HSE has form for breaches

The HSE has issued a new form for union appointed health and safety representatives. The form should be used where the safety rep believes that health and safety law has not been followed. Any issues should be first raised with a senior union rep or union official.

In addition to health and safety breaches within the workplace, safety reps may also see a serious health and safety breach outside the place of work, with a risk of harm. Where a workplace is unionised, the safety rep should contact the relevant union. In cases of a very serious risk of harm, the HSE form should be used immediately.

The new form can also be used to flag up concerns about health and safety laws not being followed within a particular sector or industry. These issues should first be raised with a senior union rep or union official before contacting the HSE.

The HSE has said that it will consider any information received from a union appointed health and safety rep, but they may not take action in all cases.

If the health and safety breaches are enforced by a local authority or other regulator, such as the Office of Rail Regulation, Maritime and Coastguard Agency or Civil Aviation Authority, safety reps should contact the appropriate authority or regulator.

The new form for union appointed health and safety reps is available at: www.hse.gov.uk/involvement/hsrepresentatives.htm