Enforcement of the Safety Reps and Safety Committees Regulations

An inspector (from the HSE or the local authority) can intervene in disputes concerning safety reps where an employer has failed:

• to accept the appointment of a safety rep by a recognised trade union;

• to provide information and facilities; or

• to discuss the establishment of a safety committee following a request from two safety reps.

Disputes about recognition should be taken to the employment relations service Acas. Although an employer must listen to and consult safety reps, there is no legal means of insisting their advice is acted upon. To be effective, safety reps need good union organisation and the backing of those they represent.