Health and Safety Representative Training in Adelaide (HSR)

If you’ve recently been elected as a Health and Safety Representative (HSR) in your workplace, you have stepped into a vital role that helps create a safer, more compliant, and more productive work environment. But what exactly does being an HSR involve, and how do you get the right HSR training in Adelaide to carry out your responsibilities effectively?

At ATEC, we deliver the three levels of HSR training courses recognised in South Australia. Whether you’re new to the role or looking to refresh your skills, our approved training helps you stay compliant, confident, and informed.

Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA), Health and Safety Representatives are elected by their work group to represent their health and safety interests. As an HSR, your role is to consult with workers and management, help identify health and safety risks, and contribute to improved safety outcomes across your workplace.

While HSRs are not legally responsible for workplace incidents, they do play a crucial consultative and advocacy role. Proper training is essential to ensure HSRs understand both their powers and their limitations under the legislation.

HSR training is designed to empower elected representatives with the knowledge and confidence they need to fulfil their duties. It also ensures compliance with WHS laws in South Australia, which give HSRs the right to attend training of their choice, in consultation with their PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking).

By completing a recognised HSR training course, you’ll gain a thorough understanding of:

• WHS legislation and duties
• The role and powers of an HSR
• How to identify and report workplace risks
• Consultation and communication processes
• How to issue Provisional Improvement Notices (PINs)
• Workplace inspections and incident investigation

ATEC offers all three levels of Health and Safety Representative training in South Australia, designed to support HSRs at different stages of their journey.

Health and Safety Representative Training – Level 1

5-Day HSR Training Course

This comprehensive course is required for all newly elected HSRs. It’s approved by SafeWork SA and meets the requirements under Section 72 of the WHS Act. Delivered over five days, the course provides foundational knowledge in WHS legislation, risk management, and the rights and responsibilities of HSRs.

Who should attend?

• Newly elected Health and Safety Representatives
• Deputy HSRs
• Union representatives
• Managers or supervisors involved in WHS matters

Health and Safety Representative Training – Level 2

3-Day HSR Training Course

This course is designed for HSRs who have already completed the Level 1 training and want to maintain up-to-date knowledge. It is recommended (but not legally required) to complete refresher training annually.

Course includes:

• Legislative updates
• Recent WHS case studies
• Practical HSR scenarios and skills refresher
• Revisiting powers and responsibilities

Health and Safety Representative Training – Level 3

2-Day HSR Training Course

This level is intended for HSRs in their third year of office who have completed both Level 1 and Level 2 training.

Please note: If Level 1 and/or Level 2 HSR training was completed outside South Australia, participants may need to demonstrate that their prior courses are equivalent to those approved by SafeWork SA, as direct bridging or credit for interstate training is not automatic.

Ideal for:

• Elected Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Deputy HSRs seeking advanced skills to fulfil their representative’s role more effectively
• Safety reps seeking legislative alignment

At ATEC, we are committed to delivering engaging, practical, and compliant WHS training in South Australia. Our trainers are industry-experienced and bring real-world insights into every session. When you train with ATEC, you benefit from:

• SafeWork SA approved courses
• Focused training delivery at our Lonsdale location
• Experienced trainers with extensive WHS and HSR expertise
• Practical learning outcomes that can be applied in your workplace immediately

Q: Do HSRs have to complete training?

A: Yes, if you’re elected as an HSR and you request to undertake training, your employer (PCBU) is required to allow you to attend an approved course. They must also cover reasonable costs associated with the training and allow you time off work to attend.

Q: What happens if I don’t complete HSR training?

A: Without completing the 5-day HSR training course, you will not be able to exercise certain powers under the WHS Act, such as issuing a PIN or directing unsafe work to cease.

Q: Can my employer choose my training provider?

A: No. The HSR has the right to choose a training provider (such as ATEC) in consultation with the PCBU. ATEC is a trusted provider of HSR courses in South Australia.

Q: Who pays for the HSR training course?

A: Employers are required by law to pay all course fees and any other reasonable costs associated with Health and Safety Representative (HSR) training for elected HSRs and deputy HSRs.

Q: Are there any subsidies available?

A: Yes. Eligible participants working in the construction industry may access Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) funding, which reduces the employer’s out-of-pocket expenses. For HSRs located more than 100 km from specified training centres, a government Remote Area Subsidy may help cover extra travel and accommodation costs.

Whether you’re taking your first step as a Health and Safety Representative or looking to update your knowledge with a refresher course, ATEC has the expertise and support to help you succeed in your role.

Visit our Health and Safety Representative course page or contact our team to learn more about our courses, training entitlements, and to make an enquiry.