The Victorian OHS Act gives elected OHS reps the right to attend WorkCover approved training courses. They have the right to attend on paid leave and their employer must pay the cost of the course and any reasonably associated costs.
Newly elected OHS reps should attend the 5 day basic course either at their union or at the VTHC Training Centre. Remember that elected reps have the right to attend course of their choice under Section 67 sub-sections (a) and (b). They will also be entitled to attend refresher courses - which the Training Unit is offering from early November 2005 on. A request to attend a course must not be made less than 14 days before the course is to start.
The Training Centre also delivers an accredited 5 day training course for health and safety representatives under the Comcare Act, and offers a non-accredited one-day Comcare course providing an update of Comcare legislation.
The VTHC Health and Safety Training Centre is committed to offering the highest standards of training at the most competitive rate. The Centre has expertise in course development, training needs assessment and training delivery that can assist any organisation improve its occupational health and safety performance.
The Centre, established in 1983, has provided training to over 38,500 health and safety representatives.
Our course program is delivered in a number of metropolitan areas and throughout regional Victoria.
The VTHC Health and Safety Training Centre is committed to providing OHS training to a diverse range of clients. We take into account different learning needs and can arrange to meet specific needs if notified before the course.
We ask participants to please inform us at time of enrolment of limited mobility which may make access to training rooms difficult, in order to allow us to arrange alternative access.
Training Courses
The Centre provides a comprehensive training service for employee health and safety representatives, managers, supervisors and employees.
- "Initial" (previously "Basic") training for elected health and safety representatives and deputies, under State and Commonwealth OHS legislation. These are 5 day courses.
- OHS Refresher Training - for elected reps and deputies who have completed their initial training course. See more information, below.
- Training for managers, supervisors, OHS coordinators and safety officers. The Unit is also running special 2-day courses for principals and vice-principals.
Initial training
All elected OHS reps and deputy OHS reps are entitled to attend the 5-day initial training course, and it is recommended that reps attend such a course as soon as possible after they are elected. The initial training provides reps with knowledge of the Act, what their role is and gives them skills in representing the members of their Designated Work Group.
Refresher training for OHS Representatives and deputies
The VTHC is offering the following WorkSafe approved 1 day refresher courses for all OHS and Deputy Reps*:
- Legislative update:
Refreshes reps knowledge in relation to OHS Legislation
Refreshes reps understanding of the key duty holders
Refreshes reps understanding of the 2004 OHS Act, the 2007 regulations, the compliance codes and guidance notes
Provides reps with a better understanding of their role as HSR and help them develop practical skills and strategies for dealing with OHS issues in the workplace - Psychosocial hazards:
Refreshes reps knowledge in relation to OHS Legislation
Refreshes reps understanding of the OHS 2007 regulations and the compliance codes and WorkSafe guidance notes
Allows reps to develop practical strategies to reduce exposure of workers to psychosocial hazards
Reps must give the employer 14 days notice of their intention to attend the course. The employer is required to pay all costs, including the Reps pay for the day and any other associated costs of attending (within reason).
You can complete register for a course by completing an enrolment form and either faxing it or sending it to the unit.
Training Program
Details of our training program - where, when and what courses are scheduled, go to the Training Program page on this site.
On-site training
Many prefer to have courses delivered in their workplace. This can be a less expensive and more convenient option for you as well as allowing issues of interest to your organisation to be covered comprehensively. On-site training can include:
- Representative (and deputy) training - both under the Victorian and the Comcare Acts
- Refresher training
- 2-day course for for Managers, Supervisors, OHS coordinators and Committee members
- Other training by negotiation.
More Information
If you would like more information about our courses or would like to discuss organising on-site training for your organisation, contact us by telephone (03) 9659 3511 or (03)9663 5460 or email on
ohstrain@vthc.org.au