ASK RENATA

I have recently completed the initial HSR training course and am waiting to receive my attendance certificate. My OHS manager wants to see a certificate before he updates the HSR board.

Once a worker has been elected HSR for his or her DWG, that person is entitled to exercise all their powers and rights under our OHS Act.

(More on the powers and rights of elected reps and their role).

Even if an elected HSR has not attended training, that person still has the right to represent their DWG, raise issues with their employer, and if necessary, issue PINs, cease works, and so on.

It might be beneficial for your OHS manager to review sections 54 and 67 of the Act to refresh their understanding.

While they're at it, section 71 states:

'An employer must ensure that a written list of each HSR and dHSR for each DWG is prepared, kept up-to-date, and displayed to all employees' (our paraphrasing).

A breach of the above duty can result in a penalties for both the responsible party and the body corporate.

HSR training certification is attendance-based, as opposed to competency-based. You should expect to receive your certificate, shortly after completion, from your training provider.

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