HSR Stage 1: Introduction to the HSR role (TEST)

Reading a piece of legislation won't magically make a workplace safer. True health and safety takes more than a textbook approach. This two-day HSR Stage 1 training course introduces Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs), managers, and frontline leaders to the HSR role, building a grounded, practical understanding of their responsibilities and how the role functions in practice, and the requirements set out under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA).

We don't do 'death by slideshow' or dry compliance lectures. Instead, our industry-experienced trainers get learners stuck in, using examples that reflect the reality of New Zealand workplaces. Through highly interactive, scenario-based group work, participants build genuine capability in communication, engagement, and effective participation in health and safety processes, including how to advocate constructively in their role. We also introduce key concepts such as risk management and unpack the regulatory requirements around Provisional Improvement Notices (PINs) clearly and constructively, ensuring all parties understand their responsibilities without the guesswork or friction.

IMPAC’s focus is on building quiet, competent capability that supports better outcomes, rather than just ticking a compliance box. Participants leave with a high-quality, comprehensive pocket guide and practical skills ready to be applied in their workplaces. Whether you are a newly appointed HSR or an operational manager looking to support your team, this course equips you to contribute to effective worker participation and a culture where safety is a shared, collaborative outcome.

This course is built around practical, scenario-based learning rather than long lectures. Typical course components include:

• Real-world case studies based on New Zealand workplaces, including situations where HSRs have successfully influenced safer outcomes – and where they were ignored.

• Small-group exercises where participants identify hazards, assess risks and propose controls for their own work environments.

• Step-by-step walkthroughs of when and how an HSR might issue a Provisional Improvement Notice, and what good consultation looks like beforehand.

• Structured discussions about how to raise concerns with supervisors and PCBUs in a way that is firm, respectful and focused on solutions.

• Reflection activities that help new HSRs clarify how they will communicate with the workers they represent and how they will know they are making a difference.

Throughout, the focus is on building confidence to act – not just to understand the legislation in theory.

[EXAMPLE NOT FOR THIS COURSE ] Learners enrolled in this course are expected to:

• Attend 2 block courses of 5 days with 80 hours of direct learning and not take phone calls (unless an emergency) or answer emails during the tutor-led sessions.
• 2 hours daily of revision and practice assessments during block course weeks
• 20 hours of self-direct revision and practice between the block courses
• 10 hours of self-directed revision and practice prior to the examination
• Attend their scheduled closing interview after the IG1 exam.

Note: +IMPAC strongly recommends learners to take the day of their examination off from work.

Certificate in Applied Workplace H&S Practices L3
IMPAC’s programme is designed to provide students with a foundation of health and safety skills and knowledge for application in their workplace. Designed in consultation with New Zealand's health & safety practitioners, this Level 3 Certificate is designed as an achievable and attainable vocational qualification. On completion students will be awarded with the New Zealand Certificate in Workplace Health and Safety Practice - Level Three.

This course is includes a compulsory and elective module in the programme. To learn more click here and to enrol please click here.

This programme is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under section 439 of the Education and Training Act 2020, and Impac Services Limited is accredited to provide it under section 441 of the Education and Training Act.