What can a Health and Safety Representative do?

Under s68 of the model Work Health and Safety Act an HSR can represent the workers in their work group on work health and safety, monitor the PCBU's compliance, investigate complaints, inquire into risks, inspect the workplace (on reasonable notice, or immediately after an incident or serious risk), accompany an inspector, access information the PCBU holds about hazards and risks, and be present at an interview about WHS with the worker's consent. Once they have completed approved training, an HSR can also issue a provisional improvement notice (s90) and direct unsafe work to cease (s85).

How is a Health and Safety Representative elected?

An HSR is elected, not appointed. A worker (or their union) asks the PCBU to facilitate the election (s50). The PCBU and workers then negotiate to determine work groups, starting within 14 days of the request (s51-52). The workers in a work group elect their HSR; any worker in the group is eligible (s60-61). An employer cannot simply choose who the HSR is.

Is HSR training paid?

Yes. Under s72 of the model Work Health and Safety Act, on request the PCBU must allow an HSR to attend an approved training course of the HSR's choice (chosen in consultation), give time off to attend, pay the HSR at their ordinary rate of pay for the time, and pay the course fees and reasonable costs. The training is to be provided as soon as practicable, generally within about three months.

Can an HSR stop unsafe work?

Yes, once they are trained. A trained HSR may direct work in their work group to cease where they have a reasonable concern that carrying it out would expose a worker to a serious risk from an immediate or imminent exposure to a hazard (s85). They can also issue a provisional improvement notice (s90). Both powers depend on the HSR having first completed approved HSR training (s71) — an untrained HSR cannot use them, but can still raise the issue and ask the PCBU or an inspector to act.

Are HSR rules different in Victoria?

Yes. Victoria is not part of the harmonised WHS scheme. HSRs there are covered by the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic), which uses 'designated work groups' and different section numbers, although the broad shape — election, powers, paid training and the ability to issue PINs and direct work to cease — is similar. Western Australia uses the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA), which is equivalent but separately enacted. Always check the exact provisions for your state or territory.

Health and Safety Representative (HSR) Powers Checker

See what a Health and Safety Representative can do — election, powers, training entitlement, PINs and directing unsafe work to cease.

Last verified: 21 June 2026

A Health and Safety Representative is elected by workers (not appointed) after a worker requests it (s50, s51-52). An HSR can represent the work group, monitor compliance, investigate complaints, inquire into risks, inspect the workplace, accompany an inspector and access hazard information (s68). The PCBU must give paid time off and meet the cost of approved HSR training of the HSR's choice (s72). Once trained, an HSR can issue a provisional improvement notice (s90) and direct unsafe work to cease (s85) — but only after completing that training (s71). Victoria (OHS Act 2004) and Western Australia (WHS Act 2020) differ. Pick a topic to see the exact position.

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What can my HSR do? — an overview

A health and safety representative is elected by workers to represent them on work health and safety. Here is what an HSR can do, and what they need before they can use the strongest powers.

Be elected by the work group after a worker requests it — an HSR is not appointed by the employer (s50, s51-52, s60-61).
Represent the work group, monitor compliance, investigate complaints, inquire into risks, inspect the workplace, accompany an inspector and access hazard and risk information (s68).
Attend approved training of their choice, with time off, ordinary pay and course fees paid by the PCBU (s72).
Once trained, issue a provisional improvement notice (s90) and direct unsafe work to cease where there is a serious, immediate or imminent risk (s85).
The PIN and cease-work powers are available only after the HSR has completed approved HSR training (s71).

Why — citation: Election: s50, s51-52, s60-61. Powers: s68. Training entitlement: s72. PIN and cease-work (trained HSR only): s90, s85, s71 — all model WHS Act.
Where you work: These positions reflect the model Work Health and Safety Act, which applies in the Commonwealth, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, the ACT and the Northern Territory. Victoria is not part of the harmonised scheme — it uses the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic), which has "designated work groups" and different section numbers. Western Australia uses the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA), which is equivalent but separately enacted. Check the exact provisions for your state or territory.

This is general information, not legal advice. Health and safety representative powers and procedures are set by work health and safety law and vary between jurisdictions. Confirm the position with your regulator or a qualified adviser before relying on it.

Next steps: a trained HSR can use the Provisional Improvement Notice (PIN) Builder, workers can check their own right to refuse unsafe work, or visit the Safety Hub for the full work health and safety tool set.

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FairWork Mate is an independent commercial service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Fair Work Commission, or any Australian Government agency. Content is general information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.

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