HSR training providers

HSR training providers

Training providers and learning opportunities for HSRs.

As an HSR, you will need to learn and develop the right skills you need to be able to do your job effectively. Whether you have just been elected as an HSR or you have been in the role for a few years, you are entitled to up to two days paid leave to attend health and safety training every year. This means that your employer must pay training fees and reasonable costs associated with attending training (for example, any travel costs). The purpose of this page is to provide you with general information and examples about the types of training providers and courses available which may benefit your role as an HSR.

Why do I need to be trained as an HSR?

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), HSRs have powers to use functions such as Provisional Improvement Notices (PIN) to cease unsafe work, however you need to be trained to carry out these functions. Under these regulations all HSRs must complete initial training to be considered a trained HSR and meet the recognised New Zealand Qualification Authority (NZQA) Unit Standard (US) 29315 for Stage 1 course.

Any unit standards that are completed by HSRs at Stage 2 or Stage 3 courses can count as NZQA credits towards tertiary education.

For more information on the list of unit standards, how much each standard is accredited and is required to be taught for the assessment of that workshop under the Occupational Health and Safety Practices. Visit the NZQA website.(external link)

What training is available for HSRs?

There are a variety of training providers to choose from who offer HSR training courses. Many offer face to face workshops, online self-paced learning, or a blended approach of online and face to face components.

Before booking yourself on any HSR training courses, always check that the training provider is clear on what compulsory NZQA unit standards are being taught at this workshop and what elective standards may also been selected.

For example, some HSR Stage 2 training providers will cover US17601 and US30265 and whilst others may select to cover US17601, US30265 and US17602. To provide a learning pathway, some providers offer NZ Certificate in Workplace Health and Safety practice, to which these credits may be applied.

Stage one - introduction to the role (mandatory)

Introduction to the role of a HSR

Stage one training is mandatory for HSRs. This stage will cover the importance of worker engagement, participation, and representation, basic risk management, purpose and use of the Provisional Improvement Notice (PIN) and cease work functions.

  • NZQA Unit Standard   29315– Describe the roles and functions of the Health and Safety Representative

This unit standard must be completed to be able to undertake the role of a HSR as stated in the HASWA Act. Additionally, some providers will offer to teach US 30264 to describe duties, rights, representation, and regulator in terms of NZ health and safety legislation - as part of their stage one training.

Stage two - investigation and managing risk

NZQA Unit Standards (US) which are generally taught for stage 2 for HSR professional development are:

  • US 30265 - Apply health and safety risk assessment to a job role
  • US 17601 - Produce an occupational health and safety incident investigation
  • US 17602* – Apply hazard identification and risk assessment procedures in the workplace

*Please note the NZQA has marked US17602 as an expiring unit standard, however, this standard can still be taught up until the last day for assessments which is 31 December 2021.  

Stage three - workplace culture

NZQA Unit Standards which are generally taught for stage 3 level for HSR professional development are:

  • US 30266 - Demonstrate knowledge of workplace health and safety culture and practices
  • US 30264 - Describe duties, rights, representation, and regulator in terms of NZ health and safety legislation
  • US 30265 - Apply health and safety risk assessment to a job role
  • US 25042 - Prepare a workplace health and safety improvement plan using data analysis and productivity measures.

Please note: For some Stage 3 workshops training providers may select to provide training that covers only one of the above unit standards. However, some training providers may choose to cover one or more unit standards for their stage 3 workshops. Always make sure that check that the relevant NZQA unit standard you want to complete are covered within that workshop by the provider.

Who provides HSR training?

Most public sector agencies will use training providers that are listed on the All of Government (AOG) Procurement Panel. Check with your agency’s H&S team or HR team regarding your agency’s HSR training providers. Most public sector agencies will use training providers that are listed on the All of Government (AOG) Procurement Panel, but may also have other training providers also. Below are a few training providers who deliver a range of HSR specific courses:

WorkSafe Reps(external link) are a NZ-owned and operated non-profit charitable trust and has been delivering H&S Rep training since 2003. WorksafeReps offers a range of training courses in health and safety including, Stage 1 Initial H&S Rep training, and deliver face-to-face, online, and blended Zoom and online options.
 IMPAC(external link) specialises in health and safety training – with a portfolio including H&S Representatives and Committees, Risk Assessment, Wellbeing at Work, ICAM Investigation Techniques, Leadership and Board Governance. IMPAC are the only NZ based Gold Status NEBOSH Learning Partner.
Since 1999, IMPAC has been working with leading organisations and government agencies in a full range of practical, relevant services from organisational H&S consulting and guidance, training, risk management IT solutions and prequalification services to the best quality safety equipment for frontline workers. Recognising people are an organisation's greatest strength, IMPAC's goal is, and always will be, to ensure everyone gets home safe from work every day
Coachio Group (external link)are trainers, consultants, and coaches in leadership, health & safety, customer experience, and continuous improvement. The Coachio Group Team collectively has over 100 years’ experience in education, training design and delivery, coaching, investigations, audits, safety and risk management, consulting, workplace productivity, continuous improvement, and culture improvement
Site Safe(external link) operates as a national not-for-profit membership organisation with extensive connections through their members, strategic partnerships, and a strong relationship with industry groups. Their nationwide team is dedicated, experienced and passionate about what they do. Since it was formed in 1999, Site Safe has been influential in creating a positive change in the health & safety culture of New Zealand’s construction industry.

 

Disclaimer about affiliation/endorsement:
The GHSL is not affiliated with any of the above providers and does not endorse these providers.