Practical Challenges To Accessing Information and How to Overcome Them

admin • November 22, 2024

While the entitlement to information is clear and a legal requirement, there are often challenges that HSRs face in exercising this right:


1. Information Overload:

  With vast amounts of safety-related data available in larger organizations, HSRs may feel overwhelmed by the volume of information they need to digest. To address this, organizations should provide: clear, organized, and accessible safety reports rather than overwhelming HSRs with excessive detail.


2. Resistance from Employers:

  Sometimes, employers may be hesitant to provide information due to concerns about confidentiality or legal liability. However, under the OHS Act, there are clear guidelines on the types of information that must be disclosed. HSRs should be well-informed about their rights and, if necessary, seek support from regulatory bodies or unions.


3. Access to Real-Time Data

  In fast-paced workplaces, it can be challenging for HSRs to stay updated with real-time health and safety data. Regular meetings or briefings between management and HSRs can ensure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to ongoing risks or emerging hazards.


Conclusion

An HSR’s entitlement to information is a cornerstone of workplace health and safety. It empowers representatives to make informed decisions, foster a culture of safety, and protect workers from potential harm. Employers, for their part, have a legal and ethical responsibility to ensure that HSRs have timely, accurate, and relevant data at their disposal. When information flows freely between management and HSRs, it creates a safer, more collaborative work environment where everyone benefits.


For HSRs, understanding the full extent of their right to information—and how to use it effectively—can make all the difference in maintaining a safe workplace. It's not just about compliance; it's about preventing accidents, promoting well-being, and building a culture of safety that benefits everyone in the workplace.

If you require additional assistance or information on accessing information please contact BeSafe.

Bushfire

By admin • January 27, 2026
Australia is a fire-prone country, and workplaces in many areas are at risk of being impacted by bushfires in some way. The effects of bushfires may include direct exposure to fire, as well as smoke exposure and psychological impacts. As with any workplace hazard, employers have a duty to manage and control the risk of injury. A bushfire risk assessment should therefore be undertaken. Through this process, employers should: Identify whether there is a potential bushfire hazard Assess the risk of bushfires affecting the health and safety of workers, including smoke exposure Identify appropriate control measures Review control measures to ensure they are effective and that no new hazards have been introduced Consultation with workers should occur at each stage of this process. When developing a bushfire risk assessment and policy, employers should consider the following: How will fire danger ratings be monitored throughout the bushfire season? How vulnerable is the workplace location? What actions will be taken on days of extreme or catastrophic fire danger? Are there workers who travel for work or spend significant time on the road? Are there workers who operate alone or in isolated locations? What emergency and evacuation plans are in place? Once a bushfire policy has been developed in consultation with workers, appropriate training must be provided. Employers are legally required to ensure workers receive the necessary information, instruction, and training to remain safe at work, including in relation to bushfire risks. For more information, take a look at: Working outside - Working near bushfires | Safe Work Australia

HSRs rights to training

By admin • January 19, 2026
Under the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 , Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) are not required to be trained in order to exercise their powers. However, in order to fully understand their role and powers, training is highly beneficial and recommended by WorkSafe. Most HSRs will not understand how to make the most of their role as an HSR without participating in training – and therefore it is not until training has been completed that an HSR can maximise their positive impact upon the safety of their workplace. HSRs rights in relation to training are outlined under Section 67 of the OHS Act. They include: The right to attend initial training after being elected The right to attend a refresher course at least once a year The right to choose their course. This includes their course provider and course* The right for their course to be paid for by their employer, as well as associated costs with attending the course The right to be paid while attending the course *The course must be approved by WorkSafe and delivered by a WorkSafe approved provider, such as BeSafe. The HSR must consult with their employer and give 14 days notice. Section 69 of the OHS Act also discusses further the rights of HSR to training. This covers the right to attend additional training, when WorkSafe has approved them under Section 69 . HSRs have a right to attend these courses on top of the s67 courses. HSRs can be a very useful resource for employers in helping to create safe and healthy workplaces. It is in their best interest to encourage their HSRs to be trained. However, in the case where an employer does not allow the HSR to be trained as per the requirements under The Act, there are penalties which apply to this conduct, as it is a breach of the Legislation. For more information take a look at: Health and safety representative training | WorkSafe Victoria HSRs' Right to Training - OHS Reps Or get in contact with us for assistance: 0467002060 HSR Training and support | BeSafe | Regional Victoria You can book WorkSafe approved courses with us at HSR Training Courses | BeSafe | Regional Victoria