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To best represent their fellow workers on health and safety issues OHS Representatives must have a strong awareness and understanding of the rights and responsibilities associated with their role.

The rights and responsibilities of OHS Representatives vary with each state's specific OHS laws.

Most state laws ensure that OHS Representatives have the following rights.

• Participate in formal training so they can perform their role effectively.
• Regularly inspect their work area.
• Raise issues with management, on behalf of their co-workers, and assist in the resolution of such.
• Access health and safety information about existing or potential hazards within their work area.
• Be consulted about proposed changes to the plant & equipment and/or systems of work within the work area.
• Initiate a cease work if the health and safety of any persons is under immediate threat.
• Similarly, most state laws also set out the major responsibilities of OHS Representatives.
• OHS Representatives must not disclose information that is available to them, through this role, for any purpose other than the conduct of health and safety activities within the workplace.
• OHS Representatives powers, such as cease work orders, issuing of improvement notices and other activities, must not be utilised unless there is a genuine health and safety issue or concern.

For information on the specific rights and responsibilities of OHS Representatives within your state go to the Legislation page of this website and choose your state.

Training Entitlements, as with the rights and responsibilities of OHS Representatives, vary from state to state. However all OHS Representatives are entitled to formal training that specifically relates to their role.

Most states acknowledge that OHS Representatives:

• Have the right to choose their own preferred training provider.
• Will attend their chosen training course at a mutually convenient time for both the employee and employer.
• Will not suffer any monetary penalty for attending OHS Representative's training - that is they will be paid their normal wages during the course.
• Will not be discriminated against for undertaking their role as an OHS Representative or as a member of an OHS Committee.

The OHS&E Unit offers a range of training specifically for OHS Representatives. For a guide to the types of training we can offer OHS Representatives please click here.

If you wish to discuss your training requirements as an OHS Representative please
email us.

Not an OHS Representative yet, but interested in becoming one? Send us your details and we will be in touch.