoria