How can we improve health and safety in our workplace?
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 131 No 4, 26 June 2026, page no.14
All across Queensland, at school visits, branch meetings, and training events, QTU Organisers have been promoting the benefits and power that comes from having a health and safety representative (HSR) in your workplace.
If you’re wondering about the process for nominating a HSR and the responsibilities they have, a great place to start would be the QTU’s workplace health and safety webpage. Here you can see the importance and powers of this role, as defined in Queensland workplace health and safety legislation.
In addition, the QTU has been investing in the workplace health and safety of our members with a dedicated Workplace Health and Safety Organiser. Jodie McFadden is currently acting in this role (which is substantively held by Paige Bousen, currently Acting Deputy General Secretary).
The WHS Organiser works with our members to help them understand the legislation and regulations, and coordinates the QTU’s growing HSR network. The network provides an opportunity for QTU HSRs to get support and learn from the experiences of fellow QTU HSRs.
Heather Blinkhorne, a teacher and newly trained HSR at an inner-city Brisbane primary school, has recently led the process of defining workgroups at the workplace (the first step toward getting HSRs), after which she and other colleagues nominated for the role and underwent the training.
“From the moment I learned about HSRs, I could see the opportunity they provide to empower staff and to advocate for the safety and wellbeing of all workers at our school.
“While we already had an active WHS committee, the additional powers attached to HSR positions give staff a much stronger voice, including legislated authority to enforce our WHS rights where required.
“Negotiating work groups and total HSR numbers was new for all involved, and we were grateful for the support of our Regional Organiser Ben Vercoe and WHS Organiser Paige Bousen throughout the process.
"Our HSRs have now completed their training and are focused on key areas within their workgroups, including reducing occupational violence risks and strengthening shared understanding and consultation around psychosocial hazards.
“Since starting this journey, I’ve heard strong enthusiasm from other members and hope to see a future where HSRs are embedded as part of a strong and vibrant WHS culture in all schools.”