Facilities for safety reps

Employers must provide the “facilities and assistance” that safety reps reasonably need in order to carry out their functions. The TUC says that the facilities recommended in the revised Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) Code of Practice on Time off for trade union duties and activities, 2010 should be made available to safety reps.

These facilities can include at least:

• access to means of communication such as a notice board, phone, email, intranet and internet;

• meeting facilities;

• a private place where a member facing a disciplinary charge or bringing a grievance can meet confidentially to discuss the situation;

• dedicated office space, if work volume requires this;

• access to members based at different locations; and

• use of computer facilities.

The Code also directs readers to the HSE Code and guidance, Consulting workers on health and safety.