Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
Last reviewed: September 2026
Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) are employees elected by members of a Designated Work Group (DWG) to represent their health and safety interests. HSRs play an important role in helping the University consult with employees on health and safety matters and supporting safer workplaces across the University.
What is a Health and Safety Representative?
A Health and Safety Representative (HSR) is an employee elected by members of a Designated Work Group (DWG) to represent their health and safety interests. HSRs help ensure that employee health and safety concerns are raised, discussed and addressed through consultation processes.
HSRs may:
- represent employees on health and safety matters
- raise health and safety concerns with management
- participate in consultation on workplace changes
- assist in identifying hazards and risks
- attend approved HSR training
- promote safe work practices within their area
For more information, refer to the University's Consultation representation and committee requirements.
What is a Designated Work Group (DWG)?
A Designated Work Group (DWG) is a group of employees who share similar work activities, work locations, reporting arrangements or hazards and are represented by an elected HSR.
Every employee belongs to a DWG and can participate in the election of an HSR for their work group.
I'm looking for my HSR
The University maintains a register of elected HSRs and Designated Work Groups (DWGs). Use the HSR register to identify the HSR representing your work group:
List of Elected Health and Safety Representatives
If HSR or DWG information has changed, please notify Health & Safety Services using the Notify HSR Outcome form.
I want to elect a HSR
If your Designated Work Group requires a new HSR, follow the University's Health and safety representative election guidelines. The guidelines contain election procedures, templates and information to support the nomination and election process.
HSR election process
Step 1: Call for nominations
Members of the Designated Work Group are invited to nominate for election as HSR.
Step 2: Determine the outcome of nominations
If only one nomination is received, the nominee may be elected unopposed. If multiple nominations are received, an election is conducted.
Step 3: Conduct the election
Voting is undertaken in accordance with the agreed election process. Election templates and guidance are available in the Election Guidelines.
Step 4: Confirm the outcome
The Returning Officer advises candidates and members of the Designated Work Group of the election outcome.
Step 5: Notify Health & Safety Services
The Returning Officer must notify Health & Safety Services of the outcome using the Notify HSR Outcome ServiceNow form. This ensures the University register can be updated.
I need HSR training
Elected HSRs should attend WorkSafe approved HSR training to support them in performing their role effectively.
Initial HSR training
A five-day course for newly elected HSRs who have not previously completed approved HSR training.
HSR refresher training
A one-day refresher course available to elected HSRs who have previously completed approved initial HSR training.
Training funding
Central funding is available for eligible elected employee HSRs.
Before enrolling, HSRs should:
- Discuss training dates with their supervisor.
- Select a WorkSafe-approved training provider.
- Contact Health & Safety Services team with the proposed training details and costs.
- Submit the training certificate and invoice following course completion.
I need to renegotiate a Designated Work Group
Designated Work Groups may need to be reviewed where workplace structures, reporting lines, work locations or organisational arrangements change.
To commence a DWG renegotiation, contact the Director, Health & Safety or nominee, who is authorised to represent the University during negotiations.
Related resources
How to renegotiate designated work groups
Template: Proposal to renegotiate designated work groups
HSR Forum
The HSR Forum provides an opportunity for HSRs from across the University to:
- share information and experiences
- discuss emerging health and safety issues
- raise matters of concern
- learn from other areas of the University
- receive updates from Health & Safety Services
For enquiries regarding the HSR Forum, please contact one of the forum conveners:
Need support?
For assistance with:
- HSR nominations
- HSR elections
- Election outcomes
- Designated Work Group queries
- HSR training
- HSR records and updates
please submit a request through:
- ServiceNow; or
- ohs-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au
Submitting requests through these channels ensures they are recorded, tracked and managed appropriately.