What is a Provisional Improvement Notice (PIN)?

A Provisional Improvement Notice is a written notice a trained Health and Safety Representative (HSR) can issue under the model Work Health and Safety Act (ss90-101) when they reasonably believe a person is contravening, or has contravened and is likely to again, the WHS Act or Regulations. It states the belief, identifies the specific provision contravened, says briefly how, and sets a day to remedy the contravention.

Only a Health and Safety Representative who has completed the approved HSR training course can issue a PIN (s90). An untrained HSR must not issue one (s71). The HSR must reasonably believe a person is contravening, or has contravened and is likely to again, a WHS duty.

How long does the recipient have to comply with a PIN?

The PIN must specify a day to remedy the contravention that is at least 8 days after the notice is issued (s91). This 8-day minimum is consistent across the harmonised jurisdictions. The HSR can allow a longer period.

Can a PIN be challenged or reviewed?

Yes. Under the model Act the person issued with a PIN may ask the regulator to appoint an inspector to review it within 7 days of being given the notice, and the PIN is stayed until the inspector confirms, changes or cancels it (ss100-101). The 7-day window is the model figure — in Queensland it is 3 days. Victoria, under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, differs.

Does Victoria use the same PIN rules?

No. Victoria operates under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic), not the model WHS Act, with different section numbers and 'designated work groups'. The PIN content requirements and review window differ — check WorkSafe Victoria and the OHS Act. Western Australia uses the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA), an equivalent of the model Act.

Provisional Improvement Notice (PIN) Builder

Build a Provisional Improvement Notice as a trained Health and Safety Representative. Enter the person or PCBU it is issued to, the provision you believe is contravened, briefly how, and a remedy date the tool checks against the 8-day minimum — then print a compliant PIN that sets out the recipient's review rights.

Last verified: 21 June 2026

A trained HSR may issue a Provisional Improvement Notice stating their belief, the specific provision contravened, briefly how, and a day to remedy that is at least 8 days after issue (model WHS Act ss90-101). The recipient may seek an inspector review within 7 days (Queensland 3 days; Victoria's OHS Act differs).

Only a trained HSR may issue a PIN

Only a Health and Safety Representative who has completed the approved HSR training course may issue a Provisional Improvement Notice (s90; an untrained HSR must not issue a PIN under s71). Confirm your training is current before issuing this notice.

I confirm I am a Health and Safety Representative who has completed the approved HSR training course.

Your state or territory

The notice

A PIN must state your belief, the specific provision contravened, and briefly how it is being contravened (s91).

Issued to (person or PCBU)Your name (HSR issuing the notice)Your work group (optional)Specific provision contravenedBriefly, how it is being contravenedDirections to remedy / code of practice (optional)

Dates

The day to remedy the contravention must be at least 8 days after the notice is issued (s91).

Date issuedRemedy by (day to comply)

Complete the issued-to, your name, the provision, how it is being contravened, and a remedy-by date at least 8 days after issue to build the notice.

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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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