The Victorian HSR Conference
admin • April 7, 2026
Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) play a critical role in keeping Victorian workplaces safe, healthy and compliant. They are the frontline advocates for workers when it comes to identifying hazards, resolving safety issues and driving real change on the ground.
One of the most important opportunities available to HSRs each year is the Victorian HSR Conference, hosted by the Victorian Trades Hall Council and subject to approval by WorkSafe Victoria. Not only is this conference an invaluable learning and networking opportunity, HSRs have a legal entitlement to attend. For regional HSRs, including those in Ballarat and surrounding areas, the addition of Ballarat as a new satellite conference location makes this entitlement even more accessible.
HSRs Have a Legal Right to Attend the Victorian HSR Conference
Under Victorian occupational health and safety law, HSRs are entitled to attend approved training and education to support them in their role.
The annual Victorian HSR Conference is subject to approval by WorkSafe under section 69 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, which means:
- HSRs are entitled to attend on paid time
- Time spent attending is considered time at work
- Employers cannot disadvantage an HSR for attending
- HSRs must provide at least 14 days’ notice to their employer of their intention to attend (unless otherwise agreed)
This legal framework exists because the Victorian safety system recognises that trained, informed HSRs save lives, prevent injuries and improve workplace culture. WorkSafe emphasises that conferences and training approved under the Act are a vital part of enabling HSRs to effectively exercise their powers and functions.
Why Conferences Matter for HSRs
While formal HSR training provides foundations, the annual conference goes further. It brings together thousands of HSRs from across Victoria to focus on emerging risks, legal developments and practical strategies that can be taken straight back into workplaces.
The conference typically covers:
- Emerging hazards
- Updates on OHS law and enforcement
- Real case studies from active HSRs
- Skills sessions on consultation, issue resolution and enforcement powers
- Opportunities to hear directly from safety experts, organisers and other HSRs
This year a Satellite Conference will be held in Ballarat
For HSRs based in Ballarat and regional Victoria, the Ballarat satellite conference offers all the benefits of the main event, without the barriers that often prevent regional workers from attending.
- Easier Access, Less Travel - Travelling to Melbourne can be time‑consuming and costly for regional HSRs. Satellite conferences allow HSRs to attend closer to home, reducing travel fatigue and minimising time away from work and family.
- Strong Regional Networking - The Ballarat satellite conference provides an opportunity to connect with other regional HSRs, share practical solutions relevant to local industries and build ongoing support networks that last well beyond the conference. Many HSRs report that these peer connections become one of the most valuable outcomes of attending.
- Confidence to Use Your Powers- Conference sessions are designed to increase confidence in exercising powers lawfully, clarify employer obligations and reinforce that HSRs are legally protected when acting in good faith.
- Bringing Safety Knowledge Back to Regional Workplaces - What HSRs learn at the conference doesn’t stay in the room. It flows back into Toolbox talk, Health and safety committee meetings, Risk assessments and issue resolution processes. By attending the Ballarat satellite conference, regional HSRs strengthen safety leadership across the entire local workforce.
The Victorian HSR Conference is more than an event – it is a legally supported investment in safer workplaces. For Ballarat and regional HSRs, the satellite conference ensures that geography is no barrier to knowledge, connection or confidence.
If you are an HSR:
- You are entitled to attend
- You should notify your employer early
- You should seriously consider attending your local satellite conference
Strong HSRs mean safer workplaces. The Ballarat satellite conference is an opportunity to build that strength together.
If you want to put your name down to get more information on the conference please contact us at HSR Training and support | BeSafe | Regional Victoria
The veterinary profession can be one of the most rewarding careers, but it’s also one of the most emotionally and mentally demanding. Behind the compassion, skill, and dedication lies a reality many outside the industry don’t see: long hours, emotionally charged cases, financial pressures, and the emotional toll of euthanasia and client grief. With Victoria’s new psychological health regulations now in effect (as of December 2025), workplaces must manage psychological risks with the same seriousness as physical hazards. For veterinary practices, this is not just a compliance requirement, it’s a lifeline for the wellbeing of their teams. The Hidden Pressures in Veterinary Work Veterinary professionals may face a multitude of psychosocial hazards, including: Exposure to traumatic events Aggression and violence High job demands and time pressure Low job control Remote or isolated work Poor workplace relationships and minimal support Moral and ethical dilemmas are also a feature of the work as well as the exposure to grief and loss. Thinking of Veterinarians as first responders can help to understand the types of psychosocial hazards which they face. These factors can lead to burnout, compassion fatigue, anxiety, depression, and tragically, higher-than-average suicide rates in the profession. Suicide rates are up to four times higher than the general population, making the industry’s psychological hazards the most common fatal risk in the veterinary workplace. Why BeSafe Victoria’s Training Matters BeSafe Victoria’s psychosocial safety training is a new course designed to help participant’s: Understand the Psychological Health Compliance Code Identify psychosocial hazards Follow a risk management process for psychosocial hazards Implement practical controls Ensure consultation is compliant and effective At BeSafe Victoria, we deliver training designed by WorkSafe for Health and Safety Representatives. However, it is also an excellent course for leaders and teams to ensure the psychological safety of their workplace. In turn, this helps us all to work towards improved psychological outcomes for Veterinarians and the industry more broadly. The Benefits for Veterinary Practices Investing in psychological safety training can: Ensure compliance with the OHS legislation Improve staff retention and team morale Improve the psychological health of veterinary teams Enhance team consultation, collaboration and trust Reduce rates of psychological harm Contact us to find out more about our courses and how we can help you. This may include providing advice on designated work groups, electing HSRs, or delivering training. Please reach out on 0467 002 060 or info@besafevictoria.com.au
Maintaining a safe workplace is a legal and moral obligation. One of the most powerful tools available to workers, specifically Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs), is the Provisional Improvement Notice (PIN) . Used correctly, PINs can quickly resolve safety issues and ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic) . There have been recent changes made to the PIN notice and we recommend that HSRs now use the new version. Summary of NEW Changes: Part 5 has been modified to include tick boxes for each of OHS Act, OHS regulations or the Psychological Health Regulations to be selected by the HSR Part 6 has been modified to include whether the safety issue is a contravention relating to a physical or psychological hazard What is a PIN? A Provisional Improvement Notice (PIN) is a formal written notice issued by an HSR to address a workplace health and safety issue. It is used when consultation with the employer has failed to resolve a problem. *In Victoria, an HSR can issue a PIN whether or not they have completed an HSR training course. This is different to other jurisdictions. Under Victorian law, an HSR can issue a PIN if they believe, on reasonable grounds, that: A provision of the OHS Act or regulations is being breached, or A breach has occurred and is likely to continue or happen again The purpose of a PIN is simple: To require action to fix a safety problem and prevent harm to workers. It is a legal document which the employer must respond to. Who Can Issue a PIN? Health and Safety Representative (HSR)’s can issue a PIN. *Don’t forget that Victorian HSRs can issue a PIN even if they haven’t yet had the opportunity to get into a 5 Day Initial OHS Training Course. (Although obviously HSRs are best to complete their training as soon as possible so that they can fully understand the OHS Act and their role.) An HSR must: Represent a designated work group (DWG) Have reasonable grounds to believe a breach exists Consult with the employer first before issuing the notice When Should a PIN Be Used? A PIN should be used as a last resort, after attempts to resolve the issue through consultation have failed. An HSR can choose to issue a PIN notice if the duty holder is contravening any provision of the OHS Act or any of the Regulations, or if the duty holder is believed to have been in contravention and it is likely that the contravention will continue or be repeated. But, they must have first consulted with the duty holder. Remember that for immediate or serious risks , a PIN may not be appropriate. In those cases, an HSR can direct work to cease under the Act. How to Issue a PIN 1. Identify the Issue Clearly identify the hazard or breach of the OHS Act or Regulations. 2. Consult with the Employer Before issuing a PIN, the HSR must consult with the employer or the person responsible and give them a chance to fix the problem. Where such consultations are ineffective, the employer refuses to consult and / or the HSR believes that the safety issue will continue, then the HSR may issue a PIN. 3. Complete the PIN It is not compulsory to use the WorkSafe Victoria PIN form, but it does make life easier. You can find it here: Provisional-improvement-notice-form-2026-05.pdf A valid PIN must include: Section 1 – fill out the details of the elected HSR under the OHS act (or the elected deputy HSR if the HSR is unavailable) Section 2 – fill out the details of the duty holder. Most commonly, this will be your employer. Section 3 – tick that you have consulted with your employer or their representative prior to issuing the PIN. It is a good idea to keep a written record of the consultation or attempted consultation. Section 4 – fill out the details of the person (employer representative) to whom you are giving the PIN. Section 5 – fill out which sections of The Act or The Regulations are believed to have been contravened. You can only include one health and safety issue on a PIN notice. If there are more than one, you will need to issue a separate PIN notice for each issue. Tick the box to make clear if the contravention relates to the OHS Act, the OHS Regulations or the Psychological Regulations. Section 6 – provide detail of the contravention. Include the site location ie: the actual area of the workplace where you believe the contravention to be occurring. State whether the PIN relates to a physical or psychological hazard. Section 7 – optional – you may fill out suggestions as to how the safety issue can be fixed if you wish, but this is not required. Section 8 – sign and date the form. Provide a compliance date that is AT LEAST 8 days after the PIN issue date. Make sure the timeframe is reasonable. 4. Issue the Notice The PIN must be delivered to the person you state in Section 4. It can be delivered in person, by post or other formal delivery methods. Don't forget to keep a copy of the PIN for your own records. What Happens After a PIN Is Issued? Once a PIN is issued, the recipient has legal obligations. They must: Bring the notice to the attention of their employer (if the person is an employee). Bring the notice to the attention of persons whose work is affected by the notice, including informing affected workers. Display the PIN in a prominent place in the workplace. Fix the issue by the specified compliance date. Failure to comply is an offence under the OHS Act , and penalties may apply. Can the duty holder dispute the PIN? If the employer (or recipient) disagrees with the PIN, they can contact WorkSafe Victoria and request an inspector review within 7 days of receiving the PIN. If no review is requested within 7 days, the PIN remains legally enforceable. What does an HSR do if the employer does not comply? If the employer has not complied with the PIN within the specified timeframe or if the employer’s intention is not to comply, then the HSR can call WorkSafe Advisory Service and arrange for an inspector to visit the workplace. The inspector can then: Confirm the PIN Modify it Cancel it Support and Advice If you need support and advice on how to issue a PIN, you can contact: WorkSafe Advisory 1800136089 WorkSafe HSR Support Officers HSRSO@worksafe.vic.gov.au Your Union BeSafe Victoria info@besafevictoria.com.au PINs are an important mechanism for preventing injuries and saving lives . They are a powerful and practical tool in Victoria’s workplace safety system. For HSRs, understanding when and how to use a PIN is essential. For employers, knowing how to respond to PINs promptly and effectively is vital. If you need training to understand more, contact us: info@besafevictoria.com.au 0467002060