The role of the Health and Safety Representative (HSR) is primarily to liaise with other staff to identify health and safety issues and convey these to management. HSRs are elected by fellow staff to represent the views of the staff group. The HSR role is important for consultation. Departmental workplaces are encouraged to elect a HSR.
The HSR fulfils a different role to the Health and Safety Advisor (HSA) which is an appointed position. However, these 2 positions can work well together to gather information and expertise, and improve health and safety at your school or workplace. A HSR is of particular benefit at workplaces with fewer than 30 employees as a point of contact both for staff and the manager.
Information about HSRs is available from Worksafe Health and Safety Queensland.
Training information for HSRs is available from Worksafe Health and Safety Representative Training.