Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
Consultation is a legal requirement and an essential part of managing health and safety risks.
At UNE, we have a three tier consultation framework based on the formation of WHS Work Groups with representatives sitting on the WHS Committee and management review facilitated by the WHS Management Group.
Most Workers at UNE belong to one of ten WHS Work Groups listed on WHS Work Groups.
What does it mean to be a Health and Safety Representative (HSR)?
You will represent your work group on the UNE WHS Committee. The WHS Committee meets every two months and the Chairperson is Jo Scanlan. The elected HSR will become the Chairperson of their work group. Work Groups convene every two months to review and discuss health and safety matters pertaining to your work environment. The tenure of HSRs is 3 years.
What does it mean to be a Deputy HSR?
You will fulfil the duties of a HSR when the elected HSR is unavailable.
What does it mean to be a HSR Nominee?
HSR Nominees are typically those who nominated to be elected as a HSR, but may include other staff that volunteer and commit to attending work group meetings on a regular basis. HSR Nominees may be identified after the nomination and election of HSRs and their Deputies.
More information about HSRs can be found in WHS P003 Consultation Protocol and their responsibilities are detailed in WHS P002 Organisational WHS Responsibilities Protocol.
Unlike Officers of the University, HSRs are not personally liable for anything done or omitted to be done in good faith. HSRs are a representative 'voice' only and responsibility for health and safety at the University cannot be delegated or transferred to them beyond the responsibilities imposed upon them in the capacity for which they are employed - WHS P003 Consultation Protocol.
Terms of Reference dictate how each level of consultation is implemented at UNE.
WHS OP002 Work Group Terms of Reference
WHS OP003 WHS Committee Terms of Reference
WHS OP004 WHS Management Group Terms of Reference
