Safety Representatives

All recognised Trade Unions have the right to appoint safety representatives to represent their members on health and safety matters in accordance with the Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977.

In order to carry out their role effectively, Safety Representatives have the right to:

• time off with pay to carry out their duties
• time off with pay for training
• inspect their workplace once every three months or sooner if an accident or changes to the workplace have occurred
• investigate accidents, potential hazards, and dangerous occurrences
• investigate the complaints of employees relating to health, safety, and welfare matters
• make representations to management on health and safety issues
• attend Safety Committees.

Appointment Of Safety Representatives

Trade Unions will:

• Notify HR and the relevant team manager of the name of any person appointed as a Safety Representative and the group or groups of employees they represent.
• Where possible, ensure that a person appointed as a Safety Representative has at least two years experience of the particular work involved, so that they have sufficient knowledge to make a contribution to health and safety within their workplace.

By mutual agreement, a Safety Representative may also represent employees who are not members of that particular Trade Union.

Time Off And Facilities For Safety Representatives

In order to carry out their role effectively, Safety Representatives are entitled to time off with pay and the use of any necessary facilities such as telephone, photocopier, storage space, etc.  Guidelines have been drawn up as to what is considered reasonable for Trade Union officials, these guidelines also apply to Safety Representatives, see HR Guidelines.