Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations

Safety reps can use their rights under the Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977. Under these Regulations, employers have a duty to consult with workers, or their representatives, on health and safety matters in workplaces where there is an independent trade union recognised for collective bargaining purposes.

Safety reps have the right to:

• investigate potential hazards and dangerous occurrences and examine the causes of accidents;

• investigate members’ complaints;

• make representations to the employer;

• carry out inspections at least every three months and after a reportable accident;

• consult with and receive information from HSE inspectors and other enforcement officers on behalf of members; and

• attend meetings of the safety committee.

The Employment Rights Bill currently making its way through Parliament includes proposals to enable unions to enter workplaces to meet, represent, recruit or organise workers and to facilitate collective bargaining.