Getting started

Begin your journey as an elected HSR in Western Australia. Join us to unlock special features, access exclusive resources and connect directly with WorkSafe to enhance your HSR experience

The role of an HSR

Explore the specific roles and duties of an HSR and learn how this role can contribute to making a difference in your workplace

Role insights

Are you an elected HSR in WA?

Discover the exclusive resources designed specifically for elected HSRs in Western Australia, with dedicated support to help you make the most of your experience

Meet our HSRs of the year

The Work Health and Safety Excellence Awards, recognise and celebrate outstanding health and safety initiatives across workplaces in Western Australia. The HSR of the Year award is given to a health and safety representative who demonstrates exceptional commitment to workplace health and safety.

Learn from our HSR of the year. Discover their unique experiences and the impact they’ve made in creating a safer workplace, benefiting both the HSR community and the industry as a whole.

Tony Booth - 2022

Cecil Andrews College

Meet Tony

"Tony has spearheaded a multitude of workplace health and safety (WHS) enhancements at Cecil Andrews College. He introduced concussion testing protocols for students with head injuries and bolstered first aid amenities and resources. Moreover, Tony conducted an audit on chemical usage, resulting in a reduction in the quantity of chemicals utilized by cleaning personnel. Furthermore, he instituted safety protocols for sausage sizzles and revamped the canteen floor with non-slip paint for added precaution."

Naomi Elbrow – 2021

Woodside Energy Ltd

Meet Naomi

"Naomi Elbrow embodies the essence of a team player, serving as a mentor and coach while passionately fulfilling her role as a safety and health representative. Her colleagues rely on her advocacy, trusting her to escalate unresolved issues through the risk register and provide feedback on their progress. Naomi's proactive approach to safety is highly regarded by her peers, who value her unwavering commitment to resolving safety concerns."

Bruce Atkinson – 2021

Department of Education

Meet Bruce

"Bruce Atkinson adopts a proactive and harmonious stance towards safety, motivating his colleagues at Mt. Lawley Senior High School to embrace accountability for their well-being. His efforts have led to noteworthy enhancements in safety, including the reduction of hazardous substances stored in the gardeners’ shed and the implementation of mock site inspections for newly appointed safety and health representatives."

Megan Silvey - 2019

St John of God Hospital Murdoch

Meet Megan

"Megan Silvey has brought significant positive changes to the Endoscopy department at St John of God Hospital Murdoch through identifying health and safety issues and facilitating improvement in safety culture. Megan is willing to be at the forefront in developing and educating her fellow caregivers in regard to OHS issues."

An interview with Rob Curtis

In this interview, Rob Curtis (HSR of the year 2023) shares insights into his journey, achievements, and what inspires him every day.

Noticeboard

Read questions raised by the HSR community and expert answers from our SMEs

slides

Question from Demi

Is an HSR’s term of office from the date of election or end of their training?

Answer:

The start of the 3-year term commences upon completion of the election process. The elected HSR can then make a request to the PCBU to attend an approved training course of their choice as soon as practicable and within 3 months of the request. In the meantime, the HSR can still exercise the powers and perform the functions required to represent their workgroup. However, only a trained HSR can direct the cessation of unsafe work or issue a provisional improvement notice.

Date: 9 October, 2024

Question from Aston

How important is cost when working out what is reasonably practical in relation to a PCBU’s duty to ensure health and safety?

Answer:

After assessing the extent of the risk and the available ways of eliminating the risk, the cost should only be considered if it is grossly disproportionate to the risk. The question of what is ‘reasonably practicable’ is to be determined objectively, and not by reference to the duty-holder’s capacity to pay. The more likely the hazard or risk, or the greater the harm that may result from it, the less weight should be given to the cost of eliminating the hazard or risk.

Guideline: How to determine what is reasonably practicable to meet a health and safety duty Section 5.3.

Date: 9 October, 2024

Question from Joe

As an HSR can I be blamed for not preventing an injury at my workplace?

Answer:

An HSR is not personally liable for anything done or omitted to be done in good faith while exercising a power or performing a function as an HSR. However, HSRs also have duties as workers under the WHS Act. If a worker is elected as an HSR, they continue to have the same duties as other workers.

Date: 9 October, 2024

Question from Pete

Do I need to do the training again if I have been re-elected for another 3-year term?

Answer:

No. HSR training is not mandatory. However, HSRs are encouraged to take up their training entitlement to provide them with the skills and knowledge to perform their role effectively. If the HSR or deputy HSR is re-elected in the same work group and has already participated in initial HSR training, they do not have an entitlement to take time off work with pay to attend the initial training course again. An HSR is, however, entitled to up to one day’s refresher training each year following the completion of the initial training course.

Date: 9 October, 2024

Question from Tony

Even although I was elected by my work group, my manager told me they don’t want me to be the HSR. Can they have me removed from the role?

Answer:

No. It takes a written declaration from a majority of the members of a work group to have an HSR removed. An HSR could also be disqualified by the WHS Tribunal for exercising their powers for an improper purpose or for disclosing information they acquired as an HSR for a purpose other than in connection with their role as an HSR.

Your manager needs to be aware the PCBU has several obligations to an elected HSR including providing them with resources, facilities and assistance that are reasonably necessary to enable them to exercise their powers and perform their functions under the WHS Act. The WHS Act also prohibits a PCBU from discriminating against a worker, for example by treating a worker less favourably because that worker is, has been or will be an HSR or deputy HSR.

Date: 8 October, 2024

Question from Samira

Can my employer tell me I have to be the health and safety representative for the workers at my workplace?

Answer:

NO, the role is completely voluntary, and you must be elected by a work group before you can represent them as a health and safety representative as per Part 5. Division 3 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2020.

Date: 3 October, 2024

Question from Brad

Can I get assistance from WorkSafe if I need to write a provisional improvement notice?

Answer:

Yes, you can contact the WorkSafe call centre on 1300 307 877 and request to speak with a duty inspector. Their expertise can help ensure that you have reasonable grounds for issuing a PIN. While they cannot write the PIN for you, they may provide technical advice for example providing guidance on the relevant legislation that pertains to the hazard you are addressing.

Date: 2 October, 2024

Question from Joyce

I was recently elected as a deputy HSR. When I asked to attend the introductory training course, my employer said he is not required to send me.

Answer:

To exercise all your powers and perform all your functions health and safety representatives and deputies are required to attend a five-day initial training course approved by the Work Health and Safety Commission. The PCBU must allow both HSRs and deputies to attend this course and pay course fees and other reasonable costs. You are entitled to your usual pay while you attend the course.

Date: 5 July, 2024

Question from Daniel

If I am a trained HSR, can I still be an HSR if I move to a new company?

Answer:

No, HSRs can only perform the functions and exercise the powers of the role for the work group they were elected to represent as per the WHS Act 2020 section 69. If you change company or move to another section in your current work group you cannot represent the new work group unless elected by them.

Date: 23 August, 2024