Advice to Safety Reps on reporting health and safety problems to the HSE


Safety reps can report problems at work to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after formal processes have failed using a “Concerns and advice form for safety representatives” (https://extranet.hse.gov.uk/lfserver/external/turep1). This can be submitted by post or online.


The TUC advises safety reps: “Where the safety representative believes there has been a breach in the law which the employer fails to resolve, the health and safety representative should raise the issue with a senior representative or union official. However, if a serious problem remains, and after discussion with their union, a health and safety representative may consider contacting the HSE.”


The form can also be used where a safety rep spots problems outside their place of work, says the TUC. “Where that workplace is likely to be unionised, the safety representative should seek to notify the appropriate union, but if there is a risk of significant harm, the safety representative should contact the HSE. Safety representatives can also contact the HSE if they have concerns over any sector or industry-wide issues which they believe the HSE should be aware of, but again safety representatives should contact a senior representative or union official first.”


It further advises: “In all cases where there is a serious risk to life or limb which cannot be prevented by notifying your employer, safety representatives should contact their union and the HSE immediately.” Where safety reps are in a workplace enforced by a local authority or another regulator such as the ORR, MCA or CAA, reps should contact the appropriate authority or regulator.