The work environment is always changing, and the risks that employees face while they’re working also change frequently. The risks of getting injured or contracting an illness grow every day, which is why there are jobs like Workplace Health and Safety representative who makes sure workers have safe working conditions.
Working as a WHS Representative in Australia can be a challenging job every day, but it’s also rewarding in many ways. Keep reading to learn more about what this job involves, how you can become one, and what it leads to if you decide to make this your career.
If you’re passionate about protecting employees and keeping them safe while they work, you could find a rewarding career as a Work Health and Safety (WHS) Representative. A WHS representative is a position that performs work-site inspection, monitoring, and other services to ensure the safety of workers.
It’s an emerging job within the industry with more responsibilities than traditional work health and safety officers. The vast majority of WHS representatives operate in Australia only. If you want to become one too, we have all the information you need! Keep reading to discover what a WHS representative does in Australia and if this job is right for you…
What are the 4 main powers and functions of a health and safety representative?
They are advising, investigating, consulting, and negotiating. Every workplace should have a health and safety representative to ensure that all workers are safe and healthy at all times.
A health and safety representative is responsible for advising workers about health and safety issues, investigating any accidents or complaints about health and safety, consulting with employees about health and safety issues, and negotiating agreements on health and safety issues with management.
What Does a Workplace Health and Safety Representative Do?
A WHS representative performs a wide range of tasks on-site, including monitoring compliance with WHS laws, inspecting the site, educating workers on hazards and risks, providing advice on risk reduction, conducting investigations on injuries and accidents, and preparing reports that are sent to government agencies.
Health and safety representatives may also serve as the health and safety officer (HSO) for their workplace. This means they may have other duties, such as managing and conducting training, communicating with management, and providing support to workers with health and safety concerns.
How to Become a Workplace Health and Safety Representative?
To become a WHS representative you must have the required training and experience. You’ll need to complete a course accredited by the Australian Health and Safety Education Council, and have at least three years of experience in health and safety in one or more industries. You can also become a WHS representative by obtaining an endorsed certification in WHS. Make sure your certification is valid and up to date.
The Benefits of Becoming a WHS Rep in Australia
One of the biggest benefits of a WHS representative is that you can work remotely. You can choose to work freelance or as an employee, wherever you want to be as long as you have an internet connection. This means you can work from home, outside, or wherever you feel most productive. Another benefit of being a WHS representative is that you can choose the industries you want to work in.
You can focus on specific industries, such as manufacturing, or have a broad range of experience in various industries. If you have a heart for the environment, becoming a WHS representative gives you the opportunity to lower your carbon footprint and reduce your own personal impact on the environment.
Disadvantages of Being a WHS Rep in Australia
There are also some potential drawbacks to being a WHS representative. The job can be stressful, especially if you’re working in a high-risk industry. If you’re in a stressful industry, you may have to deal with difficult people on a regular basis.
There’s also a high risk of burnout, given the nature of the job. You may have to work long hours and spend time away from home if you choose to freelance. Finally, the job can be quite demanding. You’ll often be expected to work odd hours and weekends, and you may have to travel to different work sites.
Final Words: Is it Worth Becoming a Workplace Health and Safety Rep?
Overall, being a WHS representative is a demanding job but very rewarding. You can make a huge difference in people’s lives and help prevent accidents and injuries. You can also earn a decent income and have the freedom to work wherever you want. If you’re passionate about protecting workers, becoming a WHS representative is a great way to do so.