Health and Safety Representative (HSR) Refresher Training

Section 21 of the WHS Regulation 2011 indicates prescribed health and safety representative training as follows

(1) The prescribed training for section 72(1) of the Act is the following courses of training in work health and safety approved by the regulator—

(a) an initial 5 day course of training;

(b) 1 day’s refresher training at least every 12 months, with the entitlement to the first refresher training commencing 12 months after the initial training. (2) A health and safety representative for a work group for a business or undertaking must complete the initial 5 day course

of training within—

(a) 28 days after the day the representative is elected as a health and safety representative for the work group; or

(b) if an initial 5 day course is not reasonably available to the representative—as soon as practicable after the period mentioned in paragraph (a).

The training requirements have recently been updated and, for QLD for example you can read all about it here: Work Health Safety QLD

This is the prescribed Work Health and Safety training required for all HSRs, to be completed at 12-month intervals following your initial 5-day training. The course aims to refresh your knowledge from that initial 5-day course and add value through the workplace learning you have achieved since your original course. If you are a new HSR and have not undertaken the initial training please review the full HSR Training Course.

The refresher training should be completed every 12 months after the initial 5 day training. It is prescribed training on an annual basis.

Yes, our HSR Refresher course is the approved training for re-elected HSRs as covered in Section 21 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011. HSRs are elected for three years (section 64 Work Health and Safety Act 2011) and this refresher training is relevant if you are re-elected into your HSR role.

The HSR refresher course is specifically designed to enhance your knowledge and skills as a safety representative. By participating, you learn how to effectively represent the health and safety interests of your peers during consultation on various health and safety matters. The course focuses on practical workplace health strategies and communication skills, ensuring you can advocate for work group members regarding complex workplace health and safety concerns and safety interests effectively.

If you have been re-elected to hold office through a new election process, you must attend refresher training within 28 days of that election process. This applies to both primary HSRs and deputy HSRs who have previously completed their initial 5-day training. This required training ensures that safety representatives remain compliant with the WHS regulation and are equipped to exercise their powers legally during their new term.

Completing the HSR refresher course allows you to stay up to date on how to inquire when work group members raise safety complaints or safety issues. You will review the protocols to accompany an inspector during workplace incidents and how to properly attend to safety matters that arise. The refresher course also covers your entitlement to have a health and safety committee established and your right to participate in those meetings to monitor compliance measures.

During the HSR refresher training in QLD with Harness Energy, you will undertake a workplace inspections review to sharpen your hazard identification skills. You will practice how to represent your work group during an inspection and how to handle notifiable incidents correctly.

To enrol, you must provide evidence that you have finished your initial course (the initial 5-day training). Upon the successful completion of the one day program, you will receive a Statement of Attendance. As this training must be completed annually to maintain your effectiveness as a conduit for safety matters, keep your records accessible. For further information on upcoming dates or eligibility for work group members, you can refer to our public training schedule across Brisbane, Chinchilla, Gladstone, or Toowoomba.