The role of the safety representative

Safety representatives are appointed by trade unions to represent their members on health and safety issues. In some workplaces, they have agreed to represent the entire workforce.

HSE

The Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977 set out their legal functions.

Very good site for reps becoming  H&S reps.

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Safety reps

Union safety reps have a dramatic, positive impact on safety at work – and the more training they get, the safer the workplace. Evidence shows that workplaces with union safety reps and joint union-management safety committees have major injury rates less than half of those without.

Safety reps’ rights and functions include a legal right to: Represent employees in discussions with the employer on health, safety or welfare and in discussions with HSE or other enforcing authorities; investigate hazards and dangerous occurrences; investigate complaints; carry out inspections of the workplace and inspect relevant documents; attend safety committees; be paid for time spent on carrying out their functions, and to undergo training.

Safety reps in union recognised workplaces have the legal right to paid time off for union approved safety training. HSE’s evaluation of the impact of safety reps training found the more training a safety rep underwent, the greater the positive impact at work.

The legal rights of safety Representatives can be found in the “Brown Book” which is the regulations, code of practice and guidance on safety representatives.