Comcare - Australian Goverment
Comcare - Australian Goverment
Putting you first at the centre of what we do. Keeping you healthy and safe at work. Supporting you when you are harmed at work. Ensuring your scheme works and is sustainable.
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HSRs - Information for training providers

Health and Safety Representative (HSR) training is not a mandatory requirement under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act). However, if a HSR requests training, a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must allow this to occur. This entitlement is outlined in Section 72 of the WHS Act.

What training is approved by Comcare?

Comcare has approved the following courses of training in work health and safety:

  • Initial course of training—5 days
  • Refresher training—entitlement to attend each year commencing one year after the initial training—1 day

A HSR is not able to exercise all their powers—issuing provisional improvement notices (PINs), directing cessation of work—if they have not completed a course of training approved by Comcare.

Becoming a Comcare approved provider of HSR training

Comcare has developed two documents for training providers that will assist them to developing a HSR training courses for submission to Comcare for approval.

The first document—How to become an approved provider of Health and Safety Representative (HSR) training for the Commonwealth jurisdiction—outlines the process for applying for approval to conduct HSR training. It includes information about:

  • how to submit an application for approval
  • the course development process
  • the approval process (including conditions of approval)
  • minimum trainer qualifications
  • monitoring and quality assurance processes.

The second document—HSR training course requirements—consists of:

  • the underpinning principles for the development of a Comcare approved HSR training course
  • learning outcomes for the initial five day course.
  • This document also includes information about:
  • the agreed approach to training
  • delivery mode
  • course duration.

Who can apply for approval to deliver initial and refresher HSR training?

A training organisation, company or sole trader may apply for approval to deliver initial and/or refresher HSR training.

When do these requirements commence?

These requirements apply to all applications for approval of both initial and refresher HSR training under the WHS Act made to Comcare from 1 January 2012.

More information

For further information please contact Colleen Kelly on 1300 366 979 or email OHS.help@comcare.gov.au