The nomination process to elect Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) at your workplace is about to begin. This means that you have an opportunity to nominate yourself or a colleague to represent workers for any health and safety matters at work.

The HSR role is a highly important one and primarily focuses on the following:

• Representing workers in their work group in health and safety matters at work.
• Monitoring the compliance of the PCBU (i.e. employer).
• Investigating complaints from work group members.
• Making inquiries into anything that appears to be a risk to the health or safety of work group members.
• Inspecting the workplace or any part of the workplace at which work group members work, after giving reasonable notice to the PCBU. In the event of an incident or a situation involving a serious risk to the health or safety of a person, an HSR can inspect the workplace without giving notice.
• Accompanying an inspector during an inspection of the workplace.
• After having completed required training, directing a work group member to cease unsafe work and issue a Provisional Improvement Notice (PIN).

Nothing is more vital than maintaining safety at work, and becoming an HSR gives you the power. If you’re interested in nominating as a HSR or have any queries about the process, please contact your organiser at [E-Mail not displayed].

Know someone who isn’t yet a member of the HSU? Tell them to take the plunge today. With more members in your workplace we can make strong arguments for improved conditions. New members can join at www.hsu.asn.au/join or call 1300 478 679.

In unity,

Gerard Hayes

Secretary, HSU NSW/ACT/QLD