HSR resources and frequently asked questions
WorkSafe ACT has developed the following resources to assist health and safety representatives (HSRs), persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) and workers to understand the role and functions of HSRs and the associated processes in the workplace.
HSR Network
If you are an HSR and would like to join our HSR Network or receive our updates, you can subscribe using the button below.
As part of the HSR network, WorkSafe ACT produces an email newsletter. It contains information for HSRs and their employers on HSR related matters as well as relevant work health and safety news, information updates and resources. You can view all past editions of the newsletter below.
| Date | Edition | Link |
|---|---|---|
| 20 May 2025 | 1 | WorkSafe ACT HSR newsletter - edition 1 |
| 14 October 2025 | 2 | WorkSafe ACT HSR newsletter - edition 2 |
| 21 April 2026 | 3 | WorkSafe ACT HSR newsletter - edition 3 |
| 7 August 2026 | 4 | WorkSafe ACT HSR newsletter - edition 4 |
Workplace safety posters
For workplace safety posters that you can display at your workplace visit here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a workplace required to have an HSR?
It is not mandatory for a business or undertaking to have an HSR unless it is requested by workers. If a worker makes this request, a work group or groups must be formed and at least one HSR must be elected for each work group.
Is the HSR responsible for safety in the workplace?
No, the responsibility for providing a healthy and safe workplace rests with the PCBU. HSRs have an important role in representing members of their work group and bringing issues to the attention of the PCBU.
The HSR should not be expected to manage safety issues in the workplace. If that role is needed, the PCBU should hire a person to assist them with safety processes. The obligation to keep workers safe remains with the PCBU and cannot be transferred to someone else.
Can a PCBU refuse a request for an HSR to be elected?
No, PCBUs cannot refuse the election of an HSR. If a worker wants an HSR for their workplace, the PCBU needs to facilitate the election. If your PCBU refuses to conduct an election for an HSR a worker can contact WorkSafe ACT.
Can a PCBU tell someone to be an HSR?
No, PCBUs cannot nominate someone to be an HSR. They can ask workers if they would like to form a work group to elect an HSR, but they cannot appoint one.
How big should a work group be?
Work group size and composition will depend on the workplace. There can be just one person in a workgroup, or it can have a lot of members and go across multiple workplaces.
There is no correct or mandatory number prescribed for work group members – deciding the number, size and composition of work groups is part of the initial negotiation during the HSR election process and it will depend on the risk profile and the different types of work in the workplace.
How many HSRs should a workplace have is a deputy HSR required?
It is up to the work group to decide how many HSRs they will seek for the workgroup. The amount of HSRs is then negotiated with the PCBU. It is also up to the work group to decide if deputy HSR is required and to negotiate this with the PCBU (it is not mandatory to have a deputy HSR). This decision may depend on the size of the workplace, how many workers are in the work group and how dangerous the work is.
Generally, if a work group is large and the risk profile is too significant for a single HSR, it may be useful to appoint a deputy HSR.
Do HSRs represent all the workers at the workplace?
HSRs generally represent only the workers in their work group, however in certain situations, an HSR may represent workers who are not in their work group. See the Powers and Functions of HSRs section for more information.
Is HSR training mandatory?
No, HSR training is not mandatory – however, an HSR who has not completed the training cannot issue a provisional improvement notice (PIN) or direct that workers to cease work. A PCBU must allow an HSR to complete the training if they request it.
What do I do if my PCBU is preventing an HSR election?
If a worker requests an HSR, the PCBU must facilitate the election process. If your PCBU is not responding to workers initiating the process to elect an HSR, you may take the following actions:
- keep a record of all attempts made to initiate the election process, including emails, meeting requests, and any responses received
- contact WorkSafe ACT for assistance, or
- if you are a union member, the relevant union can provide support to their members during the election process if the majority of workers in a work group agree.
Do I get paid extra for being an HSR?
HSRs should be paid at their normal rate of pay for any time spent exercising duties, performing functions or completing training. However, nothing in the legislation prevents HSRs from being paid extra if a PCBU chooses.
Does the union need to be involved in HSR elections?
No. The relevant union may only be involved in elections if a majority of workers decide they want union involvement. For Major Construction Projects, the union must be involved in deciding the number of work groups and HSRs.
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