Electing a Health and Safety Representative (HSR) is one of the best things you can do to protect your health and safety at work.
Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) are elected by their co-workers to represent them in health and safety matters. By electing a HSR, workers get more of a say on health and safety issues and receive extra protection under the law. Simply put, workplaces with HSRs are safer workplaces.
A HSR can speak up for workers’ safety, monitor risks and investigate concerns. The core role of a HSR is to:
- represent members of their work group concerning health and safety
- monitor health and safety compliance by employer(s)
- raise health and safety concerns with the employer on behalf of their workgroup
- work to resolve health and safety issues with the employer on behalf of their workgroup.
HSRs are not expected to be a technical expert, or an “enforcer’’ of safety rules. It is the duty of the employer or their representative to ensure work is healthy and safe. It is illegal for an employer to discriminate against a HSR for performing their role.
The rights and powers of HSRs are protected by law.
If you want help with electing a HSR at your workplace, chat to your union, or you can read more info from WorkSafeACT here.
