HSR training

The AEU holds HSR training at the AEU Victoria building and in regional areas.

Register your details for training at [email protected] or call 03 9663 5460.

Education-specific OHS training

The Victorian OHS Act gives elected OHS reps the right to attend Worksafe Victoria-approved training courses on paid leave. Their employer must cover the cost of the course. Newly elected Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) and deputies should attend the five-day initial course delivered by the VTHC Training Centre. Reps and deputies also have the right to attend a refresher courses each year after they have completed their initial five-day course. HSRs also have an entitlement to attend the annual Victorian Trades Hall HSR Conference. The Conference is held in Melbourne and regional centres.

2024

Five-day Initial training
Monday 26 February - Friday 1 March
Monday 20 May - Friday 24 May
Monday 26 August - Friday 30 August
Monday 11 November - Friday 15 November

One-day refresher
Thursday 7 March
Friday 24 May
Thursday 12 September
Wednesday 20 November

For more information, go to ohsrep.org.au/training

OHS Act entitlement to training

The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 is the major legislation covering health and safety in Victorian workplaces. Section 67 of the OHS Act 2004 states:

Obligation to train health and safety representatives
1. An employer must, if requested by a health and safety representative for a designated work group of which employees of the employer are members, allow the representative to attend the following courses:
a. an HSR initial course of training in occupational health and safety after being elected. There is no formal assessment as part of this course. Upon successful completion, participants will be issued with a VTHC certificate of attendance.
b. a HSR refresher course at least once in a year, after completing the initial course of training, that he or she holds office. There is no formal assessment as part of this course. Upon successful completion, participants will be issued with a VTHC certificate of attendance.

2. The OHS Act requires employers to be provided with at least 14 days notice prior to attendance at an approved OHS course, unless otherwise agreed.

3. A course must be:
a. approved or conducted by the Authority (WorkSafe Victoria); and
b. relevant to the work of the members of the designated work group or the role of health and safety representatives; and
c. under the OHS Act 2004 (section 67) all elected HSRs and Deputy HSRs are entitled to undertake WorkSafe Victoria approved OHS training for HSRs and choose their training provider in consultation with their employer. 

VTHC is a WorkSafe approved training provider of both the HSR OHS initial & refresher courses. The training has been customised for the education sector. 

The OHS Act requires that employers be provided with at least 14 days' notice when requesting attendance at an approved OHS course.

Further information