New information sheet for WA health and safety representatives (HSRs) released

New Information Sheet for WA Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) Released

WorkSafe WA has released a new information sheet to help health and safety representatives (HSRs) understand their roles under the WHS Act. This latest news gives elected HSRs a clear reference point for how their duties operate under Western Australia's updated legislation.

Background on the WHS Act 2020

Work Health and Safety Act 2020 was passed by WA parliament in 2020 and became effective on 31 March 2022. New laws bring together WHS for general industry, mines, and petroleum operations under a single WHS Act, giving Western Australia a consolidated framework for work health and safety obligations.

Prior to this reform, separate pieces of legislation governed different sectors, which often left workers and employers navigating inconsistent requirements. Bringing WHS matters under one Act gives safety representatives and duty holders a single, unified reference for compliance.

What the Information Sheet Covers

Sheet outlines the specific functions an elected HSR performs, including consultation rights, workplace inspections, and issue resolution processes. For anyone appointed as a health and safety representative, this resource clarifies exactly what support they can expect from their employer and where their authority under the WHS Act begins and ends.

Key topics addressed in the information sheet include:

• Election processes for health and safety representatives
• Powers and functions granted to HSRs under WHS laws
• Training entitlements available to support representatives in their role
• How HSRs can raise and resolve safety concerns with management

Where to Access the Resource

See the new information sheet for HSRs to download directly from WorkSafe WA's website. This document sits alongside other WorkSafe WA information sheets designed to support both workers and employers in meeting their obligations under the Act.

Organisations seeking further guidance may also benefit from broader workplace safety and health resources that explain how responsibilities are shared across a business. For businesses building out their compliance framework, a comprehensive health and safety manual can provide the documented support needed to back up HSR functions with clear policy and procedure.

Why This News Matters for Safety Representatives

For technical professionals across construction, manufacturing, and healthcare, staying current with WHS obligations is essential to protecting both workers and business operations. This news reinforces WorkSafe WA's ongoing commitment to giving elected HSRs practical support as they carry out their statutory functions.

Companies operating in Western Australia should treat this update as a prompt to review internal consultation arrangements and confirm their safety representative training remains aligned with current requirements. If your organisation is establishing new safety management practices, our guide to health and safety for new business owners offers a practical starting point.

Further Support and Contact

Employers unsure of their obligations under the new information sheet should contact WorkSafe WA directly for clarification. HSRs seeking additional support can also contact their union representative or workplace health and safety committee for guidance on applying the sheet's content in practice.

For readers wanting broader context on national safety initiatives, SafetyDocs also covers events such as the World Day for Safety and Health at Work promotion, alongside practical resources like our Work Health and Safety Manual (WHSM) template, both of which complement the support outlined in WorkSafe WA's latest release.