Using safety reps’ powers

[ch 4: page 25]

The TUC’s latest biennial union health and safety survey found that stress is “far and away” the top health and safety concern for safety reps (see page 4) and a massive 65% said they had dealt with an increase in mental health issues during the pandemic.

Safety reps have important powers under the Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977 (SRSCR). Those most relevant to supporting good mental health include the statutory right to:

• investigate potential hazards such as overwork, poor planning and understaffing;

• investigate member complaints;

• inspect the workplace and talk to members in confidence;

• be consulted by the employer about health and safety matters;

• obtain health and safety information from the employer; and

• take paid time off to carry out their functions.

Where the union is recognised for collective bargaining purposes, an employer who receives a written request from at least two reps must set up a safety committee within three months of that request.