A Health and Safety Representative (HSR) is required in most Ontario workplaces that regularly employ 6 to 19 workers. Some workplaces are required to have an HSR in other circumstances. The role of the HSR is to support health and safety in the workplace. This one-day, basic training eLearning program helps HSRs perform their legislative functions.

The eLearning program was developed through collaboration between the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development and Ontario’s health and safety system partners.

Course Content

The HSR eLearning basic training program covers the following topics:

• Occupational health and safety law


• Rights, duties and responsibilities of the workplace parties


• Duties and responsibilities of the HSR under the OHSA


• Common workplace hazards


• Hazard recognition, assessment, control and evaluation (RACE methodology) of hazard controls


• Applying the RACE methodology to a workplace hazard


• Health and safety resources available to the workplace parties

Who should take this eLearning course?

Applicable to all sectors, this eLearning program is relevant to all Ontario workplaces that regularly employ 6-19 workers. Other workplaces may also be required to have an HSR in other circumstances.

Small Business Health and Safety Training Program

Ontario’s Small Business Health and Safety Training Program will reimburse eligible small business employers for the health and safety representative training of an appointed HSR in an Ontario workplace. It will cover the cost for the $25 registration fee for the HSR eLearning training course and $150 toward the cost of the representative’s training time, for training completed between July 15, 2021 to March 31, 2024.

To be eligible for the Small Business Health and Safety Training Program reimbursement, small businesses must:

• regularly employ 6 to 19 workers in an Ontario workplace or be required to have a health and safety representative in other circumstances


• have a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) number


• keep a copy of the HSR training certificate of completion

Learn more about Health and Safety Representatives and the Small Business Health and Safety Training Program.

Watch a message on training and financial support for small businesses from Ontario's Chief Prevention Officer Fall 2022.

Apply for the Small Business Health and Safety Training Program reimbursement.