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SDA HSRs make your workplaces safer.

Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) represent the health and safety interests of a work group. This is a voluntary position prescribed under WHS Legislation, which is elected by co-workers and runs in 3 year terms. A HSR can perform the following tasks for their work group:
  • Undertake workplace inspections
  • Review the circumstances of workplace incidents
  • Be made aware if a WHS entry permit holder and/or inspector enters a workplace, the purpose for their visit and accompany the WHS permit holder and/or inspector during their inspection
  • Represent their Work Group in health and safety matters
  • Attend an interview about health and safety matters with a worker from the work group (with the consent of the worker)
  • Request that a health and safety committee be established
  • Participate in a health and safety committee
  • Monitor compliance measures
  • Investigate work health and safety complaints from work group members
  • Inquire into any risk to the health and safety of workers in the Work Group

Once a HSR has undertaken the required training they can also:

  • Issue provisional improvement notices (PINs) and
  • Direct a worker to cease unsafe work

Register your interest with the SDA Queensland Branch.

Benefits of having an SDA HSR:

  • Democratically elected by workers
  • Trained to identify safety issues and advocate for workers’ interests
  • A point of contact for workers to raise safety issues
  • Improved consultation process between employers and workers
  • More effective representation of workers’ health and safety
  • SDA HSRs have support from experienced SDA WHS Officers

Your safety at work is serious business.

It’s crucial that your employer understands this and that there are elected officials in your workplace to ensure your safety and represent your interests on health and safety matters.

HSR Training Courses

HSRs can generally complete training each year of their term which provides the fundamental skills necessary to represent their work group in matters of workplace health and safety.

Check with the SDA Queensland Branch about where you can complete training.
SDA Matt Littleboy with HSR

SDA Workplace Health and Safety Office, Matt Littleboy, speaks with a HSR from Coles

How do I become a HSR?

The SDA is looking for SDA Members to stand up and become Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) to help take action on workplace safety.

Any worker can ask for an election of a HSR to take place, and the SDA is here to assist work group negotiations and facilitation of an election.