It is widely acknowledged that Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) and deputy HSRs, by their mere presence, can make a real difference in having OHS issues addressed in the workplace.

There are no formal qualifications or experience necessary to become a Health and Safety Representative (HSR).  The only major requirement is a strong willingness to represent members in your designated work group (DWG) on issues of Occupational Health and Safety should they need you. 

Health and Safety Representatives are nominated/elected by their fellow employees to represent their designated work group (DWG).  Whilst they have no responsibilities under the Act they can:

• Inspect any workplace in his/her DWG or where members of his/her DWG perform duties
• Accompany WorkSafe field inspectors when they visit police workplaces for any reason
• With permission accompany an employee at any meeting with an employer in relation to OH&S issues
• Attend approved initial training courses for HSRs and annual 1 day refresher training courses
• Accompany employer representatives on any inspection of the workplace within his/her DWG
• be part of the formal consultation process
• be part of the formal issue resolution process including issuing provisional improvement notices
• assist members in other designated work groups
• attend TPA training on full pay  

What is the role of a deputy HSR?

A deputy HSR has the same rights and powers as a HSR, however he/she can only exercise powers of a HSR if the HSR either ceases to hold office or is unable (because of absence or any other reason) to exercise their powers.

The Act allows for the election of more than one HSR and more than one Deputy HSR per designated work group (DWG) subject to the agreement of the employer.

In simple terms, a deputy HSR is like an "emergency HSR" - ready and trained to step in when the HSR can't.