Electing health and safety representatives

A work group is determined by negotiation and agreement between the PCBU and workers (or workers’ representative/s). Work groups may be formed for workers carrying out work for more than one PCBU at more than one workplace. Each work group will be represented by one or more HSR.

This negotiation will decide the:

• number of work groups
• composition of the work groups 
• number of HSRs and deputy HSRs in each work group
• workplace/s the work groups will apply to
• businesses or undertakings the work groups will apply to (where there are multiple businesses)
• determine how the election is to be run, including if the election is a tie.

Negotiations should aim to group workers in a way that:

• effectively represents the WHS interests of workers
• makes an HSR readily accessible to each worker in the work group
• considers the:
  • number of workers
  • views of workers
  • types of work carried out
  • number and grouping of workers who carry out the same or similar type/s of work
  • areas/places work is carried out, and how much workers move from place to place while at work
  • diversity of workers and their work
  • nature of hazards and risks to health and safety at the workplace
  • employment arrangements (whether workers are employees, contractors, full-time, part time, casual or short-term, and any overtime or shift work arrangements)
  • times work is carried out.

The PCBU must inform workers of the outcome of the negotiations, and the determined work groups.

If negotiations fail, anyone affected may ask the regulator to appoint an inspector to determine the work groups.

The workers in a work group may decide how the election of HSR/s for the work group is conducted.

The person conducting the election must take all reasonable steps to ensure:

• the relevant PCBU/s are informed of the election date as soon as practicable after it is decided
• all workers in the work group have the opportunity to:
  • nominate for the position of HSR
  • vote in the election
• all workers in the work group and relevant PCBUs are informed of the outcome of the election.

A worker is eligible to be elected as an HSR for a work group if they:

• are a member of that work group, and
• have not been disqualified from being an HSR under s. 65 of the WHS Act.

If the number of candidates for election as an HSR equals the number of vacancies, the election does not need to be held and each candidate is taken to have been elected as an HSR for the work group.

An HSR for a work group holds office for three years unless they:

• resign from the HSR role by giving the PCBU written notice
• stop being a worker in the work group
• are disqualified under section 65 of the WHS Act
• are removed from the position by a majority of the members of the work group.

Deputy HSRs are elected in the same way as an HSR for the work group.

A deputy HSR may exercise the powers or perform the functions of an HSR if the HSR of the work group ceases to hold office or is unable to fulfil their role (e.g. due to absence).