Resolving differences

The HSE Code says the employer, the recognised trade unions and safety representatives should make full and proper use of the existing agreed industrial relations machinery to resolve any differences.

Employers and employees can agree to alternative arrangements for joint consultation on health and safety at work as long as such arrangements “do not detract” from the rights and obligations created by the regulations. Disagreements on the interpretation of the regulations “should be settled through the normal machinery for resolving employment relations problems” (except where a complaint is made to an employment tribunal, see page 24).