Employee and safety representatives

Employees or their safety representatives must be consulted on matters relating to their health and safety including:

• any measure at the workplace which may substantially affect their health and safety. For example, changes in procedures, equipment or ways of working;
• the employer’s arrangements for getting competent people to help him or her comply with health and safety requirements and evacuation procedures;
• the information employers must give to employees about risks to health and safety and preventative measures;
• the planning and organising of health and safety training;
• the health and safety consequences of introducing new technology.

Employers are likely to find it helpful to involve employees and their representatives at an early stage in identifying any health and safety problems, and in developing solutions. Young employees, especially those new to work, may bring a fresh perspective to problem solving. Some young people may lack confidence to voice their own concerns and so safety representatives may provide feedback on their behalf.