Role of a (HSR) Health and Safety Representative
A HSR has rights under the Act to represent the Work Health and Safety and Welfare interests of their co-workers in the workplace.
Employers are obliged to consult with HSR about OHS&W policies, any proposed changes to the workplace/work practices which may affect Health and Safety.
HSRs have the power to:
- Investigate complaints about WHS
- Inspect the workplace after giving reasonable notice to the employer (or immediately in the event of an incident involving an immediate risk to health and safety).
- Accompany a SafeWork SA inspector during an inspection
- Be present at interviews of workers following an WHS incident
- Require the employer to consult with the Union in relation to WHS matters
Health and Safety Representatives are protected under the WHS Act from being discriminated against at the workplace because of their involvement in health and safety.
The important role of HSRs is outlined in our new resource “ANMF HSR Your Voice Counts”.
HSR - Your Voice Counts