Union basics: Why your workplace needs an OHS Rep
Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) give workers a stronger voice on safety issues, making workplaces safer.
The IEU supports HSRs during both their election and tenure with guidance, resources, and advocacy. The most important thing to remember about the HSR role is that they must be properly elected by staff. If they are properly elected, HSRs have legal rights and powers to represent workers and advocate for safer conditions.
How to recognise an HSR Rep
An HSR Rep is elected by employees (not appointed by the employer)
An HSR Rep is trained in how to undertake their role
Roles and responsibilities of HSRs
HSRs help to maintain workplace safety by:
Identifying hazards: Inspecting workplaces, recognising risks (e.g., workload stress), and working with employers to address them.
Consulting and communicating: Acting as a link between workers and management, participating in safety committees, and sharing safety policies.
Monitoring compliance: Ensuring employers follow safety laws and assessing the effectiveness of workplace safety measures.
HSRs don’t enforce rules or implement solutions—that’s the employer’s duty.
Legal protections for HSRs
Protection from Discrimination: Employers cannot punish or discriminate against HSRs for their safety activities.
Training and Resources: HSRs are entitled to paid time off for training and the provision of necessary resources.
Support for HSRs from the IEU
The IEU provides significant support to members in electing HSRs and ensuring they are well-prepared for their roles. This support includes:
Guidance and information:
providing detailed information about the role and responsibilities of HSRs
offering advice on the election process and the legal requirements.
Election assistance:
assisting with the organisation and facilitation of HSR elections
ensuring the election process is fair and transparent.
Training support:
helping HSRs access the required training courses
providing additional resources and materials to complement formal training.
Ongoing support:
offering continuous support and advice to HSRs as they carry out their duties
providing representation and advocacy in discussions with employers regarding health and safety matters.
Workers' OHS rights in Victoria:
All workers have the right to:
A safe workplace with monitored conditions and proper amenities.
Be consulted on safety matters and refuse unsafe work.
Elect and be represented by an HSR.
Purpose of OHS laws:
OHS laws ensure workplaces are safe, covering employer and worker responsibilities. Employers must provide safe conditions, control hazards, and offer access to training. Workers must follow safety procedures and report risks.
Common workplace hazards:
Physical: Slips, falls, noise, and heavy lifting.
Chemical: Exposure to harmful substances.
Psychosocial: Stress, bullying, and fatigue.
Biological: Viruses, bacteria, and other risks.
Risk management and reporting:
Workplaces must identify, assess, control, and monitor risks. Serious incidents must be reported to WorkSafe, and injured workers can access workers' compensation.
OHS in schools:
Every school should have an OHS management system, covering:
Building and maintaining a health, safety and wellbeing culture
Managing hazards
Managing incidents and emergencies
Review and ongoing improvement
Union advocacy for safe workplaces:
It is a fundamental principle of the union movement that working people have a right to safe and healthy working lives.
Australian unions have long fought for stronger workplace safety laws, ensuring better protections and monitoring mechanisms. These reforms were achieved through union-led campaigning, advocacy, and policy development to ensure every worker goes home safe.
