Safety rep information and consultation rights
[ch 8: page 46]Safety reps have important statutory information and consultation rights that can be used to press for better safety standards for homeworkers. Safety reps are entitled to all the information they need to perform their statutory functions, including as to any proposed changes that may affect homeworkers’ health and safety, and information on articles and substances issued to homeworkers.
Safety reps are entitled to be informed and consulted in good time over the introduction of any new workplace measure which may substantially affect health and safety (Section 2, HSWA, Regulation 4a, SCSCR). This would include a move to homeworking, or any new hybrid arrangements, such as part-home — part-office, staggered hours, or hot-desking.
Employers must also provide the “facilities and assistance” safety reps reasonably need to carry out their functions. These facilities need to take into account the practicality of representing homeworkers, for example providing access to a convenient means of communication such as email, intranet and online meeting platforms.