1. Request to elect a Health & Safety Representative (HSR)

Workers can request to have health and safety representatives.

A request can be made for the election of a HSR, the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must start negotiations with workers regarding work groups within 14 days of that request being made.

These negotiations will determine the:

• number and composition of work group(s) at the workplace
• number of HSRs and deputy HSRs
• workplace(s) to which the work group(s) apply.

A PCBU must involve a worker’s representative (e.g. union) in the negotiations if asked by the worker. The PCBU must also notify workers as soon as practicable of the outcome of the negotiations. At any time, the parties to a work group agreement may negotiate a variation.

An inspector can be requested to assist this process by any person who is a party to the negotiations.

A workplace with 5 or more workers can establish a workplace health and safety committee.

Download and complete this form and submit to PCBU

#1 – Request an Election of HSRs

2. If the workers want union assistance

If you are not familiar with the process of conduction an election within the guidelines, and  if the majority of workers in a workgroup so determine, the workers may request the assistance of a union or other person or organisation to conduct the election once the  initial request has been made to establish a health and safety committee.

Download this form and submit to relevant organisation/representative
#2 – Request assistance in conducting an election for HSR

3. Informing the PCBU of Union Assistance to negotiate Work Groups

When the PCBU has been advised your representative will be participating in the election process, a notification will be sent to the PCBU. This will inform them they will be  involved in the negotiations and represent the interests of the workers in determining the work groups within the workplace.

Download this form and submit to the PCBU
#3 – Informing the PCBU of Union Assistance to Negotiate Work Groups

4. Informing the PCBU of Union Assistance to Conduct Election

Once a request has been made to your union, other person or organisation, the PCBU will be advised of their participation in the election process.

Download this form and submit to the PCBU
#4 – Inform the PCBU of Union Assistance to Conduct Election

5. Union notification to conduct the election

Once all parties have been informed who will be representing their interests, an official notice will be posted at the workplace. The notice will provide the date the election will take place within a timeframe to ensure all workers will be given the opportunity to nominate for the positions of HSR and Deputy HSR.

Download and complete this form and display in workplace
#5 Union Notification to conduct election for HSRs

6. Nomination for the position of HSR and Deputy HSR

Once the election date has been provided, the workers will now have the opportunity to nominate for the position of HSR or Deputy HSR with a workgroup.

Download and complete this form and submit to the designated Returning Officer
#6 Nomination form for HSR and Deputy HSR positions

7. Notification of results of election for HSR and Deputy HSR

Election results are to be displayed within the workplace, explaining who will be the HSR and, if required the deputy HSR, to fill in if the HSR is absent. The term of an elected HSR or Deputy will be three years from the date the election result was posted. The Designated Workgroup (DWG) or workplace committee should be formed as soon as practicable or within two months of the request being made. The DWG or committee should meet at least every three months.

Download and complete this form and display in the workplace
#7 – Notification of results of election for HSR and Deputy HSR

If you have any questions about the process contact the HSR Support Service on (07) 3010 2508 or email info@HSRSupport.org.au.