Why Is HSR Safety Training So Important?

October 9, 2024

Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) play a critical role in promoting workplace safety and health standards. HSR safety training is essential for several reasons, contributing to a safer and more productive work environment.

Here’s why HSR safety training matters:

1. Empowers Representation

HSRs serve as the voice of workers regarding health and safety issues. Training equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to represent their colleagues effectively, ensuring that concerns are raised and addressed promptly.

2. Enhances Awareness

HSR training provides comprehensive knowledge about workplace hazards, safety regulations, and best practices. This awareness helps HSRs identify risks, implement preventative measures, and create a culture of safety within the organization.

3. Improves Communication

Effective communication is crucial in conveying safety protocols and concerns. Training helps HSRs develop skills to communicate effectively with both employees and management, fostering collaboration and ensuring that safety messages are clear and understood.

4. Facilitates Risk Management

HSRs trained in safety protocols can conduct risk assessments and identify potential hazards in the workplace. This proactive approach to risk management helps prevent accidents and injuries before they occur.

5. Promotes Compliance

Understanding relevant health and safety legislation is a key component of HSR training. HSRs learn to ensure that the organization complies with legal requirements, reducing the risk of fines and legal issues while promoting a safe work environment.

6. Encourages Employee Engagement

When HSRs are well-trained, they can engage employees in safety initiatives, encouraging a collective responsibility for workplace safety. This involvement can lead to increased awareness and adherence to safety practices among all employees.

7. Supports Continuous Improvement

HSR training emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement in safety practices. Trained HSRs can monitor safety performance, provide feedback, and recommend changes to enhance overall workplace safety standards.

8. Boosts Morale and Productivity

A safe workplace leads to increased employee morale and productivity. When employees feel safe, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated, leading to better performance and lower turnover rates.


In  conclusion HSR safety training is vital for fostering a culture of safety within the workplace. By empowering Health and Safety Representatives with the necessary knowledge and skills, organizations can enhance communication, improve risk management, and ultimately create a safer environment for all employees. Investing in HSR training is not just a legal obligation; it’s a commitment to the health and well-being of every worker.


For more information on BeSafe's available training click here

List of Victoria's Biggest OHS Offenders

By admin • July 14, 2025
An updated list has been published of The ‘BIGGEST BIGGEST OFFENDERS’ in OHS Crimes . This list names and shames the companies which have been deemed worthy of the largest fines handed down by judges for offences under the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 . It makes an interesting, albeit sobering, read. The list (see below) has been compiled and published by the OHSIntros BLOG and has recently been updated with offenders from the last 2 years. In the last 35 years, according to OHSIntros ’ records, there have been 31 cases which have incurred a fine over $500,000. These companies have been collectively responsible for the deaths of 23 workers and a number of other serious incidents. 21 of these incidents involved plant, thus representing the majority of the cases. The incidents are all horrific, with many involving crushing, entrapment and falls – leading to violent deaths and horrendous injuries. The top fine was a penalty of $3 million, as a result of LH Holdings Management Pty Ltd being charged under Workplace Manslaughter Legislation and fined in 2024. A number of high-profile cases can be seen on this list. However, there are many well known cases which are not featured here, due to the fact that their sentences did not hit the $500K threshold. This perhaps raises concerns relating to The Sentencing of OHS Offences in Victoria . The list is a sobering one, listing a series of gruesome and tragic deaths – the result of safety crimes. In the words of OHSIntros’ – these are “the worst of crimes because [they] could have been prevented.” Image sourced from OHSIntros BLOG: https://www.facebook.com/100064446622188/posts/1127076076117269/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v *OHS Intros is a Workplace Safety page which provides ‘training, documentation and advice on Workplace Safety’: Facebook

Racing Industry Workplace Fatalities

By admin • July 8, 2025
In recent times we have seen the tragic deaths of workers in the horse racing industry. In May 2025, Fiona Ralph tragically died following a head injury sustained while working at Bendigo Racecourse. Less than 2 months later, on the 3 rd July 2025, we heard news of Peta Tait, a 43-year-old worker who was killed at Cranbourne Racecourse. It is believed that she was kicked in the head by a horse while in the stable. She was attended to by medical personnel, who were unable to save her. Jockey Blake Shinn has reportedly paid tribute, stating that “This is a painful reminder of the dangers that come with working in such a demanding and unpredictable environment.” (7 news) As the jockey highlights the dangers – we turn our minds to the unique hazards presented by the industry, many of which are covered in the WorkSafe Victoria Guidebook – Horse Stable and track riding safety: Horse stables and track riding safety | WorkSafe Victoria . The guide is intended to provide information for those working in the industry and outlines how to identify hazards and implement risk control measures. As in all industries, the employer is responsible for providing a safe workplace, and the usual obligations to consult with the workforce and to control hazards in line with the hierarchy of control all apply. There is a section which specifically covers the safety of stables. Of course, horses are strong and unpredictable, and they pose a specific hazard in this industry - and one which cannot be eliminated as part of this particular workplace. The document discusses the need for training and supervision, which is required in all workplaces. Also, the use of PPE as a control measure, indicating that the use of appropriate footwear, helmets and body protection may be required to ensure the safety of those riding, training, feeding and working with horses and cleaning stables. Working alone can also increase the risks of working around horses. According to SafeWork NSW ‘One worker is hospitalised each day in Australia due to a horse related injury’ . Not all of these are workers; however, it does highlight how dangerous working around horses can be. WorkSafe Victoria reports injury claims attributable to horse racing at: Injury hotspots - Horse racing | WorkSafe Victoria . While the racing community must, of course, grieve the recent loss of two of its’ workers, there will concurrently be a WorkSafe investigation and a Victoria Police investigation for the Coroner. No matter the outcome of these investigations, it is an opportunity to look to industry work practices and identify any improvements which could be made to improve safety in the future. The gravity of such an event cannot be underestimated in its’ impact to family, friends and workmates. One can only hope that an improvement in future safety may be one of those impacts. Our sincere condolences to the families of Fiona and Peta.