Workers elect the health and safety representative (HSR) from their work group. All workers in a work group are entitled to elect one or more HSRs and deputy HSRs for a three year term.
When agreement on the work groups has been reached between the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU - the new term that includes employers) and workers in the work group, the PCBU must provide any reasonable resources, facilities and assistance to enable an election to be conducted.
After the nominations have been called, an election can be conducted. The members of the work group can determine the election procedure however, there are minimum requirements prescribed in the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011. These procedures include that the person conducting the election ensures:
- each PCBU in which a worker in the work group works is informed of the election date as soon as practicable after the date is determined
- all workers in the work group being given an opportunity to:
- nominate for the position of HSR
- vote in the election
- all workers in the work group and all relevant PCBUs are informed of the outcome of the election.
A PCBU must not unreasonably delay the election of an HSR.
Call 13 10 50 for more information about electing a health and safety representative.