OHS is core union business.
Having an elected health and safety representative (HSR) and deputy HSR is an important protection of our OHS rights at work. HSRs are chosen by their colleagues and act to maintain and improve the standards of health and safety in the workplace. They have significant powers under the OHS Act 2004.
HSRs further enable AEU members to have an active involvement in health and safety in their workplace.
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 WorkCover-approved training courses on paid leave. Their employer must cover the cost of the course. Newly elected OHS reps and deputies should attend the five-day initial course at 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.
In 2019, education-specific training will be held on the following dates:
Five-day initial OHS training
1-5 April
17-21 June
5-9 August
25-29 November
One-day refresher
13 March
20 May
19 August
12 December
Full details will be available soon. For more information, go to ohsrep.org.au/training.
VTHC HSR Conference - 29 October, 2019
Details to be confirmed - watch this space.
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
- VTHC - ohsrep.org.au/training
- AEU - Meaghan Flack email [email protected] or phone 03 9417 2822.
