HSR Initial OHS Training Course

Under Section 67 of the OHS Act 2004, all elected Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) and Deputy HSRs (DHSRs) are entitled to attend a 5-day WorkSafe-approved HSR Initial OHS Training Course. VTHC is approved by WorkSafe to deliver this important training.

HSRs have the right to:

• Choose the course

• Attend on paid time

• Have the employer cover the course and associated costs

What the course covers:

This WorkSafe-approved training course will help HSRs and DHSRs understand and exercise their powers effectively.  This training equips HSRs and DHSRs with the confidence, skills and knowledge to represent their designated work group and to help make their workplace safer.

At the end of the course HSRs will know how to:

• Interpret the Victorian OHS legislation framework and understand its relevance to HSRs

• Identify key duty holders and their legal obligations

• Understand how representation is established and maintained in your workplace

• Participate in effective consultation and issue resolution processes

• Represent Designated Work Group (DWG) members in any OHS risk management process undertaken by the duty holder/s

• Know how to issue a Provisional Improvement Notice (PIN) and direct the cessation of unsafe work when necessary

At VTHC courses you also hear from a WorkSafe Victoria Inspector, VTHC's Occupational Health and Safety team which provides ongoing support and resources for HSRs beyond their training, and VTHC's Union Assist which supports injured workers through the workers compensation system.

Course Details:

Time: 9am - 5pm

Duration: 5 days

Cost: $1200 + GST 

Why choose a VTHC run HSR course?

Real expertise, not just theory
Learn from experienced trainers who’ve worked across industries and understand the real challenges HSRs face on the ground. This means practical strategies you can actually use, not just textbook knowledge.

Connect with WorkSafe Victoria
At our HSR Initial OHS courses you'll hear directly from a WorkSafe Victoria Inspector and build your understanding of how the regulator approaches safety in practice, so you can act with confidence in your role.

Ongoing support beyond the classroom
At our HSR Initial OHS courses you’ll also hear from and be connected with VTHC’s OHS team. They provide ongoing advice, resources and support for HSRs after the course finishes.

Support when it matters most
At selected HSR Initial OHS courses, you'll hear from VTHC's Union Assist team. Union Assist support injured workers through the workers compensation system. Through their talk you will increase your knowledge of the workers compensation system and the options available for injured workers. 

Tools you’ll actually use
When you return to complete the HSR Refresher OHS course participants receive an annotated OHS Act, designed to help you quickly find and understand key sections.

How to register:

Step 1: RSVP on your chosen dates event page below

Step 3: Complete registration page and submit

Step 4: Receive enrolment confirmation

Please note: you must submit a completed registration form in order to be enrolled on a course.

Courses require a minimum of 12 participants to proceed.  In the event that courses do not meet this requirement, those enrolled will be contacted to re-schedule.

2026 Training Dates:

To be put on a waitlist, email: [email protected]