This HSR Initial OHS training course runs for 5 days over a three week period. The course is separated out into blocks, the first block is 2 days and the second block is 3 days. The dates for this course are 13, 14 and 26, 27, 28 November 2025. The course runs from 9am to 5pm each day.

This HSR Initial OHS training relates specifically to health and aged care workplaces, with a strong focus on issues and hazards relevant to nursing, midwifery, and carers.

The course is designed to provide Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) and other eligible participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to exercise their rights and powers under the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004.

The units covered within the Initial training are:

Introduction to OHS and OHS laws
Health & safety representatives
WorkSafe, inspectors & ARREO
Incident reporting and investigation
Consultation, communication and negotiation
Hazard management
Manual handling
Plant safety
Bullying
Occupational violence and aggression
HSR representing DWG
Developing business cases
Access to OHS information

This course is approved by WorkSafe Victoria.

Under Section 67 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, HSRs and Deputy HSRs, after being elected, are entitled to attend an approved five day course. The course must be WorkSafe approved and chosen by the HSR in consultation with their employer. The HSR is entitled to time off work with pay and the costs associated with attendance at the course paid by the employer.

Under OHS legislation and guidelines, employers must not obstruct or prevent Health and Safety Representatives from attending an approved course.

Attendance on day one is mandatory. HSRs who do not attend day one will be required to commence a new course. To receive a certificate of attendance participants must attend all five days. This course must be completed within 6 months of commencement.

There is a maximum of 20 participants and a minimum of 12 participants for this course. PLEASE NOTE: The course won’t go ahead if the minimum number is not reached – the ANMF will notify you if this is the case.

FAQs

Invoice for course fee

Upon the HSR completing the final day of the training course (day 5), the ANMF (Vic Branch) will email an invoice to the DON/General Manager or relevant person of the facility requesting payment for training within 14 days, unless payment has already been remitted through an alternative payment method.

If you are unable to attend, please contact the ANMF immediately as you/your employer will still be invoiced.

HSRs are entitled to paid training leave

Elected Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) and Deputy Health and Safety Representatives (DHSRs) are entitled to time off work with pay to attend WorkSafe Victoria approved OHS training in accordance with Section 67 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004.

Under OHS legislation, employers must not obstruct or prevent Health and Safety Representatives from attending an approved course of their choice. The OHS Act 2004 states that employers are required to be provided with 14 day’s notice of attendance at an OHS course of training.

If assistance is required in ensuring attendance at a WorkSafe Victoria approved program, please contact the ANMF (Vic Branch) OHS Unit or WorkSafe Victoria.

This course is approved by WorkSafe Victoria.

About the elected HSR

Employees are entitled to be represented in relation to health and safety matters. An HSR is the vital link in the communication process between the employees and the employer in relation to occupational health and safety.

An HSR represents the employees in their Designated Work Group (DWG) by raising, monitoring and resolving OHS matters with their employer.

The key factor to remember is that an elected HSR represents the interests of the employees. It is not an appointed position and does not have any associated responsibility for meeting the health and safety obligations of the employer.

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the training?

Melbourne Central railway station is a short walk or tram ride to 535 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne VIC 3000. Tram Routes 19, 57 and 59 travels along Elizabeth Street and the trams all stop outside Queen Victoria Market.

There is also metered on-street parking located on Elizabeth street and at the rear of the venue on O’Connell street. Additional secure paid all-day parking can be located at the Queen Victoria Market, the car park is open seven days a week between 5am-7pm and is accessible via Franklin or Queen Streets.

Please refer to the following website for Queen Victoria market-day and non-market-day car park rates: https://qvm.com.au/parking/.

Catering

Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea are provided as part of this program.

If you do not/have not received a confirmation for this course please contact the ANMF OHS unit.

Questions?

Please contact us via ohs@anmfvic.asn.au or via 03 9275 9333.

HSR Initial OHS Training Course