Providing Information to Health and Safety Representatives

19 January 2023

WorkSafe ACT has recently been notified of health and safety information not being provided to Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) in a timely manner.

Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (the WHS Act), it is the responsibility of persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) to provide HSRs with access to relevant safety information in a timely manner. Not providing this information and not providing it within a reasonable timeframe affects their ability to exercise their functions.

HSR powers and functions

HSRs play a key role in the consultation process.

HSRs are elected by workers and play a role in representing members of their work group and bringing issues to the attention of the PCBU. The WHS Act sets out specific powers and functions that a HSR can perform in the interests of the workers they represent.

The powers and responsibilities of a HSR include:

  • representing workers on matters relating to WHS including psychosocial hazards
  • monitoring the safety control measures and their effectiveness
  • investigating WHS complaints from members of the work group, and
  • making enquiries about health and safety risks.

PCBU obligations to HSRs

The PCBU must provide a HSR access to relevant WHS information about the hazards and risks affecting workers in the work group. This means providing the requested information to the HSR that enables them to fulfil their functions and not cause unnecessary delays in the process of resolving WHS issues.

As the PCBU, you have an obligation to assist HSRs to perform their functions. Some other key obligations that PCBUs must fulfill when working with HSRs include:

  • allowing the HSR access to relevant information that the PCBU holds relating to hazards and risks affecting the health and safety of the workers in the work group
  • consulting with HSRs about WHS hazards, risks and control measures
  • providing resources, facilities and assistance, and
  • allowing the HSR as much time as is reasonably necessary to perform their powers and functions.

Further information

For more information on HSR responsibilities and PCBU obligations, please visit the following pages:

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