Or maybe you’re just thinking about becoming one? Being an HSR is an important role and can make a real difference to your workmates and your organisation. It can also offer you new career possibilities if you choose to take the first step on the journey.
Supporting you now and in the future
We understand that finding information to support you as a Health & Safety Rep (HSR) can be time-consuming. Information is out there but you have to hunt it down, bouncing from site to site as you go.
To help you, we have developed REP-CENTRAL. REP-CENTRAL is a central hub from which you can access information, videos, and development tools to help you get comfortable and grow into your new role.
Brent's story
Brent Armitage is a great example of how becoming an HSR can lead you into a successful new career.
Upon returning to New Zealand after a stint overseas, Brent joined Air New Zealand as a baggage handler. He was "voluntold" by his work-family to represent them an HSR - and he hasn't looked back since.
In 2019, Brent was recognised as HSR of the Year at the national Safeguard Awards.
He shares his journey with Selena Armstrong.
01 "What do I need to know as a priority?"
Don't worry. You certainly don't need to know everything immediately.
The start point is that your work colleagues believe you have "got what it takes". But what is IT? Put simply, it's "The courage to speak up, build trust and engage". If you take a look at our HSR Knowledge Wheel, you'll see this is what's at the core.
The Knowledge Wheel is designed by HSRs, for HSRs, supported by the H&S profession.
It was developed out of a series of nationwide workshops involving current HSRs and practicing NZISM members. We are deeply grateful to those HSRs who told us they felt there was a lack of clarity around the knowledge needed to be an effective HSR, and who helped us provide that clarity.
02 "What can I learn as I go?"
You will need to develop an understanding of six critical areas of health and safety, These are in the dark blue circle of the Knowledge Wheel. You will also benefit from developing a basic awareness of the topics in the outer grey circle of the Knowledge Wheel.
Downloading the HSR Guidebook is the perfect place to start.
The HSR Guidebook is more than just a tool for HSRs.
It also gives OHS professionals a framework upon which to base the training of their HSRs. If you are an employer or HR manager, it enables you to better direct your training budgets. And if you are an external training provider, it is an excellent reference point from which you can undertake course development.
Health & Safety Rep of the Year Award
Each year, at the New Zealand Workplace Health & Safety Awards ("Safeguard Awards") organisations around the motu celebrate the achievements of their Health & Safety teams and practitioners.
Since 2017, one of the key individual categories has been Health & Safety Representative of the Year. This category is open to elected HSRs whose efforts to influence and persuade have led to demonstrable positive changes in their organisation’s approach to health, safety and wellbeing.
Find out more about the Safeguard Awards.