Health and safety representative training
All health and safety representatives (HSRs) must complete an approved five-day training course within 28 days of their election. If a training course is not reasonably available within this period, then the training course must be completed as soon as possible after that.
A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must ensure that a HSR has completed all required training and:
- allow the HSR to choose their approved training provider
- allow the HSR to attend approved training
- ensure the HSR is paid their usual amount of pay, including any overtime, penalties and allowances the HSR would otherwise earn if they completed their normal duties, and
- pay the training fees and other reasonable costs.
A HSR can only issue cease work notices, verbally direct workers to cease unsafe work, and issue a provisional improvement notice (PIN) if they have completed the five-day training course.
Re-elected HSRs
The term of office for an elected HSR is generally three years. A new election process must be conducted to either re-elect the current HSR or elect a new HSR.
A HSR who is re-elected is not required to complete the five-day training course again. Instead, they are entitled to complete annual one-day refresher training to ensure they are up-to-date with understanding the requirements of their role.
This is also the case for HSRs who have taken a break from the HSR role.
A nurse was elected as their workgroup’s HSR from 2018 to 2021. The nurse then took parental leave before returning to work and being elected as the workgroup’s HSR again in 2024. The nurse is not required to complete a further five-day training course, but should undertake the refresher course as soon as possible.
If a HSR has been away from the role for many years, the PCBU and HSR may mutually agree that it is beneficial for the HSR to complete the initial five-day course again, but this is not a legislated requirement.
One-day refresher training course
HSRs are entitled to attend a one-day refresher training course at least once every 12 months. This entitlement starts 12 months after the HSR has completed their initial five-day training course.
There is no set timeframe for when annual refresher training must be completed, but it is important for HSRs to complete this training as soon as reasonably possible each year to ensure they maintain up-to-date information necessary to continue performing their roles.
A HSR completed their initial training on 10 July 2023. Their entitlement to attend annual refresher training arose on 10 July 2024, but the HSR is planning to take long service leave. The HSR and their employer work together to arrange for the HSR to attend refresher training as soon as possible when the HSR returns to work.
Penalties may be imposed on a PCBU if they do not ensure HSRs have completed their required training, which includes their annual one-day refresher course.
The health and safety representatives and health and safety committees page has further information on HSRs.
Where can you seek further support?
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland
You can request further information about training requirements from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland by contacting us on:
- Phone: 1300 633 419
- Email: safetyinfo@oir.qld.gov.au
Certain people at workplaces may also be able to request Workplace Health and Safety to appoint an inspector to attend their workplace to assist with resolving an issue.
Learn more on when and how to request assistance from an inspector.
Queensland Council of Unions (QCU) – HSR Support Service
For confidential PCBU and worker representative support, contact the QCU HSR Support Service. This service offers support to all appropriately elected and trained HSRs in Queensland on matters relating to consultation, representation and participation.
- Phone: (07) 3010 2555
- Email: info@hsrsupport.org.au
- Website: https://hsrsupport.org.au/
- Facebook: Qld HSR Facebook Discussion Group