What’s changed in WHS over the past 12 months?
Did you know you don't have to be an elected HSR to attend HSR training
While the course is designed to provide elected NSW Health and Safety Representatives with the knowledge and skills they need to perform their role, you don't necessarily need to be an elected HSR in NSW to benefit from the training.
In fact, it's an excellent introduction to WHS for supervisors, managers, safety personnel and anyone who has WHS responsibilities but doesn't receive regular formal training.
The course covers WHS legislation, consultation, duties and responsibilities, risk management, incident notification and the role and powers of HSRs, making it useful professional development even if you aren't currently an elected representative.
It's also a great option for safety personnel and supervisors who have been in their roles for a while and simply want to refresh their WHS knowledge.
Are you Due for a Refresher?
If you've completed your initial 5-day HSR course, did you know you're entitled to attend a one-day refresher course each year during your term as an HSR?
There's been quite a bit happening in WHS over the past 12 months.
New PIN Requirements - The PCBU must provide SafeWork a copy of any PIN issued by a HSR (any PIN issued from 13 October 2025) - see more
New WHS Regulation 2025 - NSW's WHS Regulation was remade in August 2025, including strengthened requirements around psychosocial risk management - see more
Codes of Practice are now minimum performance standards - from 1 July 2026, NSW introduced a new duty to comply with approved Codes of Practice. This is a particularly worthwhile update for HSRs because Codes can now have much greater significance when raising workplace issues - see more
Psychosocial hazards remain a major regulatory focus – SafeWork NSW has increased its specialist psychosocial inspector capability and psychosocial risk is one of its four regulatory priorities for 2026–27 - see more
SafeWork's current enforcement priorities – the four priorities for 2026–27 are falls from heights, psychosocial risks, hazardous substances and mobile plant, vehicles and fixed machinery - see more
Digital work systems, AI and automation - The Work Health and Safety Amendment (Digital Work Systems) Act 2026 introduces new WHS requirements relating to the use of algorithms, artificial intelligence (AI), automation and online platforms at work. The changes will clarify that PCBUs must manage WHS risks arising from digital work systems and introduce specific requirements around work allocated by these systems. Most of these provisions have not yet commenced, with SafeWork NSW currently developing supporting guidelines - see more
Upcoming Training at Orana Skills
Safe Work NSW Approved Training Provider: RTO800593CD25
Our courses are held at Orana Skills Centre, our Macquarie Street training venue in Dubbo, with live online attendance available for participants who are unable to make it in person.
Training can also be delivered at your workplace for groups of six or more participants.
To arrange an in-house course for your team, please email admin@oranaskillscentre.com
1-Day Annual Refresher Training Course Dates
Initial 5-Day Training Course Dates
Want to keep up with what's changing in WHS?
If you'd like to stay across the latest WHS news, legislative changes, regulatory developments and other important updates, we highly recommend subscribing to WHS Brief.
WHS Brief brings together relevant WHS developments from across Australia and New Zealand in a weekly update, saving you the time of searching multiple regulators and sources yourself.
It's a useful resource for HSRs who want to stay informed about what's changing and what those changes could mean in the workplace.
Connect with Us
Orana Skills Centre 1800 231 173
Suite 2, First Floor
31-37 Macquarie Street
Dubbo NSW 2830
See our 2026 Course Calendar
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