12 December 2024
Improving safety by increasing the number of trained Health and Safety Representatives at work sites is a key target of a new SafeWork SA strategy.
The Health and Safety Representatives (HSR) Strategy(PDF) is also aimed at increasing the support for existing HSRs to help them fulfil their critical role.
The strategy has been developed in conjunction with the SafeWork SA Advisory Committee and follows recommendations arising from the 2022 Independent Review of SafeWork SA.
There are about 5000 HSRs in South Australia across all industries.
The primary role of an HSR is to represent workers on health and safety matters and raise concerns with management should they arise.
It is a voluntary role within a workplace, however, HSRs and deputy HSRs are entitled to undertake training and perform their functions within work time.
The strategy has five goals:
- To improve engagement between SafeWork SA, HSRs and employee and employer associations
- To empower HSRs to feel confident in undertaking their role
- To support and encourage businesses to actively engage and utilise HSRs to help improve safety outcomes
- To review and improve HSR training
- To recognise and celebrate the work of HSRs.
A handbook has also been developed as a resource for new and existing HSRs.
The recognition program is aimed at highlighting the work of HSRs and how they contribute positively to their workplace.
To further recognise the individual achievements of HSRs, an individual award will be established to recognise excellence in the development and/or implementation of an innovative initiative or solution to an identified work health and safety issue.
The award will be presented during National Safe Work Month each October and finalists will be showcased on the SafeWork SA website and social media platforms.
Attribute quotes to SafeWork SA Executive Director Glenn Farrell
The primary aim of the strategy is to increase the number of active HSRs in South Australian workplaces and to bolster our support for already elected HSRs, to be positive safety enablers.
Each goal is supported by measurable targets, which we aim to reach by the end of 2025.
We are pleased to have the support of partner organisations in developing the strategy and contributing to its implementation and success.
Attribute quotes to SA Unions Health & Safety Training Manager Dash Taylor Johnson
Workplace safety is a basic right for all workers.
As part of that, a HSR elected by workers for workers provides a critical voice for identifying hazards, assessing the risk they pose, establishing controls to eliminate or minimise risk and monitoring their effectiveness.
SA Unions strongly supports this strategy. It has been built through extensive consultation with HSRs and provides a platform to enable safer workplaces across this state.
Attribute quotes to South Australian Business Chamber Senior Consultant and Facilitator Quintin Robinson
The South Australian Business Chamber trains a significant proportion of Health & Safety Representatives, and we understand the importance of HSRs within organisations.
We also work closely with our members, which are predominantly small to medium enterprises, to help them maximise the benefits of having Health & Safety Representatives within their organisation.
This strategy will provide a clear blueprint for how businesses can work with their HSRs to improve workplace safety for everyone.
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