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.
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.
Check what a Health and Safety Representative can do
Choose what you want to know about Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) and see the accurate position under work health and safety law, with the section of the Act it comes from. Useful for workers and employers alike.
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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