The role of safety reps

UNISON says that safety reps have an important role in examining employers’ risk assessments and deciding whether they are suitable and sufficient. They should be systematic and thorough, looking at what happens in real workplaces, not what employers believe should happen. To ensure that risk assessments are adequate, safety reps should consider:

• talking to people who do the jobs and have practical understanding of the hazards and risks involved;

• observing what happens by inspecting the premises;

• checking the written assessment and plans and making sure that all the risks are being covered. A clear strategy to improve health and safety in the workplace should be represented;

• checking it is clear who is responsible for implementing the action;

• challenging shortcomings; and

• agreeing priorities for action with the employer.