Step 1
Get started: Ask for an HSR election
Workers request an HSR election, and the PCBU facilitates the process to ensure proper representation in workplace safety matters.
A health and safety representative is elected by their work group under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 to represent workers in work health and safety matters
Here's an overview of the essential steps to conduct an election for the HSRs
Resources to make running an HSR election easier
Ensure all work group members can nominate for the role using the form template.
Use the ballot paper generator to customise your HSR election.
Congratulate the successful candidate and inform everyone of the election outcome.
Use this Excel spreadsheet to maintain a register of all HSRs.
A worker can ask the PCBU to conduct an election for one or more health and safety representatives. The PCBU must then begin negotiations to determine one or more work groups of workers within 14 days
A work group is determined by negotiation and agreement between the PCBU and workers (or workers’ representatives). Work groups may be formed for workers carrying out work for more than one PCBU at more than one workplace. Each work group will be represented by one or more HSR.
This negotiation will decide the:
Negotiations should aim to group workers in a way that:
The PCBU must inform workers of the outcome of the negotiations, and the determined work groups.
If negotiations fail, anyone affected may ask the regulator to appoint an inspector to determine the work groups.
The workers in a work group may decide how the election of HSR/s for the work group is conducted.
The person conducting the election must take all reasonable steps to ensure:
A worker is eligible to be elected as an HSR for a work group if they:
A person in a management role can be an HSR if they are a member of the work group and have been elected. However, managers, team leaders and supervisors often have specific work health and safety duties attached to their role and may be put in a difficult position when needing to respond to concerns.
If the number of candidates for election as an HSR equals the number of vacancies, the election does not need to be held and each candidate is taken to have been elected as an HSR for the work group.
An HSR for a work group holds office for three years unless they:
Deputy HSRs can only represent the workers in the absence of the elected HSR.
The election process, term of office, and other provisions are the same as for HSRs.
HSR functions and rights include:
In exercising a power or performing a function, HSRs may:
An HSR can only use these powers for the work group they represent, unless the HSR for another work group at the workplace is unavailable and:
An HSR is not personally liable for anything done or omitted in good faith while performing their role.
Only if an HSR has completed the approved HSR training they can in some circumstances:
These templates highlight the role of HSRs in the workplace and offer resources to make the nomination and election process easier
Template | Type | Download |
---|---|---|
Call for HSR nomination template | Word (DOCX) | Download |
HSR nomination form | Word (DOCX) | Download |
Successful candidate email template | Word (DOCX) | Download |