HEALTH AND SAFETY REPRESENTATIVE

Some of the tasks they must carry out include:

• Representing the matters related to the wider employees’ health and safety.
• Voice ideas that could improve health and safety.
• Analysing complaints made by employees regarding health and safety.
• Identifying ways to reduce risk.
• Ensure that any changes made are effective by reviewing and monitoring them.
• Provide feedback on the changes made to the organization.
• Communicate information about health and safety to others.

Health and Safety representatives often undergo training that ensures they comply with regulations so they can represent their organization well.

What is a health and safety committee?

A health and safety committee is responsible for bringing workers and managers together to discuss workplace health and safety. They facilitate collaboration between workers and managers during these meetings. Due to their expertise, they will be able to outline the standards and policies that need to be followed as well as recommend any improvements related to health and safety that both parties can benefit from.

The Health and Safety Committee will be responsible for implementing new health and safety policies, procedures, and standards once the employees and management team have agreed on these changes.

Who should have health and safety committees?

Health and Safety Committees are not found in all organizations as they do not see the need for them. It is particularly imperative for small and medium sized businesses to find ways to manage these tasks without a committee.

It is more beneficial for organizations that have a variety of businesses within one sector, like universities or construction companies, to have a Health and Safety Committee.

Do we need a health and safety committee?

A rule of thumb that can help you decide whether your organization needs a Health and Safety Committee is: if your business receives health and safety requests from 5 or more employees or representatives, then you may need to investigate setting up a Health and Safety Committee.

However, you are not required to set up a Health and Safety Committee. Occupational health and safety depends on what industry you are in and how big your organization is.
You should have a clear explanation of why your organization does not need a Health and Safety Committee available for workers and representatives who make requests.