ARTICLE · 07 SEPTEMBER 2021

Workers rights regarding health and safety during COVID-19

Walker Law Group

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Workers are entitled to elect a health and safety representative (HSR) if they wish to be represented by one.

AustraliaEmployment and HR

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Workers are entitled to:

Elect a health and safety representative (HSR) if they wish to be represented by one
Request the formation of a health and safety committee
Cease unsafe work in certain circumstances
Have health and safety issues at the workplace resolved in accordance with an agreed issue resolution procedure, and
Not be discriminated against for raising health and safety issues.

Health and Safety Representatives (HSR)

Your workers can ask you to facilitate the election of one or more HSRs for the workplace.

An HSR is elected by a workgroup (e.g. all workers in the office part of a manufacturing complex, or all people on the night shift) to represent the health and safety interests of the workgroup. An HSR must be a member of the workgroup they represent. There can be as many HSRs and deputy HSRs as needed after consultation, negotiation and agreement between you and the workers.

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